Last Updated on 11 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will do battle in what promises to be a magnificent IPL 2025 Final. The 18-year wait will end for one franchise, with years of heartbreak and close misses to be a thing of the past.

On paper, this looks an evenly matched contest despite RCB’s huge win over PBKS in last week’s Qualifier 1. RCB’s bowling attack has produced the goods time and again, while PBKS’ long batting lineup has given them the edge in numerous matches this season.

So, which way will this final go? There is a strong case for both teams, but RCB might just come out on top. Here are four reasons.

Will RCB go on to win the IPL 2025 Final? Here are 4 signs why they might

1. Winning Qualifier 1 goes a long way to winning the IPL title

The winner of Qualifier 1 has gone on to win the title in the last seven consecutive seasons. The trend began in 2018 where Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lifted the trophy after two years in the wilderness. Mumbai Indians (2019, 2020), CSK (2021), Gujarat Titans (2022), CSK (2023) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all won Qualifier 1 in their title-winning years.

RCB thrashed PBKS in Qualifier 1 last week. While another thumping in the IPL 2025 Final would be a huge surprise, the extra time RCB have had to prepare could prove vital.

That said, RCB are yet to play a match at Ahmedabad this season, PBKS have played twice, including the classic victory over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.

2. The Josh Hazlewood factor

Josh Hazlewood has been a tower of strength for RCB in IPL 2025. Opponents have a good idea of what to expect, but Hazlewood’s impeccable control of length and ability to generate extra bounce has held RCB in great stead.

Hazlewood has the wood over Shreyas Iyer, and this matchup could go a long way in deciding the final. The pace bowler has dismissed the PBKS captain four times in 22 balls in the IPL, conceding just 11 runs in the process.

However, Shreyas is fearless and composed in equal measure. If he can get the better of this matchup, PBKS might just go on to lift the trophy.

3. RCB’s well-rounded bowling unit

Both batting lineups are filled with quality, but RCB could gain an edge thanks to their bowling. Hazlewood is part of an excellent attack that has performed well as a unit for the majority of the season, and they will be looking to do so again.

A number of RCB’s bowlers have favourable matchups. In addition to his record against Shreyas, Hazlewood has also dismissed fellow Australian Josh Inglis twice in six balls in T20s.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has good head-to-head numbers against PBKS’ key players, including Prabhsimran Singh (5/62 in 48 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (3/45 in 50 balls). Fellow seamer Yash Dayal had a good outing in Qualifier 1 and comes up against Priyansh Arya who has been dismissed by left-arm seam three times in his past five innings.

Then, the confident Suyash Sharma – player of the match in Qualifier 1 – will combine with Krunal Pandya to build pressure in the middle overs. PBKS have a long batting lineup, and they will have to be at their best.

4. Motivation to win for Virat Kohli

In addition to the tactical matchups, there is the emotional element of seeing Virat Kohli lift the IPL trophy for the first time. Kohli has come close on a few occasions in his 17 years with the franchise, and victory here would be a moment to remember.

“We will try & win this for him (Virat Kohli) – he has done so well for India & RCB over the years,” said captain Rajat Patidar on the eve of the IPL 2025 Final.

In a game that shapes up as one that could be decided by small margins, these matchups and RCB’s well-rounded unit can get them over the line.