The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 finale has arrived, with Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore fighting for the ultimate glory. The RCB had booked their place in the IPL final after a strong performance against Punjab Kings in the first Eliminator. PBKS, however, bounced back in the most dramatic fashion, and stunned Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to set up a highly anticipated title clash with RCB at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Punjab Kings are set to make just their second appearance in an IPL final. Their maiden final came back in 2014 — then playing as Kings XI Punjab — where they fell short against Kolkata Knight Riders. Notably, that season remains their only playoff qualification since the knockout format was introduced in 2011. This year, skipper Shreyas Iyer has carved his name into the history books by becoming the first player to captain three different franchises in an IPL final — having earlier led Delhi Capitals in 2020 and steering KKR to the championship in 2024.
| Season | Team Name | Stage Reached | Final Result | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Kings XI Punjab | Final | Lost to Kolkata Knight Riders | George Bailey |
| 2025 | Punjab Kings | Final | TBD | Shreyas Iyer |
RCB will be playing their fourth IPL final, having finished as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016 — losing to Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively.
PBKS and RCB had finished first and second in the league stage, each securing nine wins, four losses, and one no-result from their 14 matches. Their net run rates were nearly identical. In their league meetings, PBKS defeated RCB in Bengaluru, while RCB returned the favour in Mullanpur.
The two sides clashed again in Qualifier 1 on May 29 in Mullanpur, where RCB bowled PBKS out for just 101 and chased down the target with ten overs to spare, becoming the first team to reach the final. PBKS then travelled to Ahmedabad to face Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, defeating them for the second time in a week to book their spot in the final.
RCB vs PBKS: Key players
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Shreyas Iyer (Captain): Leading from the front, Iyer scored an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls in Qualifier 2, marking his 50th win as an IPL captain.
Priyansh Arya: The young opener made headlines with a 39-ball century against Chennai Super Kings, showcasing his explosive batting prowess.
Arshdeep Singh: PBKS’s leading wicket-taker, Arshdeep became the highest wicket-taker in the franchise’s IPL history this season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Virat Kohli: Consistent as ever, Kohli amassed 614 runs this season, anchoring RCB’s batting lineup.
Josh Hazlewood: The Australian pacer led RCB’s bowling attack with 21 wickets, playing a crucial role in their journey to the final.
Phil Salt: The wicketkeeper-batsman contributed significantly with 8 catches and 19 dismissals, enhancing RCB’s fielding strength.
RCB vs PBKS: Team performance overview
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | No Result | Points | Net Run Rate | Top Run-Scorer | Top Wicket-Taker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 19 | +0.512 | Shreyas Iyer (614 runs) | Arshdeep Singh (21 wickets) |
| RCB | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 19 | +0.478 | Virat Kohli (614 runs) | Josh Hazlewood (21 wickets) |
RCB vs PBKS: Statistical prediction
Analysing the season’s statistics, RCB appears to have a slight edge:
Batting Consistency: Both teams boast top run-scorers with 614 runs each, but RCB’s batting lineup has shown more depth and consistency throughout the season.
Bowling Attack: While both Arshdeep Singh and Josh Hazlewood have 21 wickets, RCB’s bowling unit has demonstrated better control in crucial matches.
Fielding Efficiency: RCB’s fielding, highlighted by Phil Salt’s 19 dismissals, has been more effective, potentially impacting tight matches.
Given these factors, RCB holds a statistical advantage heading into the final.