 
RCB vs PBKS: Who is likely to win IPL 2025?
The IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) is poised to be a thrilling contest, with both teams seeking their first-ever IPL title. Here’s an overview of their strengths and challenges:
🏏 Team Form & Key Players
RCB:
- Finished 2nd in the league stage.
- Defeated PBKS in Qualifier 1 by 8 wickets.
- Key Players:
- Virat Kohli: 614 runs this season.
- Josh Hazlewood: 21 wickets, including strong performances against PBKS.
- Notably, RCB has won all their away games this season.
PBKS:
- Topped the league stage.
- Overcame Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, with captain Shreyas Iyer scoring an unbeaten 87.
- Key Players:
- Shreyas Iyer: Leading run-scorer and has led three different franchises to the IPL final—a league first.
🔍 Head-to-Head & Momentum
- In IPL 2025, RCB and PBKS have faced each other multiple times, with RCB winning the crucial Qualifier 1 match.
- RCB’s consistent performance and previous victories over PBKS this season give them a psychological edge.
⚠️ Key Factors & Concerns
- RCB:
- Opener Phil Salt is likely to miss the final due to injury, potentially affecting their top-order stability.
- Middle-order inconsistency remains a concern.
- PBKS:
- Dependence on Shreyas Iyer for batting stability.
- Injuries to key players like Yuzvendra Chahal may impact their bowling plans.
🏆 Final Verdict
While both teams have shown remarkable performances this season, RCB’s consistent form, experience in high-pressure matches, and key player contributions provide them with a slight advantage. However, PBKS’s resilience and strong leadership under Shreyas Iyer make them formidable opponents. The final promises to be a closely contested match, and the team that handles the pressure better on the day is likely to emerge victorious.
