Fri. Jun 6th, 2025

RCB vs PBKS: Shreyas Iyer's Aggression Meets Rajat Patidar's Composure in IPL Final

The IPL 2025 Final is here, and it promises to be a historic one. Set to take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this high-voltage clash features two teams chasing their maiden IPL title – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).

With both teams showcasing incredible form, dedicated leadership, and passionate fanbases, the grand finale is expected to be nothing short of a thriller. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the final showdown – from match details and team journeys to key players and expert predictions.

Match Details

Match: IPL 2025 Final – RCB vs PBKS
Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Streaming: Star Sports, JioCinema

The Stakes: A Title for the First Time

Both RCB and PBKS have played every IPL season since the league’s inception in 2008 but are yet to lift the trophy. While RCB has been to three finals previously (2009, 2011, and 2016), they fell short each time. PBKS, formerly Kings XI Punjab, reached their only final in 2014, where they lost to KKR.

Now, in 2025, both teams have built strong units, dominated the group stage, and earned their spot in the final through consistent performances. One of them will finally break the curse and add their name to the list of IPL champions.

Road to the Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB had one of their most consistent seasons in IPL history. Under the composed leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team finished second in the points table, winning 9 out of 14 matches, with one match abandoned.

Key highlights:

Became the only team to win all away league matches this season.
Beat Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, earning a direct spot in the final.
Star performers included Virat Kohli with over 600 runs and Josh Hazlewood leading the bowling charts.

RCB’s balanced combination of youth and experience has worked wonders this season.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

PBKS topped the league stage thanks to a strong net run rate and excellent team performances. With Shreyas Iyer as the newly appointed captain, they showed a more aggressive and tactical side.

Key highlights:

Won 9 out of 14 matches, equal to RCB.
Lost Qualifier 1 to RCB but bounced back strongly in Qualifier 2, defeating Mumbai Indians to reach the final.
Captain Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and Josh Inglis explosive batting proved game-changing.

PBKS’s fighting spirit and bounce-back ability make them a dangerous opponent in the final.

Battle of the Captains: Patidar vs Iyer

Rajat Patidar – Calm, Calculated, and Classy

Taking over the RCB captaincy was a major step for Rajat Patidar, but he has shown excellent maturity and calmness under pressure. With support from senior players like Kohli and Phil Salt, Patidar’s captaincy has been strategic and steady.

Shreyas Iyer – Aggressive and Fearless

Having led KKR to the title in 2024, Iyer was bought by PBKS in a record-breaking ₹26.75 crore deal. He has brought an attacking mindset and led from the front with the bat, scoring six half-centuries this season.

Both captains are in top form, and their contrasting styles add an exciting layer to this final.

Head-to-Head Record

Total Matches: 35
RCB Wins: 17
PBKS Wins: 18

This season, both teams won one match each against each other in the league stage. However, RCB claimed the upper hand in Qualifier 1, defeating PBKS convincingly.

Key Players for RCB

Virat Kohli

The stalwart of RCB, Virat Kohli, has been in exceptional form this season, amassing 614 runs with eight half-centuries. His experience and consistency at the top order will be pivotal in anchoring the innings during the high-pressure final.

Josh Hazlewood

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has been a cornerstone of RCB’s bowling attack, claiming 21 wickets this season. His ability to deliver precise and economical spells, especially during crucial phases of the game, makes him a valuable asset.

Phil Salt

The English wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Salt has provided explosive starts for RCB, utilizing his aggressive batting style to capitalize on the powerplay overs. His quick scoring can set the tone for the innings.

Rajat Patidar (Captain)

Leading RCB for the first time, Rajat Patidar has showcased commendable leadership and composure. His strategic acumen and ability to stabilize the middle order have been instrumental in RCB’s journey to the final.

Jitesh Sharma

Acquired for ₹11 crore, Jitesh Sharma has been a reliable presence behind the stumps and a dynamic finisher with the bat. His dual role adds depth to the RCB lineup.

Key Players for PBKS

Shreyas Iyer (Captain)

Appointed as PBKS captain for IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer has led the team with aggression and tactical brilliance. His unbeaten 87 in Qualifier 2 was a testament to his form and leadership.

Arshdeep Singh

The left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been a revelation for PBKS, delivering crucial wickets with his swing and accuracy. His performance in the death overs could be decisive in the final.

Nehal Wadhera

Nehal Wadhera, a 25-year-old left-handed batter from Ludhiana, transitioned from Mumbai Indians to Punjab Kings in the 2025 IPL season after being acquired for ₹4.20 crore in the mega auction. Over 20 IPL matches, he has accumulated 350 runs at an average of 23.33 and a strike rate of 140, including two half-centuries

Yuzevendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal, the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, was signed by Punjab Kings for ₹18 crore in the 2025 mega auction, making him the most expensive spinner in IPL auction history. In the 2025 season, he delivered a standout performance against Kolkata Knight Riders, taking 4 wickets for 28 runs, which was instrumental in defending a total of 111—the lowest successfully defended total in IPL history.

Prabhsimran Singh

As an opener, Prabhsimran Singh has provided PBKS with aggressive starts, setting the platform for the middle order. His ability to exploit the powerplay can give PBKS an early advantage.

Team Form and Momentum

RCB: 4 wins in their last 5 matches
PBKS: 4 wins in their last 5 matches

Both teams have peaked at the right time, making it tough to predict a clear favourite.

Tactical Battle

RCB might use Hazlewood early to target PBKS’s aggressive openers.
PBKS could attack RCB’s middle order by introducing spin early.
Kohli vs Kyle Jamieson and Phil Salt vs Arshdeep are going to be mouth-watering battles.

Fan Buzz and Stadium Atmosphere

The Narendra Modi Stadium, with a capacity of over 1.3 lakh, will witness one of the most passionate fan rivalries.

RCB fans are shouting the iconic “Ee Sala Cup Namde” once again.
PBKS fans, after a long wait since 2014, are hopeful their team can finally take the cup home.

Both fanbases have waited over a decade for this opportunity, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric.

What the Experts Say

Gautam Gambhir: “This RCB side looks more balanced than ever. Patidar has done well as captain, and Kohli is playing freely.”
Sunil Gavaskar: “Punjab has that aggressive spark with Iyer at the helm. If they hold their nerves, they can lift the trophy.”

Final Prediction

This match could go down to the wire. RCB looks slightly more composed with experienced players and balanced bowling, while PBKS have a fearless approach and in-form hitters.

Prediction:

If RCB bats first and scores 200+, they are favourites.
If PBKS chases, with their explosive middle order, they can hunt down any total.

Either way, expect fireworks!

Final Thoughts

The IPL 2025 final isn’t just a game—it’s a story of two franchises chasing redemption, glory, and the chance to silence critics. Whether it’s Kohli lifting the cup for the first time, or Iyer bringing PBKS their maiden title, history will be made tonight.

Cricket fans, buckle up for a blockbuster showdown. The IPL couldn’t have asked for a better finale.