IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS Set to Crown First-Time Champion

For the first time since 2016, the IPL will get a new champion. Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will clash in the IPL 2025 final on June 3 in Ahmedabad. Neither has ever lifted the trophy. But one of them will finally break their long-standing drought in the IPL 2025 final.

PBKS qualified after a stunning win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2. That game was delayed by rain but delivered a high-voltage chase. RCB, on the other hand, crushed PBKS in Qualifier 1, booking their place early. According to ESPNcricinfo, this is the first IPL final between two trophyless teams since 2016.

Table of Contents

A Final Full of History

RCB have played three IPL finals before – in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
They lost to the Deccan Chargers, the CSK, and the SRH, respectively.
PBKS reached only one final in 2014 as Kings XI Punjab. They lost to KKR like India lost to Zimbabwe.

RCB are chasing redemption after 18 years of heartbreak. PBKS want to turn the corner on a decade of underachievement.

🧠 The Mastermind: Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer is rewriting the script this season. He’s the first captain to lead three different IPL teams into finals — DC (2020), KKR (2024), and now PBKS (2025).

Against the Mumbai Indians, he played one of the greatest IPL chases ever. His unbeaten 87 off 45 balls made Jasprit Bumrah look mortal. Even BBC Sport described the innings as “a masterclass in calm destruction.”

Hit 3 sixes in an over off Reece Topley.
Outplayed Bumrah with late cuts and scoop shots.
Stayed cool even when the team needed 12+ runs per over.

Shreyas looked like a blend of Virat Kohli’s authority and Dhoni’s composure. His innings made 203 look like 150.

Shreyas Iyer’s Captaincy Legacy Grows With Historic Final Appearance

Shreyas Iyer is creating history by taking his third IPL team into the final match. After leading Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, he’s now guiding Royal Challengers Bangalore. His calm leadership style and flexible strategies have brought stability to the RCB dressing room.

Under pressure, he has shown maturity, clarity, and deep understanding of T20 game dynamics. Many critics doubted his fitness and form, but he silenced them with consistent performances. He’s given youngsters freedom while managing senior players like Kohli and Maxwell with great respect.

Tactical changes during games have earned him praise from fans, pundits, and even ex-cricketers. RCB’s transformation this season reflects how strong captaincy can uplift an entire franchise’s confidence level. If RCB wins the final, Shreyas might go down among IPL’s greatest modern captains ever.

RCB’s Fourth Final: Will They Finally Break the Title Curse?

RCB fans have endured heartbreak in 2009, 2011, and 2016—always so close, yet unfinished. This year feels different, with a solid balance between explosive batting and disciplined bowling attack. Virat Kohli’s consistency at the top has made a huge difference in key league matches.

Dinesh Karthik’s finishing and Karn Sharma’s clutch performances have provided moments of momentum during pressure. The arrival of impactful youngsters like Swapnil Singh and Priyansh Arya (PBKS) has added depth never seen in previous squads. RCB’s biggest strength remains their hunger to win and erase their title-less franchise image forever.

This is their most composed and complete team to feature in an IPL final so far. If they lift the trophy now, it might end one of cricket’s longest-standing trophy droughts. Fans are already calling this a “do-or-die” final for Bangalore’s long-awaited redemption and glory.

Punjab Kings’ Road to Final: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption

Punjab Kings were written off by many after early-season inconsistency and constant lineup changes. But under Shikhar Dhawan’s mentorship, they rebuilt their game plan with discipline and clear direction. The rise of Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh provided aggressive support in the middle order, like the Indian team in the semi-final against Australia.

Sam Curran and Harshal Patel have delivered match-winning spells at crucial stages this entire season. Even with big injuries, PBKS never stopped believing in their bench strength and aggressive team spirit. They defeated both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in high-pressure elimination games this year, like the CT 2025.

This final is not just about a trophy—it’s about rewriting Punjab’s underachiever tag forever. No one expected PBKS in the final, but they’ve earned it with fight and firepower. Their incredible comeback story could make them IPL 2025’s most loved team if they win tonight.

Battle of Equals: How PBKS and RCB Stack Up Ahead of the Final

RCB and PBKS have identical records—eight wins and six losses each in the group stage. They also split their head-to-head this season, each winning their respective home league match.

RCB’s edge lies in top-order stability with Kohli, Patidar, and Maxwell firing at key moments.

Punjab’s unpredictability and strong bowling unit have been their biggest weapons throughout this IPL journey.

Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh have taken early wickets and controlled the middle overs for Punjab Kings. RCB’s death bowling with Siraj and Dayal has improved significantly since the season’s mid-point. The matchup feels like a coin toss—both teams know how to dominate under pressure now. One team has firepower, the other resilience; both are desperate for their first-ever IPL championship. Expect a final that could go down as one of the greatest games in IPL history, like the CT 2025 final.

🔥 Players to Watch in the Final

RCB: Virat Kohli & Mohammed Siraj

Kohli has been in prime form this season, anchoring RCB’s top order.
Siraj was lethal in Qualifier 1, troubling PBKS with his sharp movement.

PBKS: Shreyas Iyer & Nehal Wadhera

Wadhera’s 48 was full of intent and luck. But luck counts in finals.
Stoinis and Inglis have provided the power like the godfathers, needed in the death overs.

📊 Head-to-Head in IPL 2025

League stage: PBKS beat RCB in Bengaluru.
Reverse fixture: RCB won in Mullanpur.
Qualifier 1: RCB bowled PBKS out for 101 and chased it in 10 overs.

Even on the points table, both teams had 9 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no result. Their net run rates were nearly identical.

⚔️ Clash of Styles

RCB rely on pace and early dominance.
PBKS depend on flexible batting and unorthodox finishers.

According to Cricbuzz, PBKS used pace-off strategies better than most teams this season. Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, and Stoinis adapted perfectly in slower conditions.

🎯 Final Prediction: Who Has the Edge in IPL 2025 Final?

RCB have experience, pain, and momentum. PBKS have form, fire, and the Shreyas X-factor.

If Shreyas plays like he did against MI, PBKS could lift their first IPL trophy. But if Kohli fires and Bhuvi strikes early, RCB might finally erase their tag of underachievers. One team’s heartbreak will end if domestic players perform. Another will deepen.