RCB vs PBKS Final | IPL 2025 Preview & Predictions | IPL 2025 Finals Preview

RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: A New Chapter in IPL History

There’s something poetic about a long wait finally meeting its end—or extending the heartbreak for yet another season. On Tuesday, June 3, two franchises—Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS)—will step onto the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, not just to win a match, but to cleanse years of near-misses, collapses, reinventions, and belief. In what’s now the 18th edition of the IPL, one of these teams will walk away as a first-time champion, and that alone makes this final different.

RCB vs PBKS: The Long Wait for Glory

RCB's 17-year quest for the title is more than just a sports story; it's a cultural phenomenon. Year after year, led by different captains—from Rahul Dravid to Daniel Vettori to Virat Kohli—and now, Rajat Patidar, the team has built a loyal army of fans, only to break their hearts come playoff season. For Virat Kohli, this will be his fourth IPL final. Having already retired from Test cricket and international white-ball formats after bagging almost every ICC trophy, this is the final frontier. The only jewel missing from his glittering crown.

But if Kohli is the emotion, then Shreyas Iyer is the resurgence. Leading PBKS with purpose, poise, and a personal redemption arc, Iyer has taken the franchise where few expected them to go—back to the IPL final. His 87* against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 was a performance for the ages. Quietly but surely, he's become one of the most tactically sound and confident leaders in T20 cricket today.

Pitch and Conditions in Ahmedabad: Can Rain Tilt the Balance?

The Narendra Modi Stadium is a known paradise for batters, with 200+ scores posted in 11 of the last 16 innings this season. But there’s a twist this time—rain. The forecast hints at cloud cover and light showers throughout the day, especially in the afternoon. Thankfully, match time (7:30 PM IST onwards) looks clearer with only 2–5% rain probability, but humidity and dew will play their part.

If rain cuts into play, remember: the match has a reserve day. If that’s washed out too, PBKS wins by virtue of finishing higher on the points table.

Captains, Coaches, Characters: The Tactical Chessboard

On one side stands Rajat Patidar, a first-time IPL captain, with the weight of 17 years resting lightly but firmly on his shoulders. On the other is Shreyas Iyer, chasing his second IPL title as captain—this time with a third different franchise.

Behind the scenes, two master tacticians will lock horns: Andy Flower (RCB) vs Ricky Ponting (PBKS). Flower’s stats are ridiculous—winning over 100 T20 league games, T20 World Cup, and multiple domestic titles. Ponting, although a legend as a player, has much to prove as a coach. This is his shot at reviving his own image in the dugout.

Team Combinations and Player Form: The Deciding Edge

RCB has some injury concerns. Tim David remains a doubt with a hamstring issue, which could bring Liam Livingstone back despite inconsistent returns. Kohli and Phil Salt have formed a formidable opening combo. Add Krunal Pandya’s all-round ability and Josh Hazlewood’s never-lost-a-final record, and they look balanced.

PBKS might be sweating over Yuzvendra Chahal’s wrist injury, but they have Harpreet Brar as backup. Their strength lies in batting depth and adaptability. All-rounders like Azmatullah Omarzai and Marcus Stoinis can change games in either discipline.

Also, don’t ignore Nehal Wadhera’s quiet rise. Along with Josh Inglis, he provides stability in the middle, making PBKS less reliant on top-order fireworks.

The Emotional Undercurrent: Virat Kohli’s Last Shot?

Virat Kohli is not just another player in this final. He is the pulse of RCB. From sledging controversies to match-winning classics, from heartbreaks to viral memes—he’s been part of every RCB storyline. But he’s never had his fairytale ending. Not yet. Could this be it?

Interestingly, he’s asked AB de Villiers not to utter “Ee Sala Cup Namde” until the trophy is in hand. That shows the level of emotional investment from Kohli—and how much this means to him.

RCB vs PBKS: Season So Far

This season, RCB and PBKS have met three times. RCB lead the tally 2-1. Their last meeting was a one-sided demolition—RCB bowled PBKS out for 101 and chased it in just 10 overs. That result gives them a psychological edge.

However, PBKS bounced back in Qualifier 2, showing they’re far from done. They have a deeper squad and arguably more momentum.

The Verdict: A Final of Legacy vs Reinvention

On paper, RCB has the edge, but if PBKS brings the same intent they showed against Mumbai, we’re in for a thriller. Regardless of who lifts the cup, this final is already historic—it guarantees a first-time IPL champion, and likely, a narrative that cricket fans will talk about for years to come.