IPL 2025 Final, RCB vs PBKS – Tactical Preview

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Can Punjab top order hold fort against RCB seamers' hard length?

Punjab's top order has been the foundation of their success, but RCB's seamers have been clinical in dismissing them. RCB seamers have picked 13 wickets at 22.53 with a wicket every 17.3 balls of these lengths, the best among seam attacks in Powerplay across the season. Punjab, on the other hand, has lost 18 wickets to these lengths with an average of 22.22 and balls per dismissal of 14.2 amongst the bottom rungs in this phase.

Shreyas Iyer and the RCB jinx

Shreyas Iyer has an exceptional record in IPL games in Ahmedabad, but RCB's seamers have been a scourge for him. He has been dismissed nine times across 85 balls conceding only 73 runs. Hazlewood has been particularly effective against him, getting the better of the batter four times in just 22 balls.

Suyash Sharma vs Punjab's middle order

Suyash Sharma has been good against right-handers, and Punjab's middle order is heavily reliant on right-handers. He has bowled flatter, faster, and attacked the stumps resulting in all five dismissals against Punjab being bowled or LBW.

A crucial new ball spell for Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep has a good matchup against Salt, but he has not hit the straps in recent games. Punjab will want to get their middle order exposed to spin with the run rate pressure fully on.

Attack Punjab's fifth bowler combination

Punjab's seam bowling all-rounders have struggled to pick up wickets, and RCB will look to exploit this weakness.

Vyshak as third seamer or Brar against right-heavy RCB lineup?

Punjab will have to decide between Vyshak Vijaykumar as the specialist third seamer or Harpreet Brar, who has been effective against RCB in the past.

RCB batters vs Punjab spin twins in T20

RCB's batters have been exceptional against Punjab's spin twins, with Salt and Kohli being particularly effective.