New Champions Guaranteed as PBKS and RCB Set Up Historic IPL Final

A new name will be etched into IPL history on Tuesday, June 3, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off in the final in Ahmedabad — with neither side having lifted the trophy before.

RCB, long branded as one of the league’s unluckiest sides, will be playing in their fourth final, having previously finished runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016. For PBKS, this is only their second final appearance, the last coming a decade ago in 2014 when they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders as Kings XI Punjab. That season also marked their only previous playoff qualification since the playoff system was introduced in 2011.

This year, both teams were dominant in the league stage, finishing first and second with identical records: nine wins, four losses, and one no-result. The head-to-head across the season was evenly poised — PBKS defeated RCB in Bengaluru, while RCB returned the favour in Mullanpur. In the first qualifier, RCB humbled PBKS by bundling them out for 101 and chasing it down inside ten overs. PBKS, however, bounced back strongly in Qualifier 2, beating five-time champions Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad to seal their spot in the final.

Adding a fascinating twist, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer makes IPL history as the first player to lead three different franchises to the final — Delhi Capitals in 2020, KKR in 2024, and now PBKS in 2025.

On Tuesday night, either RCB will finally end their long wait, or PBKS will break through after years of underachievement — ensuring that IPL 2025 crowns a first-time champion.

Catch the match live updates, highlights, and full match coverage on CricRadio. Get fast, accurate, and ad-free updates throughout the game. Download the CricRadio app from the Play Store to stay connected. You can also get the live scores of cricket series directly on the CricRadio website for real-time coverage.