Introduction: A Historic Showdown at Narendra Modi Stadium
On June 3, 2025, the cricketing world turned its eyes to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) locked horns in the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final. This clash marked a pivotal moment for both franchises, each chasing their maiden IPL title after years of near misses and passionate fan support. Under the floodlights, with a vibrant crowd roaring, RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, faced off against Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings in a match that promised drama, skill, and unforgettable moments.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. RCB, in their fourth final appearance (previously in 2009, 2011, and 2016), aimed to end their 18-year title drought, driven by the brilliance of stalwart Virat Kohli. PBKS, entering their first-ever IPL final, leaned on Iyer’s calm leadership and a resilient squad to etch their name in history. With both teams showcasing exceptional form throughout the season, the RCB vs PBKS final was poised to be a thrilling tie-breaker in their storied rivalry, which stands at 18 wins each from 36 encounters.
The Build-Up: A Season of Redemption
The journey to the IPL 2025 final was nothing short of spectacular for both teams. RCB, under Patidar’s understated yet fearless captaincy, dominated the season with an unprecedented seven consecutive away victories, a record in IPL’s home-and-away format. Their campaign was marked by clinical performances, particularly in high-pressure chases, with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt forming a formidable opening pair. Their eight-wicket triumph over PBKS in Qualifier 1, powered by Salt’s explosive 56, set the tone for their confidence heading into the final.
PBKS, on the other hand, showcased resilience and grit. After a heartbreaking loss to RCB in Qualifier 1, they bounced back in Qualifier 2, where Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 guided them past Mumbai Indians. The team’s ability to regroup, led by Iyer’s expressive leadership and a potent bowling attack featuring Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, made them a formidable force. The RCB vs PBKS final was not just a battle for the trophy but a clash of contrasting styles—RCB’s aggressive batting versus PBKS’s balanced all-round prowess.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium, buzzed with anticipation. However, a 61% chance of rain, as forecasted by AccuWeather, loomed as a potential spoilsport. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had a reserve day scheduled for June 4, ensuring the match would see a conclusion, rain or shine. Fans, draped in RCB’s red and gold or PBKS’s silver and red, filled the stands, their energy amplified by patriotic performances and an Indian Air Force flypast in a tricolor formation before the toss.
The Toss and Team Lineups
As the captains walked out for the toss, the atmosphere was electric. Shreyas Iyer won the coin flip and elected to bowl first, a decision influenced by the possibility of dew aiding the chasing side on Ahmedabad’s batting-friendly pitch. Both teams fielded unchanged lineups, sticking to their trusted combinations.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI:
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood.
Punjab Kings Playing XI:
Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh.
Concerns arose about Phil Salt’s participation due to reports of his recent round trip to England for the birth of his child. However, RCB received a boost when Salt was spotted arriving at the stadium, dispelling doubts about jet lag affecting his performance. PBKS, meanwhile, faced uncertainty over Yuzvendra Chahal’s availability due to a minor injury concern, but the spinner was cleared to play, bolstering their bowling attack.
First Innings: RCB’s Explosive Start
RCB’s innings began with a bang as Virat Kohli and Phil Salt took the crease against Arshdeep Singh’s new-ball attack. The duo wasted no time, capitalizing on the powerplay with a flurry of boundaries. Kohli, in scintillating form throughout IPL 2025, showcased his trademark cover drives, while Salt’s aggressive strokeplay, including a towering six off Kyle Jamieson, set the tone. By the end of the powerplay, RCB raced to 62/0, with Salt contributing 38 off 22 balls.
PBKS responded with spin, introducing Yuzvendra Chahal in the seventh over. The move paid dividends as Chahal’s googly deceived Salt, who edged a cut to Josh Inglis behind the stumps, departing for 42. Mayank Agarwal joined Kohli, and the pair steadied the innings with a 65-run partnership. Kohli’s ability to rotate the strike while punishing loose deliveries kept the scoreboard ticking, but Agarwal fell to Vijaykumar Vyshak’s slower ball, caught at deep midwicket for 34.
Rajat Patidar, RCB’s captain, arrived with intent, smashing two consecutive sixes off Harpreet Brar. However, PBKS’s spinners tightened the screws in the middle overs, with Chahal and Brar exploiting the pitch’s slight turn. Kohli reached his fifty but fell to Chahal’s leg-break, caught at long-on for 68 off 46 balls. At 142/3 after 15 overs, RCB were well-placed but needed a strong finish.
Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma provided the late flourish. Livingstone’s brute power saw him clear the ropes thrice, while Sharma’s quickfire 28 off 14 balls pushed RCB to a formidable 204/5 in 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of PBKS’s bowlers, finishing with 2/38, while Chahal’s 2/32 underlined his value. The target was daunting, but PBKS’s aggressive batting lineup, coupled with the dew factor, kept the chase within reach.
Second Innings: PBKS’s Fight for Glory
Chasing 205, PBKS needed a solid start, but RCB’s pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood struck early. Priyansh Arya was dismissed for 12, trapped lbw by Kumar’s inswinger, and Josh Inglis fell to Hazlewood’s pinpoint yorker, leaving PBKS at 28/2 in the fourth over. Shreyas Iyer, the linchpin of PBKS’s batting, anchored the innings with Nehal Wadhera, who had been a revelation in the middle order throughout the season.
Iyer’s calm demeanor shone through as he picked gaps and kept the required run rate in check. Wadhera, displaying maturity beyond his years, complemented Iyer with crisp drives and lofted cover shots. Their 82-run partnership revived PBKS’s hopes, but RCB’s spinners, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, turned the tide. Pandya’s arm ball dismissed Wadhera for 41, caught at deep square leg, while Sharma’s googly accounted for Marcus Stoinis, who miscued a lofted shot.
With 64 needed off the last five overs, Iyer accelerated, targeting Yash Dayal’s medium pace. A 22-run 16th over, including two sixes from Iyer, swung the momentum back toward PBKS. However, Hazlewood’s return proved decisive. The Australian pacer dismissed Shashank Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai in quick succession, leaving PBKS at 156/5 after 18 overs.
The 19th over, bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was a masterclass in death bowling. Iyer, attempting to clear long-off, was caught for a valiant 76 off 52 balls, tilting the game in RCB’s favor. With 28 runs needed off the final over, Yash Dayal held his nerve, conceding just 12 runs as PBKS finished at 192/7. RCB clinched a 12-run victory, sparking wild celebrations among players and fans alike.
Key Performances and Turning Points
RCB’s Heroes
- Virat Kohli (68 off 46): Kohli’s anchoring role set the platform for RCB’s total, blending caution with aggression. His ability to dominate PBKS’s spinners in the middle overs was crucial.
- Phil Salt (42 off 26): Salt’s explosive powerplay knock gave RCB the early momentum, putting PBKS on the back foot.
- Josh Hazlewood (3/34): Hazlewood’s double strike in the 18th over broke PBKS’s backbone, earning him the Player of the Match award.
- Yash Dayal (1/40): Dayal’s composure in the final over sealed RCB’s victory under immense pressure.
PBKS’s Standouts
- Shreyas Iyer (76 off 52): Iyer’s composed innings nearly pulled off the chase, showcasing his leadership and batting prowess.
- Nehal Wadhera (41 off 33): Wadhera’s maturity in the middle order kept PBKS in the hunt, building on his reputation as a clutch performer.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (2/32): Chahal’s wickets of Salt and Kohli stemmed RCB’s flow, proving his worth despite fitness concerns.
- Arshdeep Singh (2/38): Arshdeep’s disciplined bowling restricted RCB’s late surge, keeping PBKS in the game.
Turning Points
- Chahal’s Breakthrough: Dismissing Phil Salt in the seventh over slowed RCB’s scoring rate, allowing PBKS to claw back.
- Kohli’s Departure: Kohli’s dismissal in the 15th over handed PBKS a chance to restrict RCB below 200, though Livingstone and Sharma’s late blitz countered this.
- Hazlewood’s 18th Over: Removing Singh and Omarzai in quick succession shifted the momentum decisively toward RCB.
- Iyer’s Fall: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s dismissal of Iyer in the 19th over all but sealed PBKS’s fate, leaving the tail with too much to do.
Analysis: What Worked and What Didn’t
RCB’s victory was a testament to their balanced squad and tactical acumen. Their decision to rely on their pace-heavy attack in the death overs paid off, with Hazlewood and Kumar outsmarting PBKS’s batsmen. Kohli’s experience and Salt’s aggression provided a robust batting foundation, while Patidar’s captaincy ensured calm decision-making under pressure. RCB’s ability to chase big totals throughout the season translated into defending one in the final, with their bowlers executing plans perfectly.
PBKS, despite the loss, showed remarkable fight. Iyer’s leadership and Wadhera’s composure highlighted their potential, but their inability to capitalize on early wickets in RCB’s innings proved costly. The absence of a second reliable spinner alongside Chahal allowed RCB’s middle order to dominate, while their batsmen struggled against RCB’s pace in the death overs. PBKS’s aggressive approach, while admirable, lacked the finishing touch needed in a high-stakes final.
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium favored batsmen, with dew aiding the chasing side, but RCB’s bowlers adapted better to the conditions. The 61% chance of rain fortunately did not materialize, allowing a full 40-over contest that showcased both teams’ strengths and weaknesses.
The Rivalry: A Historical Perspective
The RCB vs PBKS rivalry is one of the IPL’s most balanced, with both teams winning 18 of their 36 encounters before the 2025 final. Their history dates back to 2008, when PBKS, then Kings XI Punjab, dominated early meetings. Notable moments include PBKS’s 111-run victory in 2011, powered by Adam Gilchrist’s 106, and RCB’s 138-run thrashing in 2015, led by Chris Gayle’s 117. Recent seasons have tilted in RCB’s favor, with four wins in their last five matches against PBKS, including a commanding performance in Qualifier 1.
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The 2025 final added a new chapter to this storied rivalry. RCB’s victory not only clinched their maiden title but also gave them a slight edge in the head-to-head record, now standing at 19-18. The match highlighted the contrasting philosophies of the two sides—RCB’s reliance on star power and PBKS’s team-oriented approach—making their clashes a perennial highlight of the IPL.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The RCB vs PBKS final set social media ablaze, with fans from both camps flooding platforms like X with reactions. RCB supporters celebrated Kohli’s masterclass and Hazlewood’s heroics, while PBKS fans lauded Iyer’s valiant effort. Posts on X captured the emotional rollercoaster, with one user writing, “Virat Kohli proving why he’s the GOAT! RCB finally break the jinx!” Another praised PBKS, stating, “Shreyas Iyer fought like a lion, but RCB’s bowlers were just too good.”
The pre-match buzz included RJ Mahvash, rumored to be Yuzvendra Chahal’s girlfriend, resharing her prediction of an RCB vs PBKS final, which went viral after PBKS’s Qualifier 2 win. The Indian Air Force’s flypast and Shankar Mahadevan’s tribute to the armed forces added patriotic fervor, with videos circulating widely online. Despite the loss, PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta’s heartfelt post congratulating RCB and praising her team’s spirit resonated with fans, amassing thousands of likes.
What’s Next for RCB and PBKS?
For RCB, the IPL 2025 title marks the culmination of an 18-year journey. The victory cements their status as a powerhouse and sets the stage for a new era under Patidar’s leadership. With Kohli still in prime form and young talents like Yash Dayal emerging, RCB will aim to build a dynasty in future seasons. Their focus will be on retaining core players and strengthening their spin department to complement their pace-heavy attack.
PBKS, though heartbroken, have much to build on. Reaching their first final is a significant milestone, and Iyer’s leadership has galvanized the squad. The emergence of Nehal Wadhera and the consistency of Arshdeep Singh and Chahal provide a strong foundation. PBKS will look to bolster their middle order and add depth to their bowling to challenge for the title in 2026.
FAQs
1. Who won the IPL 2025 final between RCB and PBKS?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL 2025 final, defeating Punjab Kings by 12 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3, 2025.
2. Who was the Player of the Match in the RCB vs PBKS final?
Josh Hazlewood was named Player of the Match for his match-defining 3/34, including crucial wickets in the death overs.
3. What was the target set by RCB in the IPL 2025 final?
RCB set a target of 205 runs for PBKS, scoring 204/5 in their 20 overs, led by Virat Kohli’s 68 and Liam Livingstone’s late blitz.
4. How did the weather impact the RCB vs PBKS final?
Despite a 61% chance of rain, the match proceeded without interruptions, allowing a full 40-over contest.
5. What is the head-to-head record between RCB and PBKS after the 2025 final?
After the 2025 final, RCB leads the head-to-head record 19-18, having won 19 of their 37 encounters against PBKS.
Conclusion: A Milestone for RCB, A Promise for PBKS
The RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final was a spectacle that lived up to its billing. RCB’s triumph ended years of heartbreak, delivering a long-awaited title to their passionate fanbase. Virat Kohli’s brilliance, Josh Hazlewood’s precision, and Rajat Patidar’s calm leadership were the cornerstones of their victory. For PBKS, the loss stung, but Shreyas Iyer’s heroics and the team’s spirited campaign signaled a bright future.
As the cricketing world celebrates RCB’s historic win, the RCB vs PBKS rivalry continues to captivate. With both teams showcasing immense talent and determination, their next encounter promises to be another blockbuster. For now, RCB basks in the glory of their maiden IPL crown, while PBKS vows to return stronger, ready to claim their own moment in the sun.
Reference:
- India Today: IPL 2025 Final, RCB vs PBKS
- Inside Sport India: RCB vs PBKS Match Prediction
- Business Standard: RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final
- Sportstar: RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction
- Jagran Josh: RCB vs PBKS Head to Head
- Olympics.com: RCB vs PBKS Head-to-Head Record
