For over a decade, fans of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have waited, hoped, and endured heartbreak after heartbreak. Be it RCB’s three runners-up finishes (2009, 2011, 2016) or PBKS’ solitary final appearance in 2014, both franchises have flirted with glory without ever sealing the deal. But IPL 2025 has rewritten the script. The grand finale of the world’s most-watched T20 league will feature two teams chasing history, a new champion guaranteed, and a closure long overdue.
This isn’t just a clash of cricketing strategy or power-hitting brilliance. It’s an emotional release for millions of fans who’ve worn their hearts on their sleeves. From AB de Villiers’ teary farewell to KL Rahul’s brave yet fruitless efforts, from auction table blunders to mid-season breakdowns, these two franchises have seen it all. Yet, here they are on the cusp of glory.
Road to the Final:
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): The Redemption Arc
Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB entered the season under pressure. With Virat Kohli reclaiming his purple patch and Josh Hazlewood & Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivering fire with the new ball, they stormed through the league stages. A critical win over defending champions Punjab Kings sealed their place in the Finals. From there, RCB was clinical, dispatching heavyweights like Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans with sheer dominance.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): The Silent Assassins
PBKS weren’t even in most people’s top-four predictions. But under Shreyas Iyer’s calm leadership and the flair of Priyansh Arya and Shashank Singh, they emerged as dark horses. A series of close finishes hardened them, and in the playoffs, they stunned Mumbai Indians in a thrilling chase and went on to eliminate them in a nail-biting Qualifier 2 to secure a spot in the finals.
Key Players and Their Journey to the Final:
Royal Challengers Bangalore
1) Virat Kohli
You can take the captaincy away, but not the fire. In IPL 2025, Kohli has been the glue and the flame, anchoring innings when needed and exploding when the occasion demanded. His match-winning performance is still vintage, calculated aggression and passionate celebration. With over 614 runs, he enters the final as a man on a mission, desperate to lift the trophy that has eluded him for 17 seasons.
2) Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar has been a reliable performer for RCB, and that is the reason he is captaining this side. In a previous season, he was the third-highest run-scorer for the team, tallying 333 runs at a strike rate of 152.75. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset.
3) Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood has been a cornerstone of the RCB bowling attack in IPL 2025. Despite missing several matches due to a shoulder injury, Hazlewood made a significant impact upon his return. In the Qualifier 1 match against Punjab Kings, he delivered an impressive spell, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs. Hazlewood has played 11 matches, claiming 21 wickets at an average of 17.27 and an economy rate of 8.44.
4) Phil Salt
Phil Salt has emerged as a pivotal force at the top of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting lineup. He has 12 matches this season, scoring 387 runs at an impressive average of 35.18 and a striking strike rate of 175.91. His aggressive approach has provided RCB with explosive starts, setting the tone for their innings. His performance came in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, an unbeaten 56 runs off 27 balls, not only marking his fastest IPL fifty but also propelling RCB into the final.
Punjab Kings
1) Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer has led PBKS with determination and flair. In the Qualifier 2 match against Mumbai Indians, he played a captain’s knock, scoring 87 runs off 41 balls, propelling PBKS into the final. His leadership and batting prowess have been central to PBKS’s success this season. Notably, Iyer has become the first captain to lead three different franchises—Delhi Capitals (2020), Kolkata Knight Riders (2024), and now PBKS (2025) to the IPL final, underscoring his exceptional leadership qualities.
2) Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has been a cornerstone of PBKS’s bowling attack. In IPL 2025, he has taken 17 wickets, showcasing his prowess in the death overs with precise yorkers and deceptive slower balls. His ability to contain runs and take crucial wickets in high-pressure situations has been vital for PBKS’s success this season.
3) Nehal Wadhera
Nehal Wadhera has emerged as a promising talent for PBKS. In the crucial Qualifier 2 match against Mumbai Indians, he contributed a valuable 48 runs off 29 balls, forming an 84-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer that was pivotal in the successful chase. Wadhera’s ability to perform under pressure and his aggressive batting style have made him a key player in PBKS’s lineup.
4) Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal has added experience and guile to the PBKS bowling attack. In IPL 2025, he has taken 13 wickets, providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs and often breaking partnerships to shift the momentum in PBKS’s favour. His leg-spin has been effective in applying pressure on the opposition, making him an invaluable asset in the team’s bowling arsenal.
X-Factors to Watch
1) Romario Shepherd
Romario Shepherd has emerged as a formidable force in RCB’s lineup, particularly noted for his explosive batting in the death overs. In a remarkable display against Chennai Super Kings, Shepherd scored a rapid 50, setting a record for the latest batting position to achieve a half-century in IPL history. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the final overs provides RCB with a significant advantage.
2) Priyansh Arya
Priyansh Arya has been a revelation for PBKS in the 2025 season. In his debut IPL season, he amassed 451 runs across 16 matches, boasting an average of 28.19. His standout performance includes a blistering 103-run innings, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. Arya’s aggressive batting style and consistency at the top order have been instrumental in PBKS’s journey to the final.
3) Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh has provided crucial stability to PBKS’s middle order. Throughout the season, he has accumulated 696 runs in 29 innings, with a highest score of 68. His ability to adapt to different match situations and contribute valuable runs under pressure has been vital for PBKS. Notably, his unbeaten 59 against the Rajasthan Royals was pivotal in securing a playoff spot for the team.
What Makes This Final Special?
- No Former Champion: For the first time since 2008, the IPL will see two title-less teams in the final.
- Emotional Weight: Both teams carry a decade-long burden of fan expectations, player legacies, and franchise image.
- Legacy at Stake: Kohli can finally silence his critics with a trophy. Shreyas Iyer can become the first captain to take PBKS to the promised land.
- Changing of the Guard: A final without MI, CSK, or KKR symbolises the dawn of a new IPL era.
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