IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS – A Clash of Fire and Ice in Ahmedabad
As the IPL 2025 Final looms large at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the stage is set for an epic battle between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). It’s not just a match—it’s a narrative of contrasting styles, with RCB’s emotional talisman Virat Kohli embodying fiery passion and PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer representing icy composure. With thousands of fans gearing up for this blockbuster clash, the anticipation is electric, even as the Ahmedabad weather threatens a drizzle of drama.
Outside the stadium, the fervor is palpable. Mohammed Musif, a die-hard RCB fan since the IPL’s inception in 2008, stood proudly in a vintage Virat Kohli Test jersey, clutching four tickets for himself and his family. ‘This is the year the curse breaks for RCB. Virat must lift the trophy. I’m bringing my two sons to witness history, and I’ll buy them jerseys too,’ Musif exclaimed with unwavering hope. His sentiment echoes the heartbeat of RCB’s massive fanbase, who have waited 17 years for their maiden IPL title.
Diving into the pre-match buildup, the spotlight naturally gravitated toward Kohli during the press conference, often overshadowing RCB captain Rajat Patidar. When quizzed about the constant attention on Kohli, Patidar remained unfazed, displaying the calm of a seasoned leader. ‘It doesn’t frustrate me. Virat has dedicated years to RCB and Indian cricket. Our focus is on giving our best in the final,’ he said. On the immense expectations from fans, he added, ‘Expectations are undeniable, but I focus on the present and what I can control.’ His measured words reflect a team determined to channel pressure into performance.
Kohli, no longer the captain but forever the heart of RCB, has been in sublime form this season. With 614 runs under his belt, he’s the team’s leading run-scorer and a force of nature. His performance in Qualifier 1 was nothing short of cinematic—a display of grit and aggression that reminded everyone why he’s a cricketing legend. Rewind to the last encounter between these teams in Mullanpur, and you’ll recall Kohli’s fiery demeanor, driving RCB with relentless energy. He’s chasing that elusive IPL title, and nothing short of victory will do.
Standing in his way is the unflappable Shreyas Iyer, whose composure under pressure has been PBKS’s trump card. After a crushing loss in Qualifier 1, Shreyas famously quipped, ‘We’ve lost the battle, but not the war.’ On Sunday, he backed those words with a breathtaking knock, batting with a steely resolve. There was no celebration for his half-century or the match-winning six—only a sharp reprimand to teammate Shashank Singh for a sloppy run-out. ‘My job was half done. We have the final to win. I approached the game with that mindset,’ Shreyas explained post-match.
Shreyas thrives in high-stakes encounters, admitting he enters a unique ‘zone’ during big games. ‘It starts from the warm-up—planning and rallying the team. While batting, I take time to settle, then back my instincts. Thankfully, it clicked, and the team benefited,’ he revealed. With just four hours of sleep since his explosive performance, Shreyas is focused on recharging for the final. Meanwhile, RCB, well-rested after a training session under lights on Monday, appear primed for battle.
As the countdown begins, this final isn’t just about runs and wickets—it’s a clash of personalities. Kohli’s raw emotion versus Iyer’s calculated calm promises a spectacle for the ages. Add to that the unpredictable Ahmedabad weather, with forecasts predicting light rain, and we could be in for an interrupted yet thrilling contest. Historically, RCB has struggled in IPL finals, reaching the summit clash thrice (2009, 2011, 2016) without success, while PBKS seeks their second title after 2014. Who will emerge victorious in this song of fire and ice? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—cricket fans are in for a treat on Tuesday night.