Related Articles
The wait is finally over — Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are set to battle for the coveted IPL 2025 trophy at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have shown tremendous form throughout the tournament and enter the final with strong lineups and high morale.
RCB have been dominant all season, reaching the final after a crushing win over Punjab in Qualifier 1. Their batting has been led by Virat Kohli, who continues to pile on the runs, while their bowling got a major boost with Josh Hazlewood’s return.
Punjab, meanwhile, bounced back from that defeat to beat Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 and make it to only their second-ever IPL final. Shreyas Iyer played a sensational knock of 87* off 41 balls to chase down 204 with ease.
With both sides eager to lift their first IPL title, this promises to be an electrifying contest under the lights.
Match Details
| Match | RCB vs PBKS – IPL 2025 Final |
|---|---|
| Date & Time (IST) | Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – 7:30 PM |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Toss Timing | Around 7:15 PM IST |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network / Disney+ Hotstar |
| Pitch Report | Batting-friendly; high-scoring potential |
| Weather Forecast | Hot and dry; no rain expected |
Team Previews
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a dream season, culminating in their first IPL final since 2016. They were ruthless in Qualifier 1, skittling Punjab for just 101 and chasing it down in 10 overs. This kind of dominance boosts team confidence heading into the final.
At the heart of RCB’s success has been Virat Kohli, who continues to defy time with his performances. He has amassed 614 runs in 15 innings at an average of 56 and strike rate of 146.53, including eight half-centuries. His consistency sets the foundation for big totals.
Phil Salt provides explosive starts, as seen in Qualifier 1 when he scored 56 off 27 balls. Rajat Patidar brings stability in the middle order, often anchoring the innings after the openers fall. Jitesh Sharma can change the game with his power-hitting, like his 85* off 33 against LSG.
In the lower order, Romario Shepherd and Tim David add firepower. The bowlers also stepped up when it mattered most — Josh Hazlewood returned from injury and took 3/21 in 3.1 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya provide control, while Yash Dayal and Suyash Sharma picked up five wickets combined in the last match.
Predicted Playing XI:
Virat Kohli, Phil 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 Preview
Punjab Kings have made a remarkable turnaround, bouncing back from a heavy loss in Qualifier 1 to reach the final again after 11 years. Captain Shreyas Iyer was the hero in Qualifier 2, smashing 87* off 41 balls to chase down 204 comfortably against Mumbai Indians.
Their batting has been consistent throughout the season. Prabhsimran Singh (523 runs) and Priyansh Arya (451 runs) have given solid starts, while Shreyas Iyer (597 runs at SR 175) has anchored the middle order with flair and aggression.
Nehal Wadhera chips in with useful cameos, scoring 48 off 29 in the last match. Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis offer depth and finishing ability, and Shashank Singh ensures they stay calm in pressure chases.
The bowling unit has its strengths and weaknesses. Arshdeep Singh leads the pace attack with 18 wickets at an economy of 8.79, known for his death bowling. Kyle Jamieson has been inconsistent but effective in key matches, while Yuzvendra Chahal returns to lead the spin department alongside Vijaykumar Vyshak.
With momentum from their Qualifier 2 win, Punjab will look to upset RCB and claim their maiden IPL title.
Predicted Playing XI:
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
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Favourite Team | Why? |
|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | While RCB have been dominant all season, Punjab’s recent victory over MI gives them a psychological edge going into the final. Their batting lineup is stronger and more explosive, especially with Shreyas Iyer in top form. RCB have beaten Punjab twice this season, but those wins came before Punjab found their rhythm. With better balance and momentum, Punjab looks slightly ahead in this final clash. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player Name | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batsman | RCB | Consistent run-getter; vital opener |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batsman | PBKS | Explosive captain and finisher |
| Josh Inglis | WK-Batsman | PBKS | Power-hitter in top form |
| Rajat Patidar | Batsman | RCB | Anchor in middle-order |
| Liam Livingstone | All-rounder | RCB | Big-hitter and handy bowler |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder | RCB | Finisher and occasional bowler |
| Krunal Pandya | All-rounder | RCB | Control option with bat and ball |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | PBKS | Death-over specialist |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Bowler | PBKS | Key spinner with wicket-taking ability |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | RCB | New-ball threat and economical |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler | RCB | Skilled pacer with control and swing |
Explanation:
This fantasy XI combines top performers from both teams. RCB’s Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) are must-picks due to their form and impact. Josh Inglis offers explosive starts, while Rajat Patidar and Romario Shepherd bring stability and finish. Bowling options include Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, Arshdeep, and Chahal — all proven wicket-takers.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions:
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – Form player and aggressive captain.
- Vice-Captain: Virat Kohli (RCB) – Most consistent performer of the season.
Players to Avoid:
- Jitesh Sharma (RCB) – Unreliable and not a regular starter.
- Azmatullah Omarzai (PBKS) – Limited impact with bat and bowl recently.
Team Squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad (IPL 2025):
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, Mahipal Lomror, Anuj Rawat, Philip Salt, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Finn Allen, Will Jacks, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Akash Deep, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mayank Agarwal, Siddharth Kaul, Karn Sharma, Aneurin Donald, Mitchell Santner
Punjab Kings Squad (IPL 2025):
Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Jitesh Sharma, Matthew Wade, Liam Livingstone, Rahul Chahar, Gurkeerat Singh, Harpreet Brar, Abhishek Sharma, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vaibhav Arora, Akashdeep Brar, Siddharth Kaul, Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Porel, Mohit Rathee, Aryan Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Nathan Ellis, Jagadeesan Narayan, Baltej Singh, Shivam Singh, Harjas Singh, Karun Nair, Pratham Singh, Umran Malik (injured)
Probable Playing XI
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Punjab Kings |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Priyansh Arya |
| Philip Salt | Josh Inglis (wk) |
| Rajat Patidar (c) | Shreyas Iyer (c) |
| Liam Livingstone | Nehal Wadhera |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) | Marcus Stoinis |
| Romario Shepherd | Shashank Singh |
| Krunal Pandya | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Kyle Jamieson |
| Yash Dayal | Vijaykumar Vyshak |
| Josh Hazlewood | Arshdeep Singh |
| Suyash Sharma | Yuzvendra Chahal |
| Impact Player:Mayank Agarwal | Impact Player:Prabhsimran Singh |
Pitch Report
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Batting Conditions: Excellent for strokeplay; flat and true bounce.
- Bowling Conditions: Pacers get early movement; slower deliveries effective later. Spinners find some grip.
- Recent Scores: Teams batting first have posted totals above 200 in recent matches.
- Second Innings: Chasing becomes harder as dew sets in and scoring slows down.
Ideal Total: 210–215
Toss Prediction
Given that six of the eight matches at this venue have been won by the chasing side, the toss is likely to be opted for batting first . The pitch supports high scores, and putting up a big total gives a psychological advantage.
Winner Prediction
Both teams are evenly matched, but Punjab’s improved form and stronger batting lineup give them a slight edge. However, RCB’s experience and superior record against Punjab this season cannot be ignored.
🎯 Final Verdict: Punjab Kings to win and claim their first-ever IPL title.
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
