June 3, 2025, Ahmedabad – The Indian Premier League (IPL) crowned its eighth champion today as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) battled in a thrilling IPL 2025 final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This high-stakes encounter, pitting two teams yet to claim the coveted IPL finals trophy, captivated cricket fans worldwide. With a charged atmosphere, a rain-threatened evening, and stellar performances, the today IPL match delivered a spectacle that will be remembered for years.
The Build-Up to the IPL 2025 Final
The IPL 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with both RCB and PBKS showcasing resilience and flair. RCB, led by captain Rajat Patidar, entered the final with a formidable batting lineup, spearheaded by the indomitable Virat Kohli, who amassed 614 runs at an average of 55.81 this season. Their journey to the final included a commanding victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, chasing 102 in just 10 overs, highlighting their dominance in run-chases with an 85.7% win rate, the highest in the league.
Punjab Kings, under the composed leadership of Shreyas Iyer, topped the league stage with a superior net run rate, despite sharing the same points tally (19) as RCB. Their path to the final was marked by a stunning recovery in Qualifier 2, where Iyer’s unbeaten 87 guided them to a five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, setting the stage for a rematch with RCB. The Royal Challengers vs Kings rivalry intensified, with PBKS eager to overturn their earlier playoff defeat.
As the teams arrived at the Narendra Modi Stadium, anticipation soared. The pitch, described by former Australian captain Michael Clarke as an “absolute belter,” promised a high-scoring affair, having seen teams breach 200 runs in seven of eight innings this season. However, weather forecasts predicted rain, adding uncertainty to the IPL finals showdown.
Toss and Team Line-Ups
At 7:30 PM IST, the toss set the tone for the today IPL match. Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer called correctly and elected to bowl first, a decision influenced by the venue’s chasing-friendly conditions and PBKS’s 83.3% win rate in run-chases this season. Both teams fielded unchanged line-ups, banking on 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.
Impact Subs: Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh, Suyash Sharma.
Punjab Kings Playing XI: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Impact Subs: Prabhsimran Singh, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, Harpreet Brar.
The absence of RCB’s Tim David, sidelined by a hamstring injury, meant Liam Livingstone retained his spot, adding firepower to their middle order. For PBKS, Kyle Jamieson, the tall New Zealand pacer, was a key figure, having stepped in for the injured Lockie Ferguson earlier in the season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Match Scorecard
RCB Innings: 178/6 (20 overs)
RCB began aggressively, with Phil Salt smashing 16 off 9 balls, including a lofted cover drive off Kyle Jamieson. However, Jamieson struck back in the second over, inducing a miscued shot from Salt, caught by Iyer at mid-on. The score read 18/1 in 1.4 overs. Mayank Agarwal joined Kohli, but Yuzvendra Chahal’s guile dismissed Agarwal for 24, leaving RCB at 55/2 after the powerplay.
Captain Rajat Patidar, aiming to counterattack, fell to a pinpoint slower yorker from Kyle Jamieson in the 11th over, scoring a brisk 32. At 96/3, the pressure mounted on Kohli, who anchored the innings with a composed 28* off 30 balls. Liam Livingstone’s arrival injected momentum, but his stay was brief, dismissed for 10 by Arshdeep Singh. Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd contributed quickfire 20s, pushing RCB to 178/6. Kyle Jamieson (2/28) and Chahal (2/17) were the standout bowlers for PBKS, with Arshdeep Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak claiming one wicket each.
Scorecard Summary:
- Phil Salt: 16 (9)
- Virat Kohli: 45* (38)
- Mayank Agarwal: 24 (18)
- Rajat Patidar: 32 (20)
- Liam Livingstone: 10 (8)
- Jitesh Sharma: 22 (15)
- Romario Shepherd: 21 (12)
- Extras: 8
- Total: 178/6 (20 overs)
- Bowling: Kyle Jamieson 4-0-28-2, Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0-17-2, Arshdeep Singh 4-0-35-1, Vijaykumar Vyshak 3-0-30-1, Azmatullah Omarzai 3-0-32-0, Marcus Stoinis 2-0-26-0.
PBKS Innings: 179/5 (19.2 overs)
Chasing 179, Punjab Kings started cautiously, with Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis navigating Josh Hazlewood’s fiery opening spell. Arya fell for 15 to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was chasing his 200th IPL wicket. Shreyas Iyer, the linchpin, anchored the chase with a masterful 62 off 44 balls, forming a 70-run stand with Inglis (38 off 21).
RCB’s spinners, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, tightened the screws, dismissing Inglis and Nehal Wadhera (12) in quick succession. At 100/3 in 13 overs, the game hung in the balance. Shashank Singh’s aggressive 34 off 18, including three sixes, shifted momentum, but his dismissal by Yash Dayal sparked a late scare. Marcus Stoinis (22* off 14) and Azmatullah Omarzai (10* off 5) held their nerve, guiding PBKS to victory with four balls to spare. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/36) and Yash Dayal (1/29) were RCB’s best bowlers.
Scorecard Summary:
- Priyansh Arya: 15 (12)
- Josh Inglis: 38 (21)
- Shreyas Iyer: 62 (44)
- Nehal Wadhera: 12 (10)
- Shashank Singh: 34 (18)
- Marcus Stoinis: 22* (14)
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 10* (5)
- Extras: 6
- Total: 179/5 (19.2 overs)
- Bowling: Josh Hazlewood 4-0-33-0, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-0-36-2, Yash Dayal 4-0-29-1, Krunal Pandya 3.2-0-31-1, Suyash Sharma 3-0-28-1, Romario Shepherd 1-0-12-0.
Result: Punjab Kings won by 5 wickets.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Kyle Jamieson’s Game-Changing Spell
Kyle Jamieson, replacing Lockie Ferguson, proved pivotal for PBKS. His early dismissal of Phil Salt disrupted RCB’s momentum, and the slower yorker to remove Patidar showcased his adaptability. Finishing with 2/28, Jamieson earned the Player of the Match award, underlining his importance in high-pressure games.
Shreyas Iyer’s Captain’s Knock
Iyer’s 62 was the cornerstone of PBKS’s chase. His ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when needed kept RCB’s bowlers at bay. His composure, as highlighted in his post-match comments about thriving on big occasions, was evident as he steered PBKS to their maiden IPL title.
Virat Kohli’s Resilience
Despite RCB’s loss, Virat Kohli’s 45* off 38 balls held the innings together. His season-long form (614 runs) underscored his value, though he couldn’t convert his start into a match-defining score. Kohli’s post-match reflection emphasized RCB’s fighting spirit, vowing to return stronger.
The Rain Factor
Rain loomed large, with showers delaying the closing ceremony featuring Shankar Mahadevan. Fortunately, no overs were lost, but the muggy conditions (29°C, real feel 30°C) tested both teams’ endurance. PBKS’s familiarity with the venue, having played twice there this season, gave them a slight edge.
Where to Watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings
Fans worldwide tuned into the IPL finals through various platforms:
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1 HD/SD for English commentary).
- Streaming: JioHotstar app and website in India, offering live coverage and highlights.
- International: In the USA, check Willow TV or ESPN+ for live telecasts.
- Live Score Updates: Websites like ESPNcricinfo, Preganant Women, CricTracker, and India Today provided real-time scorecards and commentary.
The electric atmosphere was amplified by the vibrant crowd, with RCB and PBKS fans creating a sea of red and gold at the stadium. Social media buzzed with excitement, with posts on X praising the closing ceremony and Shankar Mahadevan’s performance honoring the Indian Armed Forces.
The Road to the Final
RCB’s Redemption Arc
RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign was a tale of resilience. After a lackluster home performance, including a 95/9 defeat to PBKS in Bengaluru, they dominated away games, winning all seven, including a historic 228 chase against Lucknow Super Giants, led by Jitesh Sharma’s 85*. Their Qualifier 1 thrashing of PBKS showcased their batting prowess, setting high expectations for the final.
PBKS’s Rise to Glory
Punjab Kings topped the league stage, driven by Iyer’s leadership and contributions from Josh Inglis and Shashank Singh. Their Qualifier 2 victory over Mumbai Indians, powered by Iyer’s 87, highlighted their ability to bounce back from setbacks, such as their low-scoring Qualifier 1 loss to RCB.
Historical Context
Neither RCB nor PBKS had won an IPL title before this match. RCB reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, falling short each time, while PBKS lost their only final in 2014 to Kolkata Knight Riders. The IPL finals on June 3, 2025, guaranteed a new champion, ending an 18-year drought for one of these franchises.
Post-Match Analysis
Punjab Kings’s victory was a testament to their balanced attack and strategic acumen. Iyer’s leadership, combined with Kyle Jamieson’s breakthroughs and Chahal’s spin wizardry, outmaneuvered RCB’s star-studded lineup. RCB’s batting faltered under pressure, with early wickets disrupting their rhythm. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s quest for 200 IPL wickets remains at 196, but his tight bowling kept PBKS in check until the final overs.
The Narendra Modi Stadium’s high-scoring nature favored PBKS’s chasing prowess, and their familiarity with the venue proved decisive. RCB’s inability to capitalize on Kohli’s platform and Livingstone’s brief spark cost them dearly. Fans on X lauded Iyer’s calm captaincy and PBKS’s teamwork, while some expressed disappointment over RCB’s fourth final loss.
What’s Next for IPL?
The IPL 2025 season concludes with Punjab Kings etching their name on the trophy, a historic moment for the franchise. RCB returns to the drawing board, with Kohli’s leadership and young talents like Yash Dayal offering hope for 2026. The IPL continues to captivate global audiences, with its blend of star power, emerging talent, and high-octane cricket. Fans can catch highlights on JioHotstar or follow updates on ESPNcricinfo for in-depth analysis.
FAQs
Q: Who won the IPL 2025 final?
A: Punjab Kings won the IPL 2025 final, defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 5 wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025.
Q: Where to watch Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings matches?
A: In India, watch live on Star Sports Network or stream on JioHotstar. Internationally, check Willow TV or ESPN+. Live scores are available on ESPNcricinfo and CricTracker.
Q: Who was the Player of the Match in the RCB vs Punjab final?
A: Kyle Jamieson was named Player of the Match for his 2/28, dismissing Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar.
Q: How did RCB perform in the IPL 2025 season?
A: RCB finished second in the league stage with 19 points, won all seven away games, and reached the final but lost to PBKS.
Q: What was the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings match scorecard?
A: RCB scored 178/6 (Virat Kohli 45*, Rajat Patidar 32). PBKS chased 179/5 in 19.2 overs (Shreyas Iyer 62, Josh Inglis 38).
Reference:
- IPL Official Website – Official updates and schedules.
- ESPNcricinfo – In-depth match reports and analysis.
- CricTracker – Predictions and player stats.
- Star Sports – Live telecast and highlights.
- India Today – Detailed match coverage and news.
