After more than two months of thrilling action, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set for its grand finale. The final clash will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3, at 7:30 PM IST. The high-stakes encounter promises fireworks as both teams chase their maiden IPL title.
Match Details
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Match: RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 Final
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Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
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Date & Time: Tuesday, June 3, 7:30 PM IST
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Broadcast & Streaming: JioStar Network, JioHotstar (App & Website)
Team Overview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB have been one of the most consistent sides this season, finishing second in the league stage with 9 wins and 4 losses. They stormed into the final with a dominant 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, where their bowlers bundled out PBKS for just 101 runs. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB boasts a balanced side with explosive batters and a strong pace attack.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS took the longer route to the final after a poor outing in Qualifier 1. However, they bounced back impressively in Qualifier 2, chasing down 204 runs against Mumbai Indians—marking the first-ever 200+ successful chase against MI in IPL history. Skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a match-winning 87 off 49 balls* and will look to carry that momentum into the final.
Pitch & Conditions
The Narendra Modi Stadium has seen high-scoring games this season, with 6 out of 8 matches won by teams batting first. However, dew in the second innings has helped chasing teams significantly. Expect a batting-friendly wicket with good bounce, aiding stroke-play and some assistance for pacers under lights. The toss could play a crucial role, and the captain winning it is likely to opt to bowl first.
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 36
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RCB Wins: 18
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PBKS Wins: 18
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First Meeting: May 5, 2008
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Last Meeting: May 29, 2025
With the record tied at 18-18, the final will serve as the ultimate decider in this long-standing rivalry.
Predicted Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma
Impact Player: Mayank Agarwal
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh
Key Players to Watch
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Virat Kohli (RCB): Despite a rare failure in Qualifier 1 (12 off 12), Kohli has been in top form this season with 614 runs at an average of 55.81 and a strike rate of 146.53. He has the pedigree to shine in high-pressure matches.
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Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): The captain’s heroics in Qualifier 2 showcased his ability to lead from the front. His unbeaten 87 was one of the best innings of the season under pressure.
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Kyle Jamieson (PBKS): The tall New Zealand pacer can be dangerous on the Ahmedabad track. His bounce and accuracy could trouble RCB’s top order.
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Josh Hazlewood (RCB): The experienced Australian pacer has the skill to exploit the pitch’s bounce and is a key asset in the powerplay.
Match Prediction and Scenarios
Scenario 1:
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RCB win toss and bowl
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PBKS Powerplay: 60–70
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PBKS Total: 200–210
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RCB to win the match
Scenario 2:
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PBKS win toss and bowl
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RCB Powerplay: 65–75
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RCB Total: 205–215
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PBKS to win the match
Prediction: With dew likely to be a major factor, the team chasing is expected to win. Both sides have strong batting depth, and the match could come down to handling pressure in the final overs.
Final Thoughts
The IPL 2025 final promises to be a blockbuster, with both RCB and PBKS hungry for their first-ever title. While RCB have looked more dominant overall, PBKS have shown resilience and match-winning ability under pressure. With players like Kohli and Iyer leading the charge, expect a thrilling contest under the lights in Ahmedabad.