The IPL 2025 final promises to be a landmark encounter as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in what could be Virat Kohli’s last IPL final appearance, marking an end to his 18-year wait for the elusive IPL trophy. The summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on June 3, 2025, is set to be a thrilling contest between two sides hungry for glory and eager to etch their names into IPL history.

Kohli’s Long-Awaited Quest for IPL Glory

Virat Kohli, the face of RCB since the IPL’s inception, has been through agonising near-misses but has yet to lift the coveted trophy. This final marks his fourth IPL final appearance and possibly his last, as he has recently retired from Test cricket and prepares for India’s upcoming ODI assignments. Fans are expected to flood the stadium donning jersey No.18 in support of their hero.

Kohli’s consistency has been a key driver for RCB’s success this season, accumulating 614 runs and providing solid starts. However, this year’s strength lies in the collective batting prowess, with Phil Salt playing a perfect attacking partner, and support from Rajat Patidar, Mayank Agarwal, and Jitesh Sharma ensuring the line-up is formidable beyond just Kohli.

RCB’s Balanced Squad and Key Players

RCB’s bowling attack has been led by Josh Hazlewood, who has been clinical with 21 wickets, ranking fourth highest in the tournament. Hazlewood’s calm and composed bowling is expected to be crucial in the final. The fitness of Tim David, who partners with Romario Shepherd in the death overs, remains a factor to watch.

Punjab Kings’ Resilience and Leadership

Punjab Kings, under captain Shreyas Iyer, have made an impressive turnaround this season after years of near misses. Iyer, with 603 runs, has demonstrated his leadership and batting prowess, making this his second consecutive IPL final appearance after winning with Kolkata Knight Riders last year. Remarkably, Iyer has led three different IPL teams to finals, highlighting his versatility and skill as a leader.

PBKS overcame a heavy defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1 but bounced back strongly by defeating five-time champions Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to secure their first-ever IPL final in 11 years. The team has been bolstered by key performers like Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Priyansh Arya, and Shashank Singh.

Bowling Strengths and Challenges

While the absence of Marcus Jansen left some concerns, Punjab’s bowling unit proved its mettle by restricting Mumbai Indians on a batting-friendly wicket. Yuzvendra Chahal, despite dealing with a hand injury, remains a vital player for Punjab and will face his former franchise in the final.

Matchday Conditions and Expectations

The final has provisions for an extended hour of playtime and a reserve day to ensure a result is reached regardless of weather interruptions. This underlines the importance of the fixture and the organisers’ commitment to a decisive finish.

Teams to Watch

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Mayank Agarwal, Tim David (fitness crucial), Josh Hazlewood, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and others.

Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Josh Inglis (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, and others.

This IPL final not only carries the weight of individual legacies but also presents an exciting battle between two teams that embody resilience, passion, and cricketing excellence. Whether Kohli’s wait ends with glory or Punjab Kings claim their maiden IPL crown, cricket fans across the globe are set for an unforgettable spectacle

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