Sourav Ganguly predicts before IPL 2025 Final: "This time, a new champion is certain to emerge in the tournament

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Under the floodlit skies of the Narendra Modi Stadium, the stage is set for a historic midnight IPL 2025 final as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in what promises to be a title clash for the ages.

With both franchises yet to taste IPL glory, tonight's battle isn't just about a trophy-it's about destiny. As millions prepare to witness a new champion rise, one voice of calm and cricketing wisdom-Sourav Ganguly-has emerged to offer his thoughts ahead of the mega showdown.

Standing at Eden Gardens just a day before the epic clash, the former India captain and ex-BCCI president was quizzed about his pick for the title. But true to his understanding of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, Dada refused to single out a favourite. "Both are good teams. Both teams have played very well this year. You can't tell in advance what will happen in T20 cricket," Ganguly said thoughtfully. "But Punjab is outstanding. The way they beat Mumbai Indians. Shreyas Iyer is incredible. Both teams are equally good. The team that plays well will win."

This IPL final is layered with emotional subplots. Virat Kohli, the face of RCB since the league's inception in 2008, is still chasing his elusive IPL title. The hunger in Kohli's eyes is visible; the weight of years past perhaps heavier tonight than ever. Will the number 18 jersey finally lift the crown?

Ganguly, however, brushed aside concerns of pressure shackling the star batter. "There's always pressure at this level, not just on Kohli but on everyone. He's played World Cups and won them. He's an impeccable cricketer. This is just another big match for him," said the Prince of Kolkata. His words echoed with experience-the calm of a man who has seen it all, lifted trophies, and led teams under immense scrutiny.

On the opposite end is Shreyas Iyer, the architect of PBKS's dream run this season. His six-hitting masterclass against Mumbai Indians, especially during their chase of 206, left cricket fans in awe. Ganguly couldn't help but admire the young leader's composure under pressure. "Shreyas batted brilliantly. Keeping a cool head under pressure is the hallmark of a real match winner," he praised.

What adds another layer of intrigue to this final is the unfamiliar territory both teams are entering. Neither RCB nor PBKS has lifted the IPL title before. That's about to change, as Ganguly had boldly predicted two weeks ago-"This time, a new team will be the champion." His words are now a heartbeat away from turning prophetic.

With the final being played at midnight, strategy takes a central role. When asked about the toss, Ganguly remained pragmatic. "It depends on the dew. If there is dew, you should field first. If not, bat first. It's all about reading the conditions correctly."

It's not just the big names that have captured Ganguly's attention this season. True to his eye for talent, he pointed to several emerging stars: "Nehal Wadhera has played well. Shreyas Iyer has been rediscovered. Apart from that, Priyansh Arya, RCB's Jitesh Sharma, Rajat Patidar, Dewald Brevis have impressed." And Vaibhav Suryavanshi? "Talented young boy. We must give him time," Ganguly remarked with the nurturing tone of a cricketing mentor.

Beyond the final itself, Ganguly had high praise for the Punjab Kings unit. "The biggest quality of this team is that they play well under pressure. The batting lineup is great, they can accelerate the run rate easily. And the most important thing, this team is very balanced."

That balance will be tested against an RCB side equally hungry, equally driven, and led by a man desperate to lift the silverware. The final, kicking off at an unusual midnight hour, promises drama, nerves, and moments that will be replayed for years.

As Sourav Ganguly summed it up, "I don't want to make predictions. Because both teams are so balanced that they cannot be predicted." It's that very uncertainty that makes tonight's final all the more tantalising.

For now, the cricketing world holds its breath. Ahmedabad is ready. Midnight awaits. A new name will be etched in IPL history-whether it's Kohli's long-awaited triumph or Iyer's youthful command that takes Punjab to glory, one thing is certain: the gentleman's game is about to give us another night to remember.