RCB vs PBKS: Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to make a long-awaited return to the IPL final as they gear up to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
This marks only their second appearance in an IPL summit clash, with their previous outing dating back to 2014 - a heartbreaking loss to Kolkata Knight Riders.

In the IPL 2014 final, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) by 3 wickets to win their second IPL title. Punjab posted 199/4 with Wriddhiman Saha scoring an unbeaten 115. KKR chased it down in 19.3 overs, led by Manish Pandey's 94 off 50 balls.
After years of inconsistency and constant restructuring, PBKS have finally found a formula that works. Under the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, the franchise has turned a new page in 2025.
The mega auction played a pivotal role in shaping the squad, with Iyer being signed for a record ₹26.75 crore and key additions like Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal reinforcing the bowling unit.
PBKS topped the league table with nine wins, four losses, and one no-result, finishing with 19 points. Their campaign saw a perfect mix of aggression and discipline, traits that were on full display in Qualifier 2 against five-time champions Mumbai Indians.
Chasing a daunting 204-run target, captain Iyer produced a match-winning unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls to seal a five-wicket victory and set up a thrilling final clash with RCB. Earlier PBKS lost to RCB by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1.
This season has seen the emergence of young talents like Priyansh Arya, who smashed a stunning 39-ball century against Chennai Super Kings - the third-fastest by an Indian in IPL history. Arshdeep Singh, meanwhile, has been lethal with the ball, especially in crunch death-over situations, becoming the side's go-to pacer in pressure moments.
The 2025 IPL final is more than just a shot at glory - it's a clash of legacies. Both PBKS and RCB are chasing their maiden IPL title after nearly two decades of trying. For Punjab Kings, it's a chance to right the wrongs of 2014 and carve their name into history. With momentum on their side and belief in their camp, PBKS will step onto the field with one goal: to finally bring the trophy home.