IPL 2025 Final Preview: RCB vs PBKS – Ahmedabad Gears Up for the Grand Showdown
One match to rule them all. The 2025 IPL season comes to a thrilling close with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) set to battle for glory in Ahmedabad. Both sides, often dubbed the most wholesome in the league, now have the perfect opportunity to transform emotional fandom into silverware. The Narendra Modi Stadium, a fortress for high scores this season, is primed for a blockbuster finale.
The Pitch: Feast for the Batters, Test for the Bowlers
Ahmedabad has been a batting haven in IPL 2025. The centre wicket—a hybrid of red and black soil—has hosted 11 totals of 200 or more in just eight games, with teams batting first dominating. PBKS themselves posted 243/5 in the only game played on this particular wicket, a score that proved match-winning, reports Live Cricket Score.
With six of eight games won by teams setting a target and RCB’s first appearance in Ahmedabad this season, the toss becomes critical. Punjab, despite their preference for batting first, might consider chasing due to recent bowling struggles, especially if they feel the dew might help negate RCB’s potent new-ball attack.
Key Battle: Punjab Top Order vs RCB’s Relentless Seamers
RCB have been the most effective team with the new ball using hard lengths in the Powerplay—13 wickets at an average of 22.53 and a dot ball percentage of 47.5%. In contrast, PBKS have struggled against such lengths, losing 18 wickets at a low average of 22.22.
Individual matchups to watch:
Prabhsimran Singh has fallen six times to hard lengths this season and has a dreadful T20 record against Bhuvneshwar Kumar (5 dismissals).
Priyansh Arya tends to swing across the line—a high-risk approach that’s cost him six dismissals.
Josh Inglis has twice succumbed to Josh Hazlewood’s steep bounce in just six deliveries.
The Shreyas Conundrum: King in Ahmedabad, Pawn Against RCB
Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer is unbeaten in Ahmedabad across three innings (242 runs at SR 226.17), yet his record against RCB is starkly different this season—scores of 7, 6, and 2.
Hazlewood, in particular, has been his nemesis—four dismissals in 22 balls, conceding just 11 runs. Add to that Bhuvneshwar and Krunal Pandya’s stifling records against him, and it becomes clear that RCB will look to expose Iyer early, ideally within the Powerplay, where he averages just 24.75.
Spin Test: Suyash Sharma’s Web vs Punjab Middle Order
Suyash Sharma has emerged as a surprise weapon for RCB, especially against PBKS, claiming five wickets in the last two meetings, all bowled or LBW. His flatter, stump-targeting approach has been lethal against right-handers (ER 8.01).
However, Nehal Wadhera, a left-hander who has taken 25 runs off 16 balls from Suyash, could be key in blunting his threat in the death overs.
Punjab’s Bowling Puzzle: Arshdeep Needs Redemption
RCB’s opening pair—Salt and Kohli—have set the tone with 664 runs at an average of 47.42 and a blazing run rate of 10.29. They’ve built seven 50+ stands, and early breakthroughs have been the only proven way to derail them.
Arshdeep Singh holds the edge over Salt (4 dismissals in 6 innings, mostly from short balls angled across). Still, he has struggled post-resumption: wicketless in 10 Powerplay overs and leaking at 10.39 RPO in recent matches.
Punjab will be desperate for him to find his rhythm early or risk letting the game slip in the first six overs.
RCB’s Strategy: Exploit Punjab’s Fifth Bowler Weakness
The unavailability of Marco Jansen has forced Punjab to cobble together overs from all-rounders like Omarzai and Stoinis, whose 42 overs combined (excluding Jansen) have yielded just eight wickets at an economy of 11.53.
This is where RCB’s aggressive middle order, guided by a well-set platform, can do severe damage if they weather the initial burst.
Selection Dilemma: Vyshak vs Brar
Punjab must decide between deploying third seamer Vyshak Vijaykumar or turning to Harpreet Brar, who has historically troubled RCB’s right-heavy batting order. With Chahal already a force against right-handers (12 wickets at SR 12.1), Brar’s inclusion could add a second angle of spin pressure.
Verdict: Momentum vs Firepower
RCB come into this clash as the more consistent and well-rounded unit, boasting a clinical chasing record (6 wins in 7), a power-packed opening pair, and the most effective Powerplay seam attack. Punjab’s fortunes rest heavily on their top order and whether Arshdeep and Chahal can spark magic with the ball.
Toss will be key. If Punjab bat first and score 220+, it could force RCB out of their comfort zone. But if Bengaluru restricts early damage or chase, they hold a slight edge.
Player Battles to Watch
Salt vs Arshdeep (Short ball threat)
Shreyas vs Hazlewood (RCB’s most favourable matchup)
Inglis vs Hazlewood (Bounce vs counterpunch)
Suyash vs Stoinis/Wadhera (Leg-spin duel)
RCB batters vs Omarzai/Stoinis overs (5th bowler exploitation)
Let the fireworks begin. Ahmedabad awaits its newest champion.
