Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings are all set to face off in the grand finale of IPL 2025. Both teams have made it to the final after a long wait and are still chasing their maiden IPL title. The final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match will begin at 7:30 PM, with the toss scheduled for 7:00 PM.
All Eyes on Kohli
Once again, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli in the final, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket. Kohli has been in exceptional form this season and is expected to play a crucial knock in the final. Having been with RCB since the beginning of the IPL, this will be Kohli’s fourth IPL final. Thousands of fans wearing his iconic number 18 jersey are expected to turn up at the stadium to support him. Kohli has scored 614 runs this season and has once again been the pillar of RCB’s batting.
Will Tim David Play?
This season, Kohli hasn’t been the only focus. He has quietly guided RCB’s success. Phil Salt has provided strong starts alongside him, while Mayank Agarwal, skipper Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma have been reliable in the middle order. Tim David, who missed the last two matches due to injury, remains a doubtful starter for the final. He, along with Romario Shepherd, has played an important role in the death overs for RCB.
Hazlewood-Bhuvneshwar Duo Boosts Bowling Attack
RCB’s bowling has been strengthened by the form of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Hazlewood has taken 21 wickets and is currently fourth on the list of top wicket-takers this season. RCB have shown consistency throughout the tournament, overcoming their past issues. They secured their place in the final by defeating Punjab Kings by 8 wickets in the first qualifier and will be eager to repeat that performance.
Shreyas Aiming for Glory
On the other side, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has led from the front and will be expected to shine once again in the final. Punjab Kings have dominated the second half of the league table under the guidance of captain Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting. Iyer, who scored 603 runs, led Kolkata Knight Riders to victory last year and now finds himself in a second consecutive IPL final. He has also captained Delhi Capitals in a previous final, making him the only player to lead three different teams in IPL finals—a testament to his leadership in this format.
Also Read- RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final- Ahmedabad Stadium Pitch Report
Chahal Needs to Step Up
With the likes of Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Priyansh Arya, and Shashank Singh, Punjab Kings boast a solid batting lineup that can apply pressure on any opposition. Despite missing Marco Jansen, Punjab’s bowling attack proved their mettle by restricting Mumbai Indians on a batting-friendly pitch. Yuzvendra Chahal is still nursing a hand injury and wasn’t in top form during the second qualifier, but Punjab will be hoping for a strong performance from him against his former franchise.
Probable Playing XIs for IPL 2025 Final:
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
RCB: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.
