Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
A colossal battle. An epic game of cricket. A mega IPL final that's worth watching from the start to the very end. Regardless of what one says, the final game lying ahead promises plenty of action and not just for those who are contesting it but even those who are watching, perhaps with semi-left nails as plenty would be chewed off, right?
Irrespective of the facts, Bengaluru have more final game experiences and Punjab not too many, having only played one big final before and that too, many moons ago. It's a fourth one, therefore, for the RCB (who played thrice before), but for PBKS just the second.
So what 'could' pan out next?
If there lies a common thorn in the path of RCB to their possible maiden IPL title, then it's Punjab Kings. And it's not even a cliche. For starters, Bengaluru could possibly find a more resurgent, spirited Punjab team facing them in the next few hours at the grand finale of IPL 2025. After all, it wasn't too long ago that RCB usurped the Punjab Kings and that too, in Punjab as they made their way to the final.
On the other hand, it won't be a misnomer to say that Punjab too, will find it difficult if not outright scathing to beat RCB in what lies ahead? The big reason? The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have played mighty fine cricket as of now, and would, in no way, whatsoever, like to enjoy the upperhand over Punjab.
Purely where experience stands...
It could be argued that the RCB, who've thrice played an IPL final before will have the better undertanding of it all. The pressure. The big match scenario. Forget not, their then-captain, Virat Kohli, who in 2016, made 973 runs, which is almost 1,000 runs on his own, will know a thing or two on how to guide his team well.
And yet, on the other hand, Punjab Kings, who won't be under that much of pressure since scrutiny over non performances seemed to have stung RCB in a more critical way, would like to carry the winning momentum into the big final tomorrow.
But that being said...
Let us pause for a moment to understand how the two have fared when they've clashed earlier in this very edition of the 2025 IPL?
For starters, the RCB and PBKS teams have collided with each other in 2025 itself on 3 previous occasions.
In their first-encounter, which took place in Bengaluru, the RCB were defeated. Punjab, their main counterparts for the final, won by a margin of 5 wickets. That was no small victory.
What happened, thereafter, in the next two games?
Next up, the RCB and PBKS units met each other on 2 more occasions and that time, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, both the games, therefore, being in Punjab.
What was rather emphatic was that on both those counts, the RCB emerged triumphant, winning their second-contest versus Punjab in 2025 by 7 wickets. Finally, the next and thus far, the third contest yielded a 8-wicket win for RCB.
That means...
What started out as a formidable battle won by Punjab in Bangalore territory was not only bettered but in fact, formidably aced by Bangalore when it played in the Punjab territory.
But there's more perspective in it too!
The most recent contest that took place in Punjab was the first time these two sides came together in what was an IPL playoff.
The final, on a neutral ground, of course, it being the Narendra Modi Stadium, could fetch an emphatic contest, irrespective of who wins it?
What Punjab must watch out against?
Purely as a cricket fan and IPL enthusiast, it's not hard to note the charisma of Virat Kohli, who became the scorer of 9000 IPL runs. The Delhi-born reached his landmark in the earlier contest vs Lucknow.
But on most recent form, Punjab would watch Phil Salt of RCB carefully, who compiled the match-winning fifty score in the win versus PBKS. At the same time, Hazlewood and Suyash, both of whom picked three wickets apiece during Punjab's lashing earlier could come strong. Yet again! They are both bowling economically with being well supported by a world class act that is B. Kumar.
A game for the ages. A massive event. A colossal final. Whatever you say, needless it is to admit that the big match up ahead cannot possibly be described in adjectives. It will be a tug of war between experience and skill, ability and attiude and only one winner will rule the roost.
Punjab and Bangalore haven't before met each other on any IPL final occasion so this makes it a first, possibly of many but what's certain is that what lies ahead offers the prospect of mouth-watering entertainment to the IPL and T20 fan, in general.
We already have our favourites - don't we? But then basis purely performances and recent ones in the 2025 edition of the IPL, what seems to be the narrative ahead of Tuesday's big clash?
On the other hand...
The RCB should only take PBKS lightly at their own peril. Their captain Shreyas Iyer appears in red hot form, not only has he hit over 600 runs this edition itself, he most recently, wiped out Mumbai from the face of the IPL competition. That red hot 87 unbeaten run knock was evidence enough of Iyer playing the wrecker-in-chief of MI.
Can RCB handle the grace under pressure of Iyer? Only time will tell. However, the in-from skipper isn't the only one to watch out for. The dashing opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya can easily put away bad deliveries and score about as freely as Bangalore's opening pair.
Secondly, Chahal has the makings of a world class spinner and together with a three-pronged attack including Arshdeep (who a week ago, was 5th on the Purple cap holders list), Jamieson and Stoinis can wreck damage.
Who prevails in the end is not known but what's known is that the one who keeps calm under pressure will go a long way.
It's all to play for. It's a massive contest as the fire of Bangalore will meet the icy cool persona of Punjab. What do you reckon?
