🏆 IPL 2025 Final Preview: PBKS vs RCB – A New Champion Will Rise For the first time since 2016, the Indian Premier League will crown a new champion, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off in the final on Tuesday, June 3, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Neither side has won the IPL before — and both are desperate to change that. 🔥 The Road to the Final 🟥 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Final Appearances: 4 (2009, 2011, 2016, 2025) Previous Results: Runners-up every time Qualifier 1: Thrashed PBKS in Mullanpur, bowling them out for 101 and chasing it in just 10 overs. Form: Dominant in the playoffs; chasing demons of finals past. 🟥 Punjab Kings (PBKS) Final Appearances: 2 (2014, 2025) Previous Result: Lost 2014 final to KKR (as Kings XI Punjab) Qualifier 2: Beat five-time champs Mumbai Indians by 5 wickets in a high-pressure chase. Captaincy Record: Shreyas Iyer becomes the first player to captain 3 franchises to IPL finals – DC (2020), KKR (2024 champions), and now PBKS (2025). ⚔️ Head-to-Head in 2025 League Stage: PBKS beat RCB in Bengaluru RCB beat PBKS in Mullanpur Qualifier 1: RCB dominated with a ruthless win The rivalry stands balanced in 2025 — each side with a win apiece and one crushing defeat to fuel their fire. 🔥 Key Players to Watch 🔴 RCB Virat Kohli – Chasing that elusive IPL title Faf du Plessis – Experienced campaigner in big games Mohammed Siraj / Lockie Ferguson – Crucial in powerplay and death overs 🔴 PBKS Shreyas Iyer (Captain) – Inspirational leader with a point to prove Nehal Wadhera – Emerging hero in crunch matches Sam Curran / Arshdeep Singh – Key to controlling RCB’s top-heavy lineup 🏟️ Final Venue Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Neutral turf Expected to be a high-scoring venue Pressure and dew may play roles in decision at the toss 🏆 What’s at Stake RCB: Fourth final — will they finally break the curse? PBKS: Second final after 11 years — chasing redemption and legacy Shreyas Iyer: Chance to become a two-time winning captain with two different franchises