The stage is set for a historic match as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). The teams will lock horns in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3. Both franchises are vying for their maiden IPL title, making this encounter a milestone in the tournament's history. RCB, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar and PBKS, captained by Shreyas Iyer, have shown remarkable performances throughout the season, culminating in this showdown.
Match Preview
RCB secured their spot in the final by defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1, showcasing a performance that highlighted their balanced squad and strategic acumen. Virat Kohli's consistent form and the return of pacer Josh Hazlewood have been pivotal in their journey.
PBKS, after a setback in Qualifier 1, bounced back by overcoming Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. Shreyas Iyer's leadership and the team's resilient effort have been instrumental in their path to the final. The squad's ability to regroup and perform under pressure underscores their determination to clinch their first IPL title.
Team News
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Josh Hazlewood's return from injury has bolstered RCB's bowling attack. Rajat Patidar is also fully fit now, as he led RCB in the last game. Tim David is still uncertain to play as he travelled with the team to Ahmedabad but was seen limping at the airport. Uncertainty also looms over Phil Salt's availability as he is expecting a baby.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
PBKS have an almost fully fit squad at their disposal. They also brought Yuzvendra Chahal back into the Playing XI in the last game, and he picked up the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. They are expected to head into this match with the same team.
Weather & Pitch Report
The weather forecast for Ahmedabad indicates clear skies with temperatures ranging between 36°C and 32°C during match hours, ensuring uninterrupted play.
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch has favoured high-scoring games, with an average first innings score of 217 runs. Teams batting first have found success, winning 6 out of 7 matches this season at this venue.
Probable Playing XI and Impact Players
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal.
Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh.
Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh
Key Players
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
- Virat Kohli: With 614 runs this season, Kohli has been the linchpin of RCB's batting lineup, providing stability and experience at the top order.
- Josh Hazlewood: The Australian pacer has taken 21 wickets, offering RCB a strong bowling option, especially in the powerplay and death overs.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
- Shreyas Iyer: His consistency and leadership have been central to PBKS's success this season, as Iyer accumulated 603 runs.
- Arshdeep Singh: With 18 wickets, Arshdeep has been a key figure in PBKS's bowling attack and is known for his ability to deliver under pressure.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
The IPL 2025 final promises to be a closely contested battle between two teams eager to secure their first title. RCB enters the final with momentum, having defeated PBKS in Qualifier 1. They have a balanced squad with experienced players like Kohli and Hazlewood.
PBKS, on the other hand, has demonstrated resilience and depth, bouncing back in Qualifier 2 and showing a potent lineup led by Iyer. Still, given RCB's current form and psychological advantage from their recent victory over PBKS, they may hold a slight edge in this encounter.