RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: The grand finale of the Indian Premier League 2025 is finally upon us. On June 3rd, all eyes turn to Ahmedabad’s iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) clash in what promises to be a high-octane title bout. Both teams have played exceptional cricket this season and now stand just one win away from glory.
Interestingly, this final was originally slated to be held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, in a surprising turn of events, the BCCI shifted the venue to Ahmedabad just days ahead of the game, citing logistical and operational advantages.
Shreyas Iyer Wins the Toss, Opts to Bowl First
Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer won the all-important toss and chose to field first, banking on his bowlers to provide early breakthroughs and put pressure on the RCB batting lineup. This strategic call sets the stage for an enthralling contest under the lights.
Leadership Showdown: Patidar vs Iyer
RCB enters the final under the calm leadership of Rajat Patidar, who took over the reins mid-season and steered the team confidently through the playoffs. On the other hand, Punjab Kings have thrived under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, who brings experience and a composed mindset to the field.
Road to the Final
Punjab Kings earned their place in the final with a commanding performance in Qualifier 2, where they outclassed Mumbai Indians. RCB, meanwhile, displayed consistency throughout the league phase and edged past their opponents in the playoffs to secure this final berth.
Interestingly, both teams ended the league stage with identical records — 9 wins out of 14 games and 19 points each. However, PBKS edged past RCB in the standings due to a slightly better Net Run Rate (PBKS: +0.372, RCB: +0.301).
Playing XIs: Power-Packed Lineups
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (C), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
With top-tier talents like Virat Kohli, Marcus Stoinis, Liam Livingstone, and Yuzvendra Chahal taking the field, fans are guaranteed a spectacular evening of cricket.
Season Highlights
The 2025 season of IPL has been a rollercoaster of emotions, comebacks, and unforgettable performances. From thrilling last-over finishes to unexpected heroes rising, the season has kept fans on the edge of their seats. RCB and PBKS have been standout teams, consistently proving their mettle against stiff competition.
Punjab Kings, under Iyer’s leadership, transformed into a more cohesive unit, while RCB’s mid-season captaincy shift to Patidar injected fresh energy and tactical discipline.
For RCB, this final offers a golden chance to end their long wait for the elusive IPL title. For Punjab Kings, it is a chance to lift their maiden IPL trophy and cap off a dream run. With both teams in red-hot form, fans can expect nothing less than a dramatic and fiercely contested final.
It’s not just a game — it’s a battle of nerves, strategy, and legacy. Will Rajat Patidar etch his name into RCB folklore? Or will Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings rise to the throne? The answer lies just a few hours away.
