Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer emphasized the importance of staying present and controlling what can be controlled as his team opted to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final. This decision comes despite the historical trend at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, where teams batting first have triumphed in six of the eight matches this season. Nonetheless, PBKS has recently demonstrated their ability to chase effectively, having chased down a target of 204 against Mumbai Indians (MI) with an over to spare in Qualifier 2.
Both teams entered the match with unchanged line-ups, although RCB’s Tim David continues to be sidelined due to a hamstring injury. On the other hand, PBKS welcomed back leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who played through minor discomfort after his recent performance. RCB also saw the inclusion of England opener Phil Salt, who made a quick return to Ahmedabad after attending the birth of his child.
The final marks a significant moment in IPL history, as it features two teams that have never previously claimed the championship title—RCB, with three final losses in 2009, 2011, and 2016, and PBKS, who lost their only final in 2014.
The match took place on a balanced pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with equidistant square boundaries at 64 meters. The central pitch has a unique composition of red and black soil. PBKS’s likely Impact Player is opener Prabhsimran Singh, while RCB may utilize leg-spinner Suyash Sharma.
In what promises to be a thrilling final, both teams are poised to showcase their skills, bringing drama and excitement to the 2025 IPL season. This match not only offers them a shot at victory but also powers their determination and resilience, reflecting the hopeful spirit of the tournament.