The grand finale of the IPL 2025 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) unfolded under the floodlights at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with a full house buzzing in anticipation. After a long and dramatic season filled with twists, upsets, and breathtaking performances, the stage was set for one final clash to crown a new champion.
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and elected to bowl first. The decision was likely influenced by dew, pitch history, and their strong chasing unit. The big question was whether RCB, the perennial underachievers, could finally deliver on the biggest night.
Kohli’s Calm Amid Chaos
Sent in to bat, RCB needed a solid platform, and who better than Virat Kohli to provide it? The former Indian captain once again showed why he’s considered the king of consistency in big matches. Opening the innings, Kohli struck a measured 43 off 35 deliveries, stabilizing the innings while wickets fell around him. His approach was classical with punchy drives, calculated risk, and a focus on strike rotation. It wasn’t flashy, but it was vital.
Kohli partnered briefly with Mayank Agarwal (24 off 18), who played a few crisp shots but couldn’t convert his start. The opening stand of 56 in the powerplay looked promising but wasn’t capitalized upon fully, as Mayank fell in the 7th over to Yuzvendra Chahal.
Kohli’s dismissal in the 15th over was a crucial moment. Caught by Azmatullah off his own bowling, his exit came just when it seemed he would switch gears. His departure triggered a mini-collapse that threatened to undo RCB’s progress.
Middle-Order Fireworks – Patidar, Livingstone, and Jitesh Explode
RCB’s middle order, often questioned in pressure situations, stood tall tonight. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a fluent 26 off 16 balls, finding boundaries early and rotating strike efficiently. He showed great intent against spin and pace alike, but his innings was cut short by Kyle Jamieson, who bowled a brilliant delivery to trap him LBW.
Liam Livingstone, known for his fearless brand of cricket, didn’t disappoint either. He struck two sixes and a four in a rapid 25 off 15 before Jamieson removed him. While his stay was brief, it injected momentum and kept Punjab’s bowlers under pressure.
The surprise package, however, was Jitesh Sharma. Walking in at No. 6, Jitesh unleashed mayhem in just 10 deliveries. He smashed 24 runs, including 2 sixes and 2 fours. His fearless hitting gave RCB the death-overs push they desperately needed, especially after Kohli’s exit. It looked like RCB would breach the 200-run mark before Punjab’s bowlers struck back.
Punjab’s Comeback with the Ball
Credit must be given to Punjab Kings for their bowling discipline in the final overs. From 167 for 5, RCB tumbled to 190 for 9, managing just 23 runs in the last 15 deliveries.
The standout bowler was undoubtedly Arshdeep Singh, who ended with 3 wickets for 40 runs. Though slightly expensive, he got the big breakthroughs including Romario Shepherd and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 19th over. His timely strikes prevented RCB from launching into a full-blown death overs carnage.
Kyle Jamieson also played a crucial role with 2 wickets, though he conceded 48 runs. His ability to break partnerships came in handy, especially when he removed both Patidar and Livingstone at key moments.
Veterans Yuzvendra Chahal (1 for 30) and Azmatullah Omarzai (1 for 35) bowled intelligently through the middle overs, not letting RCB’s power-hitters dominate. Vijaykumar Vyshak also chipped in with the crucial wicket of Jitesh Sharma just when the match was slipping from Punjab’s hands.
Tactics and Turning Points
Punjab’s decision to chase seemed smart on paper, but RCB’s total of 190 for 9 in 20 overs is no small feat, especially in a high-pressure final. The pitch showed signs of slowing down, and shot-making wasn’t easy. That, combined with scoreboard pressure, could turn things in RCB’s favour.
Several moments stood out.
- Kohli anchoring the innings and playing the long game.
- The three quick wickets after the 15th over, derailing RCB’s explosive finish.
- Jitesh Sharma’s 240 strike rate cameo, which could prove to be a game-turner.
While Punjab did well to control the damage late in the innings, one has to wonder if letting RCB cross 180 was a mistake. In a final, every run counts, and RCB have a bowling attack capable of defending tight totals.
The Equation Ahead: 191 to Win the Title
The task for Punjab Kings is straightforward. They need 191 runs to win the IPL 2025 trophy and secure their first-ever title. But it will be far from easy. RCB have the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the deadly Josh Hazlewood, and the reliable Romario Shepherd ready to bowl under lights in a high-pressure situation.
For Punjab, the onus now lies on their top order. Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis, and Shreyas Iyer will need to provide a solid start. If they can survive the new-ball spell, players like Marcus Stoinis and Nehal Wadhera will be key in chasing down the total.
Final Thought
RCB may have fallen just short of a 200-plus target, but in a final, 190 is a fighting total. It gives their bowlers room to work with and puts pressure on the chasing side from the very beginning.
Will this finally be the year RCB lift their maiden IPL trophy? Or will Punjab Kings write their own fairytale ending?
The chase is about to begin, and so is the dream.
