The stage is set for the most thrilling night of the Indian Premier League 2025 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Tuesday. With both franchises still chasing their first-ever IPL title, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
This final isn’t just a match — it’s history in the making. One of these two teams will finally end years of heartbreak and take home the coveted trophy for the first time.
A Tale of Two First-Time Finalists
RCB and PBKS have often come close but never managed to go all the way. Despite boasting big names over the years, both teams have faltered at crucial stages in previous editions.
-
RCB have reached the final three times before (2009, 2011, and 2016) but have always ended up on the losing side.
-
PBKS, formerly Kings XI Punjab, made it to the final once in 2014, only to be edged out by KKR.
This time, however, both teams have shown remarkable consistency and determination throughout the tournament. And now, with just one match to go, a new champion is guaranteed.
Recent Encounter: RCB Dominate PBKS in Qualifier 1
When these two teams last met in Qualifier 1, it was a one-sided affair. PBKS, surprisingly, collapsed under pressure and managed only 101 runs before being bowled out. RCB’s bowling unit, led by Mohammed Siraj and Karn Sharma, ran riot, giving their team complete control from the start.
RCB then chased the target with ease, scoring the required runs in just 10 overs, with Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis providing a solid start. The eight-wicket win not only secured RCB a direct path to the final but also boosted their confidence heading into the title clash.
PBKS Bounce Back Strong in Qualifier 2
To their credit, Punjab Kings bounced back in spectacular fashion in Qualifier 2, where they faced the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians. Chasing a mammoth 203, PBKS pulled off a stunning win, thanks to a breathtaking innings by their captain Shreyas Iyer, who smashed 87 runs off 41 balls.
The top and middle order fired in unison, and the bowling attack held their nerves in the death overs. That emphatic win has given Punjab a fresh dose of momentum ahead of the final.
Form, Stats, and Key Players to Watch
RCB Key Players:
-
Virat Kohli: The backbone of the batting unit, Kohli has been in sublime form this season and is among the top run-scorers.
-
Mohammed Siraj: RCB’s pace spearhead has delivered consistently in powerplay and death overs.
-
Glenn Maxwell: A game-changer with both bat and ball, Maxwell’s all-round performance adds balance to the side.
PBKS Key Players:
-
Shreyas Iyer: Leading from the front, Iyer’s aggressive approach has revived Punjab’s hopes when it mattered most.
-
Sam Curran: The English all-rounder has contributed with both bat and ball in crunch moments.
-
Rahul Chahar: His spin bowling could be crucial on the dry Ahmedabad pitch.
Head-to-Head Record:
While PBKS lead the overall head-to-head 17-15, RCB has had the upper hand in recent encounters. They’ve won both matches against Punjab this season — a psychological advantage coming into the final.
AI Tools Predict the Winner: What Does Technology Say?
With fans divided on who will come out on top, we decided to ask AI platforms to weigh in on the final. Based on data, current form, individual player performance, and pitch conditions, leading AI tools like Grok, Gemini, and ChatGPT have all given their predictions:
-
Grok: Gives RCB a 60% chance to win, citing their superior bowling attack and big-match experience.
-
Gemini: Predicts a tight finish, but leans slightly towards RCB due to better recent form and momentum.
-
ChatGPT: Highlights RCB’s dominant win in Qualifier 1 and expects them to carry that confidence into the final.
Why RCB Has the Edge (According to AI):
-
Better performance in high-pressure games this season.
-
More reliable top-order batting.
-
Balanced squad with in-form bowlers.
-
Winning record in the last few games, including against PBKS.
However, AI tools also noted that in a final, pressure can lead to unexpected outcomes. If PBKS can bring their A-game like they did against Mumbai Indians, the result could go either way.
Final Showdown: What to Expect
With both teams eyeing their first IPL title, expect nothing less than a dramatic contest. The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium has offered help to both batters and bowlers, so a balanced contest is on the cards. The toss could be crucial — chasing has been easier under lights in Ahmedabad.
The crowd, the atmosphere, the stakes — everything screams “epic final.” While stats favor RCB, PBKS has shown the resilience needed to defy odds.
Prediction: Will It Be RCB or PBKS?
Going by form, squad depth, and recent encounters, RCB appear to be slight favorites to finally break their IPL curse. But T20 cricket is unpredictable — one player, one moment, or one mistake can change the outcome.