For the first time since 2016, the Indian Premier League will crown a new champion, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the grand final of IPL 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
RCB, who have reached their fourth final, have enjoyed a season defined by consistency and composure. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the side finished second in the league standings and made history by becoming the first team to win all their away matches in a single IPL season. Veteran batter Virat Kohli has been central to their success, amassing 614 runs over the campaign, while Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has led the bowling attack with 21 wickets.
The road to the final included a confident win over PBKS in Qualifier 1, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch. RCB’s probable XI features a balance of power and experience, with names such as Phil Salt, Mayank Agarwal, and Tim David in the mix, alongside a bowling unit spearheaded by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal. Suyash Sharma is expected to feature as the Impact Player.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, arrive at their second-ever IPL final—eleven years after their first—on the back of a transformative campaign under new captain Shreyas Iyer. The side topped the league with eight wins from twelve matches and demonstrated resolve in their gripping five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.
That match, delayed by rain in Ahmedabad, saw MI post a 200-plus total thanks to strong performances from Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Naman Dhir. In response, PBKS mounted a record-breaking chase, becoming the first team to successfully chase down a 200+ target against Mumbai in IPL history. Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a majestic unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, becoming the first captain to guide three different franchises to an IPL final. Young talent Priyansh Arya has also emerged as a revelation, notably scoring a rapid century against Chennai Super Kings earlier in the tournament.
PBKS’s likely XI includes the explosive opening duo of Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, a middle-order featuring Marcus Stoinis and Nehal Wadhera, and a bowling lineup anchored by Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is expected to be their Impact Player.
The final will be played on a batting-friendly surface that offers early assistance to pacers and brings spinners into play later. Chasing is often preferred under the lights, particularly with dew expected to play a role. The weather forecast points to a warm, humid evening with no threat of rain and temperatures hovering around 33°C with 55% humidity.
Tuesday’s final promises to be a historic occasion, with both RCB and PBKS striving to lift their first IPL trophy and bring an end to years of near misses.