IPL 2025 Finals is set for an epic clash, with history in making as RCB and PBKS will go head-to-head in the ultimate championship encounter.
They say history repeats itself. Rightly so, after over two-months of intense league clashes and ten teams fighting it out to make their way into the playoffs, two teams that have remained elusive from the IPL trophy since IPL 2008 will take-on each other in the finale on June 3, Tuesday. The Indian Premier League (IPL) will witness a new champion for the first time since 2016, after Punjab Kings (PBKS) beat Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to set up a summit clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Neither of the two finalists have won the IPL before, making it a moment to cherish for lifetime, as one of them will definitely rewrite a new chapter in the books of IPL.
The IPL has built a reputation for creating some brilliant memories, ever since its first edition, way back in 2008. In the extensive spectacle that IPL is, cricket dreams are shaped, and legends are built for players coming from different regions across the globe.
RCB has played three finals previously, having finished runners-up in 2009, 2011 and 2016 to Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively. PBKS have made it to the final only once before, in 2014, when they were known as the Kings XI Punjab and were runners-up to Kolkata Knight Riders. The penultimate match is set to take place on Tuesday, June 3, in Ahmedabad at Narendra Modi stadium.
Punjab’s captain Shreyas Iyer is the first IPL player ever to lead three different teams to the finals – he was captain of Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2020 and led KKR to the championship title in IPL 2024. PBKS and RCB had finished Nos. 1 and 2 on the points table in the league stage, with nine wins, four defeats and one no-result for both teams in 14 games. There was a marginal difference between their net run rates too.
The first playoff encounter between the opponents took place on May 29 in Qualifier 1, where RCB won the fixture dominantly and proceeded directly into the finale. PBKS were unfortunately dismissed completely for 101, on their home venue itself and the hosts won in style, with ten overs to spare. Not one to let it go by, the Punjab Kings bounced back and how, as the skipper Shreyas Iyer reinstated his belief of only losing a battle, not the war.
The Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians displayed his and the team’s vigour, aggression, brutal intensity and sheer confidence to ride the victory wave no matter what. It was the first time that RCB and PBKS teams met in an IPL playoff and will now clash again in the final, with one getting the better off other.
PBKS vs RCB: Head-to-Head
Neither side has ever lifted the IPL trophy, so the last ride will promise to end a long wait. Both teams have won 18 matches each, out of their 36 total meetings, proving a classic rivalry and setting the stage evenly to beat the other.
In IPL 2025 though, out of their three encounters between both the teams, Bengaluru have won two matches (01 League and 01 Playoff), while PBKS have emerged victorious just once.
- The first-time captain Rajat Patidar-led Bengaluru side has qualified for the finals for the 4th time this year, after performing consistently throughout the edition. Under his leadership coupled with Virat Kohli’s active involvement as the proxy-skipper, the entire team has displayed vigour and feisty spirit to make them one of the strongest contenders to lift the title. In terms of the popularity, RCB triumphs over all other rivals – as the team with highest social media following of devoted, and passionate supporters who season after season troop into grounds to chant ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’.
- For Punjab Kings, their only final appearance in 18 editions of playing IPL came through in 2014, which made them runners-up back then. However, this year they were the table-toppers prior to playoffs and have played remarkably throughout the season. The duo of Ricky Ponting-Shreyas Iyer tactically guided their squad, with different players stepping up to take charge on different occasions and helping the team cross the finish line. His unwavering captaincy and sublime form, with Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin bowling, Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis’s batting may just be the perfect impetus to make the Punjab men emerge as the ultimate winners.
With both Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings seeking their first victory title, the stakes are soaring high as one team will be ending an 18-year drought to lay their hands on the coveted trophy, while the other will face heartbreak once again, coming so close yet not there. Analysts suggest RCB may have a slightly higher advantage due to their recent form and momentum. However, PBKS’s resilience and Iyer’s stoic leadership make them formidable opponents. The final is slated to be a thrilling contest, potentially culminating in a long-awaited triumph for either of the sides. As a true-blue cricket fan, seeing Punjab Kings lift their maiden trophy and winning IPL 2025 title will be an endearing memory to cherish, purely for the brilliant season they have had as a unit and the spark visible in each of the squad members.
It’s one last ride, until a new season next year comes to the limelight.
FAQs on IPL 2025
1) Where is the IPL 2025 final?
The IPL 2025 final set for June 3 will take place at Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
2) Who is the Orange Cap Holder of IPL 2025?
Sai Sudharsan has emerged as the Orange Cap holder of IPL 2025, with 759 runs from 15 innings played in the season. He is part of the Gujarat Titans squad.
3) Who is the Purple Cap Holder of IPL 2025?
Prasidh Krishna has emerged as the Purple Cap holder of IPL 2025, with 25 wickets from 15 innings played in the season. He is part of the Gujarat Titans squad.
The post IPL 2025: A First-Time Champion in Making; Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Epic Clash Awaited appeared first on Sportzcraazy.
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