The road to the IPL 2025 final has been nothing short of dramatic, emotional, and historic for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), two franchises that have long carried the tag of “underachievers” in the league. As both teams prepare to face off in the grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, fans are brimming with excitement and anticipation.
Both RCB and PBKS have taken the long and scenic route to reach this stage, navigating through challenging seasons, playoff pressure, and a fair share of criticism. What stands out is that neither team has won an IPL title before. The final will, therefore, crown a new champion and offer redemption to a franchise whose loyal fanbase has waited for years.
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar this season, have played with consistency and aggression. Their campaign began with solid away victories, culminating in a unique record — becoming the first team in IPL history to win all their league away games in a single season. Virat Kohli has once again led with the bat, amassing over 600 runs this season, proving why he remains one of the most reliable IPL performers. Alongside him, Dinesh Karthik’s finishing prowess and Josh Hazlewood’s bowling brilliance have powered RCB into the final. Their dominance was evident in Qualifier 1, where they crushed PBKS by chasing down a modest total of 101 in just 10 overs. That commanding win gave them early entry into the final and ample rest before the big game.
Punjab Kings have undergone a massive transformation this season. Under the calm and tactical leadership of Shreyas Iyer, they have built a team capable of beating anyone on their day. Iyer himself has led from the front with the bat, scoring consistently and anchoring crucial chases.
Despite a loss in Qualifier 1, PBKS bounced back with a gritty win in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians. That match showcased the fighting spirit that has defined their journey in IPL 2025. With young talents like Priyansh Arya firing at the top and Arshdeep Singh leading the pace attack, PBKS have found the right mix of experience and youth at the perfect time.
As both teams RCB & PBKS head into the final, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Ahmedabad’s flat pitch promises a batting-friendly surface, but looming rain forecasts could play a spoiling role. In case of a total washout, PBKS would be awarded the trophy due to their higher position on the league table — a rule that adds even more intrigue to this already nail-biting fixture.
For fans of RCB and PBKS, this final is more than just another cricket match — it’s a shot at history, validation, and a reward for years of unwavering support. Whether it’s Kohli’s pursuit of an elusive IPL trophy or Iyer’s shot at redemption, the 2025 IPL final promises to deliver a new champion and a story for the ages.