IPL 2025: RCB vs PBKS – A new champion awaits, what it means for the fans. Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru to face each other on IPL 2025 Final.
With Punjab Kings (PBKS) winning the second qualifier against the Mumbai Indians (MI), the IPL 2025 is confirmed to get a new champion on June 3. At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Shreyas Iyer-led side will lock horns with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Only four times, during 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2016, both finalists din not win the trophy earlier. However, it’s the first time in 18 years that both finalists have played at least five seasons without any trophy previously. The emotions will be high on both camps, but as most finals go, it’s about holding the nerves in crunch situations.
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Losing a final after going through a successful two-month-long tournament is hard to digest. For Bengaluru, it is the same feeling for both fans and the players. In 15 games of the IPL playoffs, Bengaluru has collected only five victories, with none of them coming in the final.
They lost their maiden IPL final against the Deccan Chargers by six runs. Chennai Super Kings’ all-round performance blew them away during the 2011 season.
There was confidence among the players, support staff, and fans going into the home final in 2016. They planned an open bus celebration for the potential victory. It was the same mistake of counting the chickens before they hatch. A few bad overs in the first innings and over-dependence on a few players cost them the trophy.
It’s hard to go through the emotions of the franchise. Over the years, they have perhaps the best batting line-up of the league, besides a few veteran members in the bowling department. They have the former India captain, Virat Kohli, who always stands up in crisis, and has served for the side selflessly.
The fans of the ‘Play Bold’ army are just unbelievable. It’s easy for any side to grow a fan club around their success. Meanwhile, RCB fans are loyal to their players and franchises even after zero trophies since 2008.
They turn up at every stadium to make it red and cheer for the players. Whether it’s in Delhi, Lucknow, or Hyderabad, they always outnumber the home fans.
Even before the start of the IPL 2025, they traveled around the country to cheer for their players. Jitesh Sharma and the new captain, Rajat Patidar, shared their crazy experience during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25. A victory in the IPL 2025 final will complete the circle for them.
Read More: Rajat Patidar quietly takes RCB into the final in his first season as captain
An opportunity for Punjab Kings to find feet among the glorified IPL teams
The emotions among Punjab’s fans and the owners, even at midnight after beating Mumbai, were supreme. They never roared this much in the previous 17 seasons. Finishing at the top of the group stage of the event with nine wins in 14 games was a huge feat for the franchise.
The fans have experienced various captains, different coaches, and constant changes among the management over the years. It always feels like a restless situation for the franchise. They struggle to be calm in their process to crack the success code of the event.
Meanwhile, it’s a different story this year. Captain Shreyas and coach Ricky Ponting showed trust among the uncapped players and never got their focus away from the trophy. From not making into the playoffs for nearly a decade to qualifying for the final, and that also by beating the five-time champions, the Punjab Kings are on cloud nine.
One of the biggest reasons for the 2014 runners-up’s success was to deny unnecessary chopping and changing on the side. During the IPL 2025, four of their batters have crossed the 350-run mark, while four bowlers have collected 10 wickets or more. Even if they lose the final, it will remain a proud moment for the fans. However, earning the title after eight weeks of hard work will be the cherry on top.
Read More: IPL 2025, Qualifier 2, PBKS vs MI: IPL to get a new champion as Punjab meet Bengaluru in the final
IPL 2025 final will grow the league’s overall success
While it’s important for both Bengaluru and Punjab, getting a new champion is equally essential for the league’s success. It shows that no team is guaranteed to earn the title, even with so many renowned international players.
Despite being one of the balanced sides of the event, Mumbai couldn’t make it into the final. They had the premier Indian pacer, the current Indian T20I captain, the top white-ball all-rounder, the leading T20I run-getter, and a few successful international players. However, they still failed to go ahead.
The IPL 2025 final is between Iyer and Patidar, who also met six months ago during the SMAT 2024-25 final. Whoever wins on June 03 (Tuesday), cricket will be celebrated around the country. In one region, there will be celebrations and many joyous moments, while in the other part, the sun will take an eternity to rise.
Read More: IPL 2025: Players to watch out for in Qualifier 2 & Final
