IPL 2025 Final: Rajeev Shukla Anticipates Thrilling Clash As RCB And PBKS Battle For First Title

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has voiced his enthusiasm ahead of the IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Speaking to the media, Shukla said: “Everyone is expecting an exciting match… two teams who haven’t won the IPL in 17 years are now clashing in the final. This time, we will have a new champion. Whoever plays better will lift the trophy.”

Historic Opportunity For Both Teams

RCB and PBKS have been part of the IPL since its launch in 2008, yet both are still in search of their first title.

RCB will play their fourth final, having previously finished as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016, losing to Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively.

Meanwhile, PBKS had their only previous final appearance in 2014, where they narrowly missed out on the trophy.

Anticipation Builds Among Fans

As the title decider approaches, excitement among supporters of both franchises has reached its peak. The clash promises to deliver high drama, especially with Virat Kohli leading RCB and Shreyas Iyer captaining PBKS.

“So, this is something new for fans. One side features Virat Kohli, and the other, Shreyas Iyer,” Shukla noted. “Whoever performs better on the day will win — as long as the weather doesn’t interfere.”

Also Read: IPL 2025 Final: RCB And Punjab Kings Eye Maiden Title In Ahmedabad

While the cricketing spectacle is expected to draw millions of viewers, the threat of rain looms over the contest.

Forecasts suggest a 2% to 5% chance of showers, which could disrupt the match. Cloudy skies and humid conditions may add further intensity to the final.

Rivalry Evenly Balanced

The head-to-head record between RCB and PBKS adds another layer of intrigue to the final. In their 36 meetings to date, each side has won 18 matches.

RCB, however, hold a recent edge, having won four of the last five encounters.

Notably, RCB recorded both the highest score (241) and the lowest (95 all out) in this fixture during those matches, underlining their volatile potential.

In terms of match dynamics, teams batting first have won 9 and lost 11 of the 20 games.

Meanwhile, chasing sides have emerged victorious 9 times out of 16, highlighting the crucial role momentum and match-ups will play on the day.

A New Champion Awaits

Regardless of the outcome, Tuesday’s final will end a long wait for both franchises. For fans and players alike, this is more than just a trophy — it is a chance to rewrite history.

With anticipation, form, and narrative all aligned, the IPL 2025 final is poised to deliver a memorable spectacle.