Punjab Kings (PBKS) have decided to bowl first in the IPL 2025 final against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This choice comes despite the ground’s history: in Ahmedabad this season, teams batting first have triumphed in six out of eight matches. However, PBKS recently broke this trend by successfully chasing 204 runs against Mumbai Indians with an over to spare.
Both teams head into the final with unchanged line-ups. RCB’s Tim David is still absent, recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on 23 May. Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal, who showed determination by bowling with a hand not fully fit during Qualifier 2, is confirmed fit to play for PBKS. RCB also includes England opener Phil Salt, who made a quick return to Ahmedabad this morning, after attending the birth of his child.
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer commented on the eve of the match: “I’ve never seen [Ponting’s] emotions go up and down,” highlighting the calm influence of Ricky Ponting ahead of the crucial game. For RCB, captain Rajat Patidar has consistently emphasised the importance of “being in the present and controlling the controllables.”
The match unfolds at the Narendra Modi Stadium on a central pitch with square boundaries measuring 64m, featuring a mixed surface of red and black soil. Notably, this year’s final sees two teams, both yet to taste IPL glory, competing for the title. RCB, previously runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016, are eager to clinch their maiden win. Similarly, PBKS are looking to make history, with their only final appearance being a defeat in 2014.
On the potential Impact Players, PBKS might look to Prabhsimran Singh, while Suyash Sharma could be crucial for RCB.
With everything set, fans are anticipating an exciting clash to crown a new champion in this year’s IPL.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood. Impact Sub options include Suyash Sharma and others.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal. Impact Sub options include Prabhsimran Singh and others.
