RCB vs PBKS: IPL 2025 Final Preview – June 3, 2025

Date: June 3, 2025
Time: 15:00 GMT (18:30 IST)
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) – IPL 2025 Final

Match Overview

After a thrilling and tightly contested campaign, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will finally meet in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) final. This is the first time the two teams have reached the final without prior IPL titles, making this encounter a historic one in the league's storied history.

The RCB, captained by veteran opener Rajat Patidar, will be aiming to end a long-standing drought. The team has reached the final for the fourth time in their history, having previously lost in 2009, 2011, and 2016. With Virat Kohli leading the batting charge and a well-balanced squad, RCB is a strong contender for the title.

On the other hand, Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, will be looking to make amends for a season that saw them finish second in the league stage. With a potent batting line-up and a reliable bowling attack, PBKS will be confident of delivering a strong performance in Ahmedabad.

Key Talking Points

1. RCB: A Final on the Horizon

This final could be the turning point in RCB's history. The team has been in the final three times but has fallen short each time. With Virat Kohli in scintillating form—scoring 602 runs in 13 matches at an average of 60.20 and a strike rate of 147.91—RCB has the firepower to dismantle any opposition.

Australia legend Shane Watson and former RCB star AB de Villiers have both expressed confidence in RCB's chances. De Villiers, in particular, praised Kohli's focus and leadership, calling him "the ultimate team man" and predicting a big role for the Indian captain in the final.

2. PBKS: The Underdogs with a Strong Squad

Punjab Kings will enter the final as underdogs but will be buoyed by their consistent performances this season. The team’s batting line-up, featuring Shikhar Dhawan, Jitesh Sharma, and Mayank Agarwal, has been a consistent threat, while the bowling unit, led by Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh, can dismantle oppositions with its pace and precision.

PBKS has also benefited from strategic signings and in-form players, which has given them a balanced approach in both batting and bowling.

3. The Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is one of the most iconic T20 venues in the world. The pitch is generally good for batting, with a bit of assistance for the seamers in the early overs. With favorable weather conditions expected, the teams will be looking to chase big totals or enforce a win by posting a formidable score.

Head-to-Head Record

• RCB vs PBKS (IPL Head-to-Head):
  • RCB leads the head-to-head 14-10 in a total of 24 matches.
  • In the 2025 Qualifier 1, RCB defeated PBKS by 8 wickets, with PBKS managing 142/9 and RCB chasing it down with 4 balls to spare.

Probable Playing XI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

1. Virat Kohli (C)
2. Phil Salt
3. Glenn Maxwell
4. Dinesh Karthik (WK)
5. Ravindra Jadeja
6. Bhuvi Bhuvneshwar Kumar
7. Josh Hazlewood
8. Mohammed Siraj
9. Wanindu Hasaranga
10. Harshal Patel
11. Rajat Patidar (C)

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

1. Shikhar Dhawan
2. Shreyas Iyer (C)
3. Jitesh Sharma (WK)
4. Mayank Agarwal
5. Sam Curran
6. Harshal Patel
7. Arshdeep Singh
8. Ravi Bishnoi
9. Sandeep Sharma
10. Chris Gayle
11. Shubman Gill

Match Prediction

With Virat Kohli in blistering form and RCB’s squad gelling together as a unit, the team is in a strong position to claim the title. Shane Watson and AB de Villiers have both backed RCB, with Kohli predicted to be the Man of the Match. However, Punjab Kings’ balanced squad and experience in tight matches make them a dangerous opponent.

Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win the 2025 IPL title.
Man of the Match: Virat Kohli

Live Streaming & Telecast

Live Streaming: Hotstar, SonyLIV, and other regional platforms
Telecast: Star Sports Network (India)

Fantasy Picks

Best Batter: Virat Kohli (RCB)
Best Bowler: Harshal Patel (PBKS)
Impact Player: Wanindu Hasaranga (RCB)

Conclusion

The 2025 IPL final between RCB and PBKS promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams having a strong case to win. For RCB, this is an opportunity to end a decades-long wait, while PBKS will be looking to make history by claiming their first title. With Virat Kohli at his best and a well-rounded RCB squad, the final is one not to be missed.

Let the battle for the trophy begin.
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