RCB vs PBKS – An IPL final that could bring huge excitement or deep disappointment
RCB vs PBKS – An IPL final that could bring huge excitement or deep disappointment
IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS Set for the Final Clash. Rain is expected to play some role, both teams look to lift the IPL trophy for the first time.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), two teams that have been part of the league since its very first season, will battle for their maiden title. Over the years, both franchises have experienced heartbreaking finishes and near-misses, unable to claim the winning title despite moments of brilliance. Tonight, one of them will finally lift the IPL trophy, while the other will leave the field once again with shattered dreams.
The Holy Trinity Breaks
In IPL fan circles, RCB and PBKS, along with Delhi Capitals (DC), have been called the "Holy Trinity" of teams that have never won the trophy. It started as a joke but over time, fans have embraced it with a mix of humor and shared struggle. Tonight, that will change. One of these teams will finally become champions, while the other will face yet another heartbreak.
For PBKS, losing would mean another frustrating rebuild something their fans are all too familiar with. This season had all the ingredients for an underdog success story: a head coach who took a chance on a captain eager to prove himself, young and unheralded local players stepping up, and a team that finally found unity. They created an environment where talent flourished, where the belief in winning felt genuine. But if they fall short tonight, it will be yet another year where promise failed to turn into actual triumph.
RCB have a different kind of pain. They’ve reached three previous finals, only to fall short every time. Each time they entered a final, there was hope that somehow, this year would be different. But each time, they walked away without the trophy. This season, however, they seemed to have found their perfect balance: explosive batting backed by solid bowling, star power paired with dependable role players. If they lose again tonight, all that promise will feel just like their past campaigns full of potential but destined for heartbreak.
The Virat Kohli Factor
Then there’s Virat Kohli. Few players in IPL history have been as synonymous with a franchise as Kohli has been with RCB. He has carried this team, often single-handedly, for years. This season, he has once again delivered spectacular performances, scoring more than 500 runs his eighth such season, a record. Over the last year, Kohli has seen enormous highs: winning the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy, retiring from Test cricket, and continuing his dominance in shorter formats. But the IPL title has always eluded him. Could destiny really deny the man who wears the number 18 on his back an IPL trophy in his 18th season?
Key Players: Patidar and Chahal
Rajat Patidar has been one of RCB’s standout performers, playing a fearless brand of cricket that helped his team break long-standing losing streaks against Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. His numbers 286 runs at a strike rate of 142.28 don’t fully capture his influence. He has set the tone for RCB throughout the season, but his form has dipped in recent games. If RCB are to win, they’ll need him at his best, especially against a PBKS lineup that thrives on high-scoring conditions.
On the other side, Yuzvendra Chahal enters the final with plenty to prove. Technically, he has won an IPL trophy having been part of the Mumbai Indians squad in 2013 but he wasn’t a key player then. He has lost two finals since, with RCB and Rajasthan Royals, and tonight, he faces the team that he played for eight seasons. He missed PBKS' loss to RCB in Qualifier 1 due to a hand injury but returned to take a key wicket against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. If Chahal plays tonight, his ability to control the middle overs will be crucial.
Team News: Will Tim David Return?
RCB’s biggest lineup question is Tim David, who missed the last two matches with a hamstring injury. If he is fit, he will likely return in place of Liam Livingstone, providing RCB with more firepower in the middle order.
PBKS, having won Qualifier 2 against MI at the same venue, are expected to field the same XI. Chahal played in that match but was reportedly not at full fitness. If his hand prevents him from playing, PBKS might go in with just one spinner or bring in Harpreet Brar.
Pitch and Conditions: Runs Galore in Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium has been the highest-scoring venue of IPL 2025, with totals regularly exceeding 200. In eight matches, teams batting first have passed the 200-run mark seven times and even gone beyond 220 on four occasions. The team batting first has won six out of eight games, yet captains have opted to chase seven times, possibly struggling to assess the right target in such high-scoring conditions.
PBKS have an advantage here, having played twice at this venue and winning both matches. RCB, however, have not played here at all this season, which could make their task even tougher. A reserve day is in place if rain disrupts the final.
Tactical Battles: Hazlewood’s Threat and Kohli’s Middle Overs
Josh Hazlewood has been one of RCB’s biggest bowling threats and has already taken six wickets against PBKS this season. He has particularly troubled Josh Inglis and Shreyas Iyer, dismissing both twice each. His record against Iyer is especially lethal: four wickets for just 11 runs in 22 balls. If RCB are to win, Hazlewood’s performance in the powerplay will be crucial.
Suyash Sharma has shown a clear preference for bowling to right-hand batters, taking five wickets against PBKS' right-handers while struggling against their left-handers. The only left-hander in PBKS’ middle order, Nehal Wadhera, has taken advantage of this, scoring freely against Suyash in their previous matchups.
Despite his aggressive batting style, Kohli still tends to slow down in the middle overs. His strike rate between overs 7-10 has been among the lowest in the tournament, which could be an opening for PBKS to apply pressure.
The Final Verdict
Tonight’s IPL final is more than just a match it’s the climax of years of frustration and hope for two franchises that have always believed their time would come. After 17 seasons of heartbreak, one team will finally celebrate victory, while the other will be left wondering when, or if, their chance will ever arrive. Few finals have ever promised so much joy and so much heartbreak at the same time.
For RCB, it’s about breaking a painful cycle. For PBKS, it’s about proving their rebuild was worth it. For Kohli, it’s about finally adding the missing trophy to his glittering career.
Tonight, the wait ends for one team, at least.