After years of heartbreak, rebuilding phases, fan frustrations, and flashes of brilliance, two of the Indian Premier League’s most enduring yet title-less franchises — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) — finally meet in the IPL 2025 Final. Over 100,000 fans will roar on their players as the top two teams of IPL 2025 clash in the quest for their first-ever IPL crown.
This isn’t just another final. It’s a story years in the making. A tale of unrelenting belief, redefined leadership, and the burning desire to change the narrative.
A Journey Forged in Struggle
RCB and PBKS are no strangers to pressure, but what sets this year apart is the resilience both teams have displayed throughout the tournament.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, often mocked for their “so close yet so far” history, have carried the weight of three final losses (2009, 2011, 2016) and a decade of underperformance. Yet, under the composed leadership of Rajat Patidar and with a rejuvenated Virat Kohli, RCB have found a new rhythm — balancing experience with emerging talent, aggression with strategy.
Punjab Kings’ story is just as compelling. Their lone final appearance came in 2014, and since then, they’ve become a revolving door of changes in captains, coaches, and combinations. But 2025 changed everything. The appointment of Shreyas Iyer as captain injected stability and vision. Backed by a powerful middle order and a sharp bowling attack, PBKS overcame a slow start to the season, peaking just in time for the playoffs.
Road to the Final: Resilience Meets Redemption
RCB stormed into the final with a statement victory over PBKS in Qualifier 1. They bowled Punjab out for a paltry 101 runs and chased it down with 60 balls to spare — a performance dripping with dominance. That win wasn’t just clinical, it was symbolic of a team that has learned to close games, not collapse under pressure.
For PBKS, the loss in Qualifier 1 could’ve been the end. But true to their new identity, they bounced back hard. In Qualifier 2, they took down the mighty Mumbai Indians, chasing a daunting 203-run target thanks to a composed and calculated 87* from Iyer. It was a match that showcased Punjab’s grit, belief, and refusal to fold — a trait not often associated with their past campaigns.
The Players Who Could Make History
RCB’s strength this year has been their balance. Virat Kohli has scored over 600 runs this season, anchoring the innings while allowing players like Phil Salt to go all-out at the top. And it’s not like the hard-hitting antics are restricted to the top order. Liam Livingstone hasn’t come to the party this year, but is a dangerous player. Romario Shepherd has demonstrated his power and ability, while Jitesh Sharma has caught the eye with his quiet brilliance. On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma have formed a potent pair, often dismantling batting lineups within the powerplay. Hazlewood in particular has been a serious force to reckon with in this IPL.
PBKS enters the final as the underdog in the eyes of pundits, but with a squad that thrives on unpredictability. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership has been calm yet assertive, and his form with the bat has been pivotal. Punjab’s faith in their uncapped youngsters has been one of the standout features of the Kings’ run to the final, with the likes of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh catching the eye, while Nehal Wadhera adds solidity and punch to the middle order. Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh, both seasoned in high-pressure games, bring control and experience to the attack. And then there’s Kyle Jamieson, whose bounce and swing could play a crucial role under Ahmedabad lights.
AI Predictions: All Eyes on RCB
In an unusual yet telling twist, multiple AI platforms have weighed in on the final — and they all predict an RCB victory.
Grok, Gemini, and ChatGPT independently analyzed the teams and performance data, and all three leaned toward Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Grok cited their dominant win in Qualifier 1 and the form of Kohli, Salt, and Hazlewood. Gemini called it a tight contest but leaned slightly toward RCB based on consistency and depth. ChatGPT echoed the sentiment, referencing head-to-head results and the Bangalore unit’s ability to step up under pressure this season.
Still, AI doesn’t bat, bowl, or field. And as cricket lovers know, the game is often decided by heart as much as data.
What This Final Really Means
Tonight isn’t just about lifting a trophy. It’s about ending a cycle of self-doubt for two franchises that have lived in the shadow of bigger dynasties like CSK and MI. It’s about rewarding fans who never gave up, despite years of trolling, memes, and soul-crushing collapses. It’s about showing the cricketing world that loyalty, patience, and faith do pay off.
RCB’s fanbase — dubbed the most loyal in IPL — has endured it all. From heartbreaks to hope, their chants of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” may finally come true. PBKS fans, scattered but passionate, are hungry to turn “potential” into silverware.
And in a season where both teams have challenged every assumption about their past, this final offers a clean slate.
Will this be the night Virat Kohli finally lifts an IPL trophy? Or will Shreyas Iyer lead Punjab into history with a title nobody expected, but everyone will respect?
Whatever happens, cricket will win. So will legacy. And so will belief.