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IPL Final 2025: Two title-hungry teams set for blockbuster showdown

On Tuesday, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host a historic Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final, featuring two teams determined to end a 17-year-long title drought. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings both with previous final appearances but no championships, are set to clash in the final showdown on Tuesday. This final marks a remarkable opportunity for both teams to claim the elusive IPL trophy.
Talking about their performance, both teams have been in exceptional form leading up to the final. RCB have performed up to the standards, showcasing their dominance in recent encounters. Similarly, Punjab have demonstrated their high-class performance in the past encounters. Their win against Mumbai in Qualifier 2 was highly impressive, after they chased down 204, riding on a blistering innings of Shreyas Iyer smashing 87 unbeaten.
For RCB, it’s familiar territory, having reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016. In the past, RCB have seen glory slip through their fingers more than once. Each time, they returned empty-handed and heartbroken. Now, in 2025, they arrive at the grand stage once again looking to finally get their hands on the elusive title.
For Punjab Kings, it is a massive moment after eleven long years. Their last and only IPL final appearance came in 2014, when they fell heartbreakingly short against Kolkata Knight Riders. Since then, PBKS have struggled with inconsistency and constant rebuilding phases. This season, under the bold leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Punjab have emerged as one of the most resilient sides of the season. Their middle order has repeatedly delivered under pressure, while their bowling unit has surprised many with match-winning spells at crucial junctures. This final is a chance for them to finally make their dream come true.
Head to head
Matches - 36
RCB won - 18
PBKS won - 18
Punjab Kings probable XII: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Royal Challengers Bengaluru probable XII: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.
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