RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final – June 3, Ahmedabad | Live Score & Commentary

Introduction

The culmination of the Indian Premier League 2025 sees Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in what promises to be a pulsating final on June 3, 2025 at the gargantuan Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With both franchises showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the season, this title decider represents not only a chance at IPL glory but also an opportunity to etch new records in the tournament’s history.

Fans worldwide will be glued to live score updates and ball-by-ball commentary starting at 7:30 PM IST, as two of the tournament’s most in-form sides battle it out under lights. Below is an in-depth preview, covering team form, squad strengths, key matchups, venue factors, and what to expect from the high-stakes showdown.

Road to the Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• League Stage Dominance: RCB topped the league table, registering 9 wins out of 14 matches. Their batting-heavy lineup consistently piled up 180+ totals, while the bowling unit found momentum in the latter half of the campaign.
  
• Key Wins: Memorable victories include a thrilling last-ball win against Mumbai Indians (Pool match vs MI) and a comprehensive 7-wicket romp over Chennai Super Kings.
  
• Playoff Path:
  
  1. Qualifier 1: Defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets, chasing 165 with 4 balls to spare; Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 61* steered RCB home.
     
  2. Final Berth: By virtue of topping the table, RCB had two shots at reaching the final; the Qualifier 1 victory sealed their place without needing Qualifier 2.
     

Punjab Kings

• Ruthless Middle-Order: PBKS finished second in the league with 8 wins, largely on the back of match-winning displays by Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis. Their bowling attack—particularly Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami—kept runs in check at crucial junctures.
  
• Key Wins: A nail-biting chase against Kolkata Knight Riders in Week 5 (222/4 chased in 19.3 overs) and a 6-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals anchored their momentum.
  
• Playoff Path:
  
  1. Qualifier 1: Narrowly lost to RCB (by 3 wickets), despite a late Arshdeep Singh surge (4/27).
     
  2. Qualifier 2: Bounced back by defeating Chennai Super Kings by 3 wickets, with Shashank Singh’s 82-run blitz proving decisive.
     

Squad Analysis

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• 
  Batting Depth: Anchored by Virat Kohli at No. 3, RCB boasts six potential 40+ contributors. Rajat Patidar’s consistency at the top and Tim David’s finishing prowess give them an extra edge.
  
• Middle Overs Control: Krunal Pandya’s left-arm spin, coupled with Romario Shepherd’s seam and bounce options, ensures RCB can strangle scoring in overs 7–15.
  
• Death Overs Specialists: Josh Hazlewood’s experience, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s variations, and Blessing Muzarabani’s pace make for a potent death-bowling unit.
  

Punjab Kings

• 
  Top-Order Firepower: Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy at No. 4 melds well with Prabhsimran Singh’s explosive starts. Shashank Singh’s left-handed stroke play further cements the top five as formidable.
  
• All-Round Balance: Marcus Stoinis’ ability to hit in both powerplay and death overs, alongside Xavier Bartlett’s seam, gives PBKS unmatched flexibility. Aaron Hardie’s late-order hitting can turn matches.
  
• Spin Arsenal: Yuzvendra Chahal’s leg-spin is often unplayable on slower pitches. Harpreet Brar’s left-arm spin provides a variation seldom seen in the IPL.
  

Venue Profile: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

• Capacity & Atmosphere: With a seating capacity exceeding 132,000, the largest cricket stadium in the world guarantees a raucous crowd. Expect the stands to be vibrant sea of team colors, with RCB’s red and black clashing against PBKS’s red and blue.
  
• Pitch Characteristics: Historically, the pitch at NMS offers:
  
  • First 6 Overs: Good carry for seamers; early movement is possible under lights.
    
  • Middle Overs (7–15): Becomes batsman-friendly as the ball softens; ideal for spin bowlers to extract turn.
    
  • Death Overs (16–20): Tends to slow down slightly, making yorkers and slower bouncers more effective than rank bounce.
    
• Dew Factor: Moderate dew—bowlers might find it tricky gripping the ball after 10 PM, aiding chasing teams slightly.
  

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

• Overall IPL Encounters: Before this final, RCB vs PBKS have clashed 29 times in IPL history:
  
  • RCB Wins: 16
    
  • PBKS Wins: 13
    
  • Last 5 Meetings:
    
    • 2–1 in RCB’s favor (wins in 2023 & 2024; loss in 2024 Eliminator)
      
• Previous Finals: This marks the first time PBKS have reached the IPL Final. RCB, conversely, have been runners-up on multiple occasions (2009, 2011, 2016) but have never won the trophy. Therefore, both franchises are vying for their maiden IPL title.
  
• Notable Past Clash: In IPL 2024, PBKS chased down 199 against RCB thanks to Shashank Singh’s blistering 63 off 26 balls, signaling a clear rivalry edge for PBKS ahead of this summit clash.
  
• Digital Engagement:
  
  • Official hashtags: #RCBvsPBKS, #IPL2025Final, #RCBChampions?
    
  • Facebook and Instagram Live sessions featuring player interviews at the stadium.
    
  • “Predict the Winner” polls on Twitter with live prize giveaways (RCB & PBKS jerseys, match ball signed by Virat Kohli or Shreyas Iyer).
    

What to Expect: Match Dynamics & Fan Takeaways

1. High-Scoring Potential: Both sides have heavy hitters—Kohli, Livingstone, Stoinis, Prabhsimran. Expect a combined total of at least 350+ runs if conditions favor batting.
   
2. Bowling Under Pressure: Death overs likely to decide outcome. Precision yorkers from Arshdeep, embellished with Shami’s pace—versus Hazlewood’s cutter and Bhuvneshwar’s swing.
   
3. Captaincy Chess: Rajat Patidar’s young leadership tested against Shreyas Iyer’s calm, astute decisions. Field placements during middle overs and bowling changes in the death phase will be crucial.
   
4. Fan Emotion: RCB’s quest for their maiden title—RCB fan base (the “RCBians”) have waited since 2016 for IPL glory. PBKS’s underdog story—first final appearance—will have Punjab diaspora rallying behind them.
   
5. Memorable Moment Potential: Could be a last-ball finish—both teams have experienced that scenario this season. Watch for Tim David or Marcus Stoinis to finish off a tight chase.
   

Conclusion

As the sun sets over Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025, cricket enthusiasts will witness one of IPL 2025’s most anticipated spectacles: Royal Challengers Bengaluru versus Punjab Kings in the ultimate fight for the trophy. With seasoned veterans like Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer leading their troops, complemented by impactful all-rounders and death-over specialists, this final is poised to produce fireworks.

Whether you’re tracking the live score or tuning into expert ball-by-ball commentary, expect enthralling contests—sizzling boundaries, deceptive spin, and raw pace duels. Ultimately, the side that best adapts to NMS’s unique conditions, handles pressure in the final five overs, and seizes momentum early will walk away as IPL 2025 Champions.