RCB To Win IPL 2025? Fans Convinced Date Of Final Points To Virat Kohli...
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RCB and PBKS face off in the IPL 2025 final at Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3, and some think they already know the winner.
After 70 league games and three knockout matches, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to crown a new champion as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) face off in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3.
With the date of the final being 03/06/2025, some fans are certain that RCB will be winning the IPL. The reason is that the date numerically adds up to 18, which they infer to mean that RCB's jersey no. 18 – Virat Kohli – will finally be lifting the 18th edition of the IPL.
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, holds an advantage, having defeated PBKS by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, securing direct entry to the final. However, Punjab, spearheaded by Shreyas Iyer's blistering 87 not out in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians, remains a formidable opponent, their hopes of a maiden title still alive.
On paper, both teams boast balanced batting and bowling units. Punjab's batting strength lies in the uncapped duo of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, complemented by experienced players Josh Inglis, Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis. RCB counters with the seasoned opening pair of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, supported by captain Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Krunal Pandya.
RCB's bowling attack features Josh Hazlewood, leading with 21 wickets, alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya provide spin options. For Punjab, Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson lead the pace attack, supported by Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Vijaykumar Vyshak. Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar are their key spinners.
Both teams have experienced batting collapses against each other this season. RCB faltered against Punjab in a league stage clash at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while Punjab suffered a similar fate in Qualifier 1 in New Chandigarh.
As the tournament culminates, fans can anticipate a thrilling final between the two best teams of the 2025 season. Both sides have endured long waits to reach the final of this prestigious league. Punjab last appeared in the 2014 final, while RCB's last appearance was in 2016, losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad. This is also the first time since 2022 that the tournament will have a new winner.
(With inputs from IANS)
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