IPL 2025 Final : Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings – A Battle for Maiden Glory
After nearly two months of high-octane cricket, stunning performances, and dramatic finishes, the TATA IPL 2025 has reached its most awaited chapter—the grand finale. In a historic showdown, two of the most passionate yet title-less franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), will square off at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
This is more than a cricket match. It’s a battle for redemption. It’s a clash of legacies waiting to be written. And above all, it’s a golden opportunity for one team to finally lift the IPL trophy for the very first time.
🏏 Road to the Final
🔴 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB’s road to the final has been nothing short of clinical. The team, long ridiculed for falling short in key moments, has displayed an admirable blend of consistency, aggression, and discipline this season.
Their defining moment came in Qualifier 1, where they absolutely dominated Punjab Kings with a crushing eight-wicket win. Opting to bowl first, RCB’s pace battery—led by Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj—ran through PBKS’s batting order, skittling them for a mere 101 runs.
Phil Salt then stole the show with a quickfire 56 not out off 27 balls, powering RCB to victory with plenty of overs to spare. The clinical performance not only secured their place in the final but also sent a strong message to their opponents.
🔵 Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS took the tougher route to reach their first IPL final. After a disappointing loss in Qualifier 1, many wrote them off. But under the inspirational leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the Kings showed true grit and character.
In Qualifier 2, they took on Mumbai Indians—a five-time champion team known for thriving under pressure. But PBKS kept their composure. Their bowlers set up the match beautifully, and then Shreyas Iyer played one of the best knocks of the season—an unbeaten 78, steering his team home with poise and elegance.
The result? PBKS, often seen as underachievers in IPL history, have earned their rightful place in the 2025 final—a chance to change their narrative forever.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
🔴 Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Virat Kohli
The heartbeat of RCB, Kohli has been a symbol of determination and passion. With 450 runs at an average of 56.25, he’s been the anchor and the aggressor when needed. A big match from Kohli could finally seal the glory he has chased for over a decade. - Phil Salt
The English wicketkeeper-batter has added a new dynamic to RCB’s top order. His fearless approach in the powerplay has been instrumental in setting the tone early. - Josh Hazlewood
Despite missing part of the season, the Australian pacer has made a massive impact—13 wickets in 7 games, combining pace, bounce, and pinpoint accuracy. His experience in big finals could be pivotal. - Mohammed Siraj
The Hyderabad pacer has been RCB’s enforcer in the powerplay. If he strikes early, it could derail PBKS’s top order.
🔵 Punjab Kings
- Shreyas Iyer
Leading from the front, Iyer has been both a tactician and a match-winner. With 353 runs at a strong average of 50.43, he’s the glue in PBKS’s middle order and the man for the moment. - Marco Jansen
The lanky South African has impressed with his dual skill set. With 10 wickets and a useful economy rate of 8.19, he’s a threat with the new ball and a handy contributor with the bat down the order. - Arshdeep Singh
One of India’s most promising young pacers, Arshdeep has matured into a reliable death-over specialist. His ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers and slower balls under pressure makes him a game-changer. - Liam Livingstone
The English all-rounder has the ability to shift the game’s momentum within a few balls. With the bat, he’s explosive. With the ball, he provides a tricky spin option in the middle overs.
🏟 Match Details
- 🗓 Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
- 🕢 Time: 7:30 PM IST
- 📍 Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – the world’s largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of over 132,000, promising a spectacular atmosphere.
- 📺 Broadcast: Live on Star Sports Network
- 📱 Streaming: JioHotstar
🎉 Closing Ceremony: Tribute, Music, and Spirit
The IPL 2025 final will begin with a moving closing ceremony dedicated to real-life heroes. The league will honor the brave personnel of Operation Sindoor and remember the victims of the Pahalgam tragedy, uniting the cricketing world in a moment of solemn respect.
Adding to the emotion, legendary musician Shankar Mahadevan will deliver a live performance, blending patriotism and celebration. Expect a spectacular mix of light shows, cultural segments, and musical brilliance—a fitting prelude to the high-stakes contest.
🧐 What’s at Stake?
For RCB:
It’s about finally finishing the journey. After finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, RCB have come close but never crossed the finish line. For stalwarts like Virat Kohli, this could be the most meaningful triumph of their careers.
For PBKS:
Often written off, sometimes ridiculed, PBKS have found belief under Shreyas Iyer. This is their chance to rewrite IPL history, to turn from perennial underdogs into deserving champions.
