History is on the line in Ahmedabad as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) gear up for a long-awaited shot at IPL glory. On Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, one of these two franchises will finally lift their maiden IPL trophy—ending years of heartbreak and near misses.
Now in its 18th edition, the IPL has seen plenty of dramatic moments, but few as emotionally charged as this. Both RCB and PBKS have carried the weight of expectations for over a decade, and the 2025 final promises to be a defining chapter in their respective journeys.
For Virat Kohli, it’s another chance at redemption. A cornerstone of RCB since the league’s inception, Kohli has featured in three IPL finals without a title to his name. This could be his moment—a legacy-sealing opportunity that RCB fans have dreamt about for years.
On the other side, Shreyas Iyer is riding high on momentum. His classy knock against Mumbai Indians on Sunday knocked out one of the tournament’s perennial powerhouses. Iyer is no stranger to the big stage—he led Delhi Capitals to the 2020 final and lifted the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders last year. Now, he’s eyeing back-to-back titles, this time with PBKS.
Punjab’s dominant display against MI has all but erased the sting of their earlier loss in Qualifier 1. Though RCB convincingly beat them in that clash, the PBKS camp looks rejuvenated, dangerous, and determined.
RCB’s transformation this season under skipper Rajat Patidar and coach Andy Flower has been nothing short of remarkable. Unlike past campaigns, this team hasn’t relied on just a few stars—every department has contributed, making them a well-balanced and formidable unit.
The return of Australian quick Josh Hazlewood adds another weapon to RCB’s arsenal. His disciplined bowling could be crucial, especially if rain disrupts conditions and alters the pitch dynamics.
Up top, Phil Salt has been a revelation. Fearless and explosive, Salt thrives on pressure—expect him to go full throttle from ball one.
PBKS, meanwhile, will look to legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal to tame RCB’s power-packed batting lineup. The IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker has his eyes firmly set on the one accolade that has eluded him—a championship.
Shreyas Iyer might grab headlines, but PBKS will also be banking on Nehal Wadhera’s cool temperament and consistency under pressure. Alongside Josh Inglis, who’s provided reliable middle-order stability, PBKS has a batting core that can go toe-to-toe with anyone.
Despite scattered showers on Sunday, the Ahmedabad surface produced over 400 runs—signaling another high-scoring thriller could be on the horizon. With both teams packed with firepower and hungry for a title, fans are in for a blockbuster finale.
After years of waiting, one team’s dream will finally come true. The only question is—who’s ready to seize the moment?
