Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are all set to clash in the much-awaited IPL 2025 final on June 3 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With both teams still hunting for their maiden IPL title, this showdown carries historic significance. Both franchises wrapped up the league stage with identical records — nine wins each from fourteen games — with PBKS narrowly topping the table over RCB. Their journey to the final has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing consistency, balance, and flair.
RCB punched their ticket to the summit clash by outplaying PBKS in Qualifier 1, chasing down a modest target with ease as Phil Salt starred with a 56* off 27 balls. PBKS, however, bounced back by defeating the formidable Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, thanks to a captain’s knock from Shreyas Iyer, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 87.
This rivalry is delicately poised, with both teams winning 18 matches each out of their 36 previous meetings. But RCB’s recent dominance in the playoffs gives them a slight mental edge heading into the final.
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The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to be a batting paradise, offering a flat red-soil surface with true bounce and a lightning-fast outfield. Historically, the venue has favoured teams batting first, with six of the last eight matches won by the team setting the target. With multiple 200-plus scores already this season at this venue, fireworks with the bat are almost guaranteed.
Weather-wise, it’ll be a warm day in Ahmedabad with a high of 38°C and brief rain spells expected in the afternoon. Thankfully, conditions are forecast to improve by evening, with temperatures dropping and rain chances significantly decreasing, promising a full evening of cricket.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB enter the IPL 2025 final with a clear edge, having earned valuable rest after sealing their spot early with a dominant win in Qualifier 1. Their settled playing XI and consistent run make them strong contenders. In contrast, PBKS took the tougher route, bouncing back impressively against MI after a heavy loss to RCB.
Probable XII: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Mayank Agarwal.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Shreyas Iyer’s men have shown resilience, but they’ll need to overcome past setbacks to challenge a confident RCB unit. Both teams are expected to stick with their winning combinations, setting the stage for a thrilling, unchanged XI showdown in this historic final at Ahmedabad.
Probable XII: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prabhsimran Singh
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Josh Inglis (vc), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Josh Inglis, Phil Salt (vc), Prabhsimran Singh, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (c), Mayank Agarwal, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kyle Jamieson
