The last match of IPL 2025 will be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings on June 3, 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. For the first time in the 18-year journey of IPL, RCB and PBKS are facing each other in the final. Both the teams have never touched this trophy, but today one of them will be named as the champion for the first time and fans are quite excited to see who will lift the trophy!
Note: Earlier the final of IPL was scheduled to play on May 25, 2025. But due to India Pakistan war tension, the final is re-scheduled to play on June 3.
RCB vs PBKS Outline of the final: Duel of emotions and statistics
RCB has performed brilliantly this season. In Qualifier 1, they defeated PBKS by 8 wickets, chasing down the target of 102 runs in just 10 overs. Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Suyash Sharma (3/17) bowled brilliantly, while Phil Salt (56 off 27) hit the ball. At the same time, PBKS gave a tremendous victory to Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer (78*).
The two teams have faced each other in three matches this season, with RCB winning two while PBKS won by 5 wickets in a thrilling rain-curtailed match in Bengaluru on April 18. Historically, the two teams have had a very balanced head-to-head – 18 wins each in 36 matches. But today’s match is not just about statistics, but a battle of emotions and creating history.
Who will be the hero? Kohli or Iyer?
Virat Kohli has been the backbone for RCB this season. With 600+ runs (strike rate 147.91), he is also in great form against PBKS (375 runs in 8 matches, average 62.5). If he plays big today, the road to victory could be easy for RCB. At the same time, Shreyas Iyer has scored 500+ runs while captaining PBKS and his mental strength in big matches (as shown in Qualifier 2) is very important for the team.
Talking about bowling, RCB has sharp bowlers like Josh Hazlewood (12 wickets in the playoffs) and Suyash Sharma, who have troubled the middle order of PBKS. At the same time, the strength of PBKS is the powerplay bowling of Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson. Yuzvendra Chahal’s injury (hand injury) is a matter of concern for him, and if he does not play, the pressure will increase on Harpreet Brar.
Pitch and weather: Which team benefits?
The pitch in Ahmedabad has generally been favorable for the batsmen, but light rain is expected before the match (5-7 pm), which may affect the toss or the initial overs. If the pitch slows down a bit, the spinners might get help, which will be beneficial for RCB as they have options like Suyash and Krunal Pandya.
Expert Opinion: Who to bet on?
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has called RCB the favorite. He believes that Kohli’s leadership, Hazelwood’s bowling and the depth of the middle order give RCB an edge. At the same time, PBKS coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer have infused enthusiasm in the team. Despite being bundled out for 101 in Qualifier 1, they made a comeback in Qualifier 2, which shows their mental strength.
Final Analysis: Who will make the night?
RCB’s playoff record and recent performance against PBKS (5 wins in last 6 matches) gives them a psychological edge. If Kohli and Salt get off to a good start in the powerplay, then there can be pressure on the PBKS bowlers. At the same time, PBKS trusts the top order of Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis. If Shreyas Iyer stays in the middle overs, he can turn the match in his favor and win the 2025 IPL title.
Prediction: Statistics and form are in favor of RCB, but the aggressive team of PBKS can turn the match at any moment. If the weather does not become a hindrance, it can be an exciting, high-scoring final. At the moment, betting on RCB seems safer and might win the IPL trophy for first time.
Tonight, new history will be written. Will RCB’s 18-year-old dream come true? Or will PBKS become the champion for the first time? The answer will be known soon.
You can watch the RCB vs PBKS match (IPL 2025 Final) on Jiohotstar at 7:30 PM. You can also watch post-match highlights, and season 18 IPL closing ceremony on this platform on your mobile or TV!
