IPL 2025 commenced on March 22nd, and after nearly two and a half months of thrilling matches, intense competition, and dramatic moments, the two finalists have been decided. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have navigated the league stage and playoffs to secure their places in the final.
Sports News: IPL 2025 is now in its final stages. On June 3rd, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, cricket fans will witness the culmination of a thrilling season that has captivated audiences since March. The final match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will not only be a battle for the title but also a clash between two teams yearning for their first IPL trophy.
While RCB relies on Virat Kohli's aggressive batting and Josh Hazlewood's incisive bowling, Punjab Kings boasts in-form batsman Shreyas Iyer and the deadly fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. Both teams possess numerous match-winners, but we highlight five key players whose performances could significantly influence the final's outcome.
1. Virat Kohli (RCB) – Experience and Passion Personified
Virat Kohli is one of the biggest names in IPL history. He has amassed 614 runs in IPL 2025, playing a crucial role in leading his team to the playoffs. Known for his big-match temperament, he silenced critics with a 76-run knock in the 2024 T20 World Cup final after a relatively poor series. Kohli's batting performance in the final will be crucial for RCB and a significant challenge for Punjab's bowlers.
2. Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – Captain and Match-Winner
Captaining Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer has displayed a remarkable balance of patience, shrewdness, and aggression this season. He has scored 603 runs, and his explosive 87-run innings against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 propelled his team to the final. Iyer's impact extends beyond his batting; his smart captaincy decisions, from field settings to bowling changes, could prove decisive in the final.
3. Josh Hazlewood (RCB) – Death Overs Specialist
Veteran Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been RCB's most effective bowler in IPL 2025. In 11 matches, he has taken 21 wickets, his accuracy forcing batsmen into mistakes. His three-wicket haul against Punjab in Qualifier 1 significantly hampered their progress. All eyes will be on him in the final to see if he can dismantle the opposition top order and swing the match in RCB's favor.
4. Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) – Lethal Left-Arm Pacer
Arshdeep Singh is now a reliable name in both IPL and Indian cricket. This left-arm fast bowler from Punjab has taken 18 wickets this season, his yorkers and slower balls in the death overs posing a constant threat to opposing batsmen. Motivated to avenge their previous loss to RCB, Arshdeep will be aiming for key wickets like Virat Kohli or Faf du Plessis.
5. Jitesh Sharma (PBKS) – Game-Changing Finisher
Jitesh Sharma's IPL 2025 season has had its ups and downs, but his form has returned before the final. His blistering 85 runs off 33 balls against Lucknow Super Giants boosted team confidence. As a finisher, his explosive 25-30 ball innings can turn the match around. If he finds his rhythm, RCB's bowlers will struggle to contain him.
Both RCB and PBKS franchises are yet to win an IPL title. Under the pressure of the final, a player's mental strength and ability to seize opportunities will be paramount. The five players mentioned above will not just perform; they have the potential to be game-changers for their respective teams.
