After 70 group stage matches and over two months of intense cricket, the 2025 IPL season has come down to a thrilling finale. Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face off in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3. Both franchises are chasing their first-ever IPL title, and only one will break the jinx—while the other is destined for heartbreak.
Shreyas Iyer Says “It’s War on the Field”
PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer came into the pre-final press conference full of confidence and determination. Known for his on-field charisma, Iyer played down the personal relationships he shares with RCB players like Virat Kohli, insisting that the IPL final is purely about competition.
“When you are on the field, it’s all about the rivalry. It’s not about comfort. At all,” Iyer said. “When you step onto the field, you are at war, and you fight to win. So, I will put in everything to see that my team wins.”
PBKS were outplayed by RCB in the first qualifier in Mullanpur, where RCB’s bowlers, especially Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, dominated. However, Iyer believes things will be different in Ahmedabad.
“This is a different wicket,” Iyer pointed out, referring to the pitch where PBKS had earlier scored 243/5 in their first league game of the season. Iyer was instrumental in that match, finishing with an unbeaten 97.
“RCB have bowled well this season, but adaptability is the key. You can’t go in with a rigid mindset. We need to read the conditions, stay flexible, and take the bull by the horns.”
He also emphasized the growth of the young PBKS squad. “Our youngsters play with a fearless attitude, but now they have gained experience too. We can’t stick to a fixed plan—we must respond to how the game unfolds.”
Rajat Patidar: “We Want to Win It for Kohli”
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, meanwhile, reflected on the emotional weight of the final—especially with a long-serving icon like Virat Kohli in the squad. Kohli, who has been part of the RCB setup since the beginning, is yet to lift an IPL trophy despite numerous playoff appearances.
“We will try and win this for him,” Patidar said. “He has done so much for India and for RCB. This is our chance to give something back.”
Patidar also drew a parallel with a past domestic showdown. “I told Shreyas earlier that it feels the same as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final. The captains are the same—he led Mumbai, I led Madhya Pradesh—only the stage is bigger now. That was SMAT. This is the IPL.”
With emotions running high and both teams eager to create history, the IPL 2025 final promises to be a gripping spectacle. One way or another, a new champion will rise in Ahmedabad.
