IPL 2025 Final Showdown: Punjab Kings’ Epic Journey to Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru
In a climactic end to an electrifying season, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to battle Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 Final on June 3rd at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. For PBKS, this marks a historic moment, as they return to the final after an agonizing 11-year drought, last appearing in 2014 under their former moniker, Kings XI Punjab. Led by the dynamic Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings have showcased resilience, flair, and tactical brilliance to reach this pinnacle. Let’s retrace their inspiring journey through the season, filled with highs, lows, and unforgettable performances.
A Strong Start: Building Momentum
Punjab Kings kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with a statement win against Gujarat Titans (GT), posting a mammoth 243/5. Captain Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97 off 42 balls and Shashank Singh’s explosive 44 off 16 set the tone, securing an 11-run victory. Their momentum continued against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where a clinical chase of 172 was completed with 22 balls to spare, thanks to Prabhsimran Singh’s blazing 69 off 34.
However, the road wasn’t always smooth. A heavy 50-run defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) exposed early vulnerabilities, with Jofra Archer’s 3/25 dismantling their batting. PBKS bounced back swiftly, capitalizing on Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) struggles with a commanding 18-run win, driven by Priyansh Arya’s stunning century of 103 off 42.
Mid-Season Challenges and Triumphs
The middle phase of the tournament tested Punjab’s mettle. A crushing loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) saw Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma dominate with a ruthless chase of 245, the latter earning Player of the Match for his staggering 141 off 55. Yet, PBKS showcased their grit by defending the lowest-ever IPL total of 111 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with Yuzvendra Chahal’s magical 4/28 sealing a 16-run win.
Against RCB, their final opponents, Punjab experienced a mixed bag in the league stage. A rain-shortened 14-over thriller saw them chase down 95 with ease, though RCB’s Tim David claimed Player of the Match for his 50 off 26. RCB exacted revenge in the return fixture, with Virat Kohli’s masterful 73 guiding them to a seven-wicket triumph.
Playoff Push and Defining Moments
As the league stage progressed, PBKS found their rhythm. A rain-abandoned clash with KKR earned them a crucial point, while dominant wins over CSK, LSG, and RR—highlighted by Harpreet Brar’s match-winning 3/22 against Rajasthan—cemented their playoff contention. A late league-stage victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), powered by Jos Inglis’ fiery 73 off 42, ensured they finished among the top teams.
The playoffs brought intense battles. RCB crushed PBKS in Qualifier 1, bowling them out for a paltry 101 and chasing it in just 10 overs, with Phil Salt’s unbeaten 57 off 26 leading the charge. Undeterred, Punjab regrouped for Qualifier 2 against MI, chasing down a daunting 204 in 19 overs. Shreyas Iyer’s heroic unbeaten 87 off 41 guided them to the final, marking only the second time in franchise history they’ve reached this stage.
The Final Awaits: A Clash of Titans
As the IPL 2025 Final looms, Punjab Kings face a familiar foe in RCB, who have already proven their dominance over them this season. With Shreyas Iyer in sublime form and a bowling attack led by the likes of Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, PBKS will aim to rewrite history. RCB, powered by stalwarts like Virat Kohli and a formidable bowling unit, stand as formidable opponents. Will Punjab end their long wait for the IPL trophy, or will Bengaluru reclaim glory? June 3rd promises a spectacle for the ages.
Stay tuned for live updates, expert analysis, and exclusive insights as we build up to the grand finale of IPL 2025!