By Kartikey Tripathi | Haridwar
It’s been a long road to June 3. After 1271 sixes, 2226 fours over two months of intense action, close finishes, and standout performances, the stage is set for the final of TATA IPL 2025. Two teams that have never lifted the trophy — Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings — will meet at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for one last push toward history.
The significance of this final goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s about legacy. It’s about turning years of frustration into a single night of celebration. It’s a game that guarantees one outcome — a first-time IPL champion.
PBKS vs RCB - TATA IPL 2025 FINAL
Punjab Kings have never lacked potential. Over the years, they’ve had the players, the promise, and the passion, but somehow the pieces never came together when it mattered most. This season has been different.
Their qualification for the final is the result of a team that has clicked at the right time. The performance in Qualifier 2 against the Mumbai Indians was a clear statement. Shreyas Iyer’s 87 off 41 balls wasn’t just a great innings — it was a masterclass under pressure. Nehal Wadhera’s calm presence alongside him ensured PBKS chased down a steep target of 204 without panic.
Image - Shreyas Iyer Against MI
For RCB, the narrative has always been about promise, popularity, and pain. Year after year, they’ve come close, only to fall short when it matters most. But 2025 has seen a shift. This season, RCB have looked balanced, composed, and quietly confident.
Their win in Qualifier 1 gave them a direct ticket to the final and a few extra days of rest — and perhaps more importantly, time to strategise.
At the heart of their campaign has been Virat Kohli, whose consistency and leadership continue to shape their approach. Alongside him, Rajat Patidar has stepped up as a vital cog, offering solidity and spark in crucial phases.
But beyond individuals, it’s the system that has changed. RCB have looked more settled and less emotionally swayed by setbacks. That calm, combined with firepower in key phases of the game, has brought them to the doorstep of long-awaited success.
New RCB Under Rajat Patidar
This year’s final is more than a fixture. It’s a narrative-shifter.
For a league often dominated by the same few names, the arrival of two long-waiting teams in the final brings a sense of renewal. A first-time champion will emerge — and that adds a new layer to the IPL’s identity.