IPL 2025 Final Preview: RCB vs PBKS – A Clash of Hope, Heartbreak, and History
Published: June 2, 2025 | Ahmedabad
By: Karthik Krishnaswamy | Edited for GlobalFamily.in
As the sun sets over the majestic Narendra Modi Stadium, cricket fans across the globe prepare for an emotional rollercoaster. For the first time in 17 long years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) or Punjab Kings (PBKS) will finally lift the coveted IPL trophy—a prize that has eluded both since the league’s inception in 2008.
The "Holy Trinity" Breaks Tonight
Often grouped with Delhi Capitals as part of the IPL's ironic “Holy Trinity” of titleless teams, RCB and PBKS are long-time strugglers despite flashes of brilliance. But come Tuesday night, one team will break the jinx, leaving the other to carry forward a legacy of near-misses and painful memories.
RCB: A Story of Near Misses and Virat's Last Dance?
RCB have lost three finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016. They now stand on the brink of redemption. With Virat Kohli in supreme form — 500+ runs for a record 8th IPL season — and a well-balanced squad led by Rajat Patidar, the Bengaluru franchise looks more complete than ever.
Kohli’s quest for his maiden IPL title is the stuff of cricketing folklore. After retiring from Tests and lifting the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy, will 2025 finally be his year in the IPL?
PBKS: The Underdogs with a Dream
PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, have scripted a fairytale. From their opening game — a mammoth 243-run innings at Ahmedabad — to storming into the finals by defeating MI in Qualifier 2, they’ve showcased courage, smart planning, and team chemistry.
The presence of uncapped Indian stars, a tactically astute captain, and strong all-rounders like Stoinis and Omarzai make PBKS a serious threat.
Key Battles to Watch
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Kohli vs Chahal: The former RCB spinner has dismissed Kohli before and could be pivotal in the middle overs.
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Hazlewood vs Iyer: The Aussie pacer has dismissed Iyer four times in T20s.
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Patidar vs PBKS spinners: Patidar has had mixed results against both Harpreet Brar and Chahal.
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Suyash Sharma vs Right-Handers: The RCB spinner thrives against RHBs — watch out for his spells in the middle overs.
Tactical Notes
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PBKS have won both games played at Ahmedabad this season — they know the pitch.
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The ground has seen 200+ scores in 7 of 8 matches this season by teams batting first.
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Despite this, toss-winning captains have preferred to chase, owing to the pitch’s uncertainty and dew.
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Rain threat looms small, but a reserve day is in place.
Probable XIs
RCB:
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (C), Tim David/Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.
PBKS:
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (WK), Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal/Harpreet Brar.
Stats Corner
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Josh Hazlewood needs 5 wickets to claim the Purple Cap.
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Suyash Sharma has a 5-for-43 aggregate in 7 overs vs PBKS this season.
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PBKS have never played an IPL final before; RCB are in their fourth.
