After weeks of thrilling contests, unexpected upsets, and individual brilliance, the stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the 2025 Indian Premier League.

On Tuesday, June 3, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will go head-to-head in the IPL final—both in pursuit of something neither has ever achieved: their first IPL title.

This year’s final carries extra weight, not just because of the stakes, but because it guarantees something fans have waited nearly a decade for: a new champion. The last time the IPL saw a first-time winner was in 2016, when Sunrisers Hyderabad lifted the trophy. That changes this year.

A Tale of Two Hungry Franchises

Despite being among the most followed franchises in IPL history, both RCB and PBKS have long carried the label of “underachievers.”

RCB, with a star-studded legacy that has featured the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, are playing in their fourth IPL final. They finished runners-up in:

  • 2009 (lost to Deccan Chargers)

  • 2011 (lost to Chennai Super Kings)

  • 2016 (lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Despite multiple playoff appearances and some of the most loyal fans in the league, the trophy has always remained out of reach.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have reached the final only once before, back in 2014, when they were known as Kings XI Punjab. They came close to glory that year but were edged out by Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring thriller. Incredibly, that 2014 season was also the only time PBKS had reached the playoffs—until now.

Season Summary: Two Giants on Equal Footing

In IPL 2025, both PBKS and RCB showed remarkable consistency and growth. They each recorded:

  • 9 wins

  • 4 losses

  • 1 no-result

Their net run rates were nearly identical, further highlighting how little separated them throughout the campaign.

PBKS finished at the top of the table, narrowly ahead of RCB. Both teams showed balance across departments, blending experienced leaders with emerging talents. Importantly, each side boasts match-winners capable of turning games in a matter of overs.

Road to the Final

RCB's Route:
RCB’s qualification was smooth. They comfortably beat PBKS in Qualifier 1, dismantling them for just 101 runs in Mullanpur and chasing down the target with ten overs to spare. That dominant win gave them early passage to the final and a few extra days to rest and prepare.

PBKS's Comeback:
PBKS had to take the longer route. After their defeat in Qualifier 1, they traveled to Ahmedabad to face Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. There, captain Shreyas Iyer played one of the innings of the tournament—an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls—to power his side past Mumbai and into the final. That win marked PBKS’s second victory over Mumbai within a week, showing their resilience and belief.

Shreyas Iyer: The X-Factor Captain

One of the biggest storylines heading into the final is Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. With this final appearance, Iyer becomes the first player in IPL history to captain three different teams in a final:

  • Delhi Capitals (2020 – Finalist)

  • Kolkata Knight Riders (2024 – Champion)

  • Punjab Kings (2025 – Finalist)

His ability to bring calmness and tactical clarity to whichever team he leads is remarkable. This year, he has been not just a captain but a consistent match-winner with the bat.

RCB’s Redemption Dream

While PBKS are eyeing history, RCB are chasing redemption. For over a decade, they’ve been the nearly-men of the IPL. With Faf du Plessis at the helm, Virat Kohli anchoring the batting lineup, and young stars stepping up, this RCB team looks more balanced than ever before.

They’ve already shown they can dominate PBKS, but will the high pressure of a final bring back old nerves—or finally deliver long-awaited glory?

What to Expect in the Final

The Narendra Modi Stadium is known for its high-scoring pitches and big atmosphere. Expect a run-fest if conditions remain dry. The crowd will be buzzing with energy as both fanbases turn out in full force.

Key battles to watch:

  • Kohli vs Rabada – A marquee contest at the top

  • Shreyas Iyer vs Siraj – The captain's calm vs RCB’s fire

  • Spin battles – Both sides will rely on middle-over control through spinners

The match will likely be decided by how well each team handles the pressure moments—death overs, powerplay wickets, and one-on-one matchups.