As the stage is set for the grand IPL 2025 final at the majestic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, former India cricketer Yograj Singh has confidently predicted that Punjab Kings (PBKS) will finally lift their maiden title, edging out fellow title-hunters Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Both teams are yet to win an IPL trophy despite being part of the league since its inception, and this final is a chance to rewrite history.
Yograj Singh believes the match could hinge on one man — Virat Kohli. The RCB veteran has been in sublime touch this season, scoring 614 runs at an average of 55.82 and a strike rate of 146.53.
His presence at the crease has often meant trouble for the opposition, and Yograj made it clear: “If Punjab doesn’t get Virat out early, they are in serious trouble. If he bats beyond 10 overs, even a target of 250 or 300 can be chased. My gut feeling says Punjab will win.”
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RCB have reached three IPL finals before — in 2009, 2011, and 2016 — but Kohli is yet to get his hands on the trophy. This final could be his last big shot, and he will be more determined than ever to break the jinx.
However, PBKS come into this clash high on belief, riding on the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and the tactical brilliance of head coach Ricky Ponting. Iyer has led from the front with the bat and is second only to Nicholas Pooran in sixes hit this season (39).
Yograj Singh showered praise on him, saying, “Punjab has a fantastic captain in Iyer. If Kohli can win games single-handedly, so can Shreyas. It’s going to be a clash of captains.”
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RCB thrashed Punjab in Qualifier 1, but PBKS bounced back strongly, defeating Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 — a statement of their resilience.
