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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
IPL 2025: Five unforgettable finals before today's showdown
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (2019) Live Events Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals (2008) Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2012) Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2016) Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant (2017) (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As the 18th season of the Indian Premier League reaches its climax, fans eagerly await the showdown between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This final is much more than a game, it's a convergence of stories, dreams, and legacies that have come to define the IPL's unique the centre of this epic narrative is Virat Kohli , a player whose nearly two-decade-long pursuit of an IPL title with RCB has been marked by brilliance and heartbreak in equal measure. Kohli enters this final for the fourth time, still chasing that elusive triumph that has so far slipped just beyond his him stands Shreyas Iyer , the captain who has transformed Punjab Kings from a team mired in mediocrity into genuine contenders, guided by his own leadership and the strategic acumen of coach Ricky Ponting. Their journey epitomises the resilience and hunger that IPL cricket celebrates, underdogs challenging the established order, eager to carve their own this new chapter unfolds, it's worth revisiting five IPL finals that have not only thrilled fans but also shaped the tournament's identity as the world's biggest and most exciting T20 Mumbai Indians won by 1 runVenue: HyderabadThe 2019 final was a nerve-shredder, a low-scoring battle where strategy and composure made all the difference. Mumbai's 149, built on Kieron Pollard's gritty 41*, didn't seem daunting. But Lasith Malinga, with ice in his veins, defended the final over despite an early onslaught from Shane Watson, who scored 80. CSK faltered at the last hurdle, falling short by a single standout players: Jasprit Bumrah (2/14 in 4 overs, Player of the Match), Deepak Chahar (3/26), MS Dhoni's sharp glovework, and Rahul Chahar's vital spell. This final reminded us that T20 cricket is as much about nerve and nuance as it is about Rajasthan Royals won by 3 wicketsVenue: Navi MumbaiThe inaugural IPL final was the stuff of a spectacle. CSK, powered by Parthiv Patel, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni, posted a solid 163. But Shane Warne's unheralded Royals, the ultimate underdogs, scripted a Pathan shone with a 3-wicket haul and a rapid-fire 56, while Graeme Smith and Kamran Akmal chipped in. Sohail Tanvir and Shane Watson brought control with the ball, and Warne's captaincy was masterful. Needing one run off the last ball, Rajasthan held their nerve. The first champions of the KKR won by 5 wicketsVenue: ChennaiWhen CSK posted 190 at home, thanks to Murali Vijay (42), Suresh Raina (73), and MS Dhoni's finishing touch, it looked like a third title was in the bag. But KKR, then chasing their maiden IPL title, found an unlikely Bisla played the innings of his life — 89 off 48 balls, as he took apart the CSK attack. Jacques Kallis (69 off 49) provided calm at the other end, while Yusuf Pathan hit the winning runs. Sunil Narine's earlier spell and L Balaji's clutch death overs were also pivotal. Gautam Gambhir's captaincy, understated but assertive,got its crowning Sunrisers Hyderabad won by 8 runsVenue: BengaluruIn what many consider the most thrilling IPL final of the modern era, RCB began strongly, with Chris Gayle (76 off 38) and Virat Kohli (54) putting up a solid 114-run opening partnership. However, disciplined death bowling from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mustafizur Rahman turned the tide, as RCB lost momentum in the final consistent performances from AB de Villiers and KL Rahul earlier in the season, the final ended in disappointment for Kohli and his team once Mumbai Indians won by 1 runVenue: HyderabadWhen Mumbai Indians limped to 129 thanks to Krunal Pandya's scrappy 47, it looked like the trophy was headed to Pune. But Rohit Sharma 's Mumbai had other Johnson (3/26), Jasprit Bumrah (2/26), and Krunal himself turned up with the ball. Pune's chase saw Ajinkya Rahane (44) and Steve Smith (51) anchor steadily, but Johnson's final over was a masterclass in handling pressure. Dan Christian couldn't get the final blow, and Mumbai won by one run, again. A low-scoring epic that proved T20 finals don't need 200+ scores to deliver RCB and PBKS prepare to write the next chapter, the stakes go beyond the scoreboard. It's Kohli's unrelenting quest, it's Punjab's first-ever shot at history, it's Ricky Ponting's chess match against Faf du Plessis and Sanjay Bangar's tactics. And a new name will etch itself into IPL folklore, one we didn't expect, who reminds us once again why we love this game.
The Hindu
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
IPL Final Key Records ahead of RCB vs PBKS: Most runs, wickets, catches; highest individual scores, best bowling figures
The Indian Premier League (IPL) will have a new title winner as Royal Challengers Bengaluru takes on Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday. Here are all the major IPL final stats and records ahead of the RCB vs PBKS clash: MOST RUNS IN IPL FINALS Player Name Innings Runs Average Strike Rate High Score 1. Suresh Raina (CSK) 8 249 35.57 150.00 73 2. Shane Watson (CSK, RR, RCB) 4 236 78.66 163.88 117* 3. Rohit Sharma (DC, MI) 6 183 30.50 129.78 68 4. Murali Vijay (CSK) 4 181 45.25 147.15 95 Highest individual scores in IPL finals 1. Shane Watson (CSK) - 117* vs SRH (2018) 2. Wriddhiman Saha (KXIP) - 115* vs KKR (2014) 3. B Sai Sudharsan (GT) - 96 vs CSK (2023) 4. Murali Vijay (CSK) - 95 vs RCB (2011) MOST WICKETS IN IPL FINALS Player Inns. Wkts. Avg. Econ. BBI 1. Dwayne Bravo (CSK) 7 10 24.10 9.77 4/42 2. Mitchell Johnson (PBKS, MI) 3 7 12.28 7.16 3/26 3. Albie Morkel (CSK) 5 6 19.83 7.00 2/12 4. Shardul Thakur (CSK) 4 6 18.83 8.69 3/38 Best bowling figures in IPL finals 1. Anil Kumble (RCB) - 4/16 in four overs vs Deccan Chargers (2009) 2. Dwayne Bravo (CSK) - 4/42 in four overs vs MI (2013) 3. Karanveer Singh (KXIP) - 4/54 in four overs vs KKR (2014) 4. R. Ashwin (CSK) - 3/16 in four overs vs RCB (2011) Most catches in IPL finals 1. MS Dhoni (CSK) - 8 in 11 innings (as a wicket-keeper) 2. Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) - 6 in 8 innings 3. Suresh Raina (CSK) - 6 in 8 innings
India.com
2 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
Shane Watson To Wriddhiman Saha: 9 Highest Individual Scores In IPL Finals
photoDetails english 2909826 Updated:Jun 02, 2025, 12:43 PM IST Shane Watson – 117 (CSK) 1 / 9 Shane Watson's unbeaten 117 in the 2018 IPL final remains the highest individual score in a final. Chasing 179, the CSK opener produced a masterclass, hitting 11 fours and 8 sixes. His ton powered Chennai Super Kings to their third IPL title in style. Wriddhiman Saha - 115 (PBKS) 2 / 9 Wriddhiman Saha stunned everyone with a sensational 115 not out in the 2014 final. His century came off just 55 balls and included 10 fours and 8 sixes. Despite his brilliance, PBKS lost to KKR in a close contest. Murali Vijay - 95 (CSK) 3 / 9 Murali Vijay played a pivotal role in CSK's 2011 title win with a blazing 95 off 52 balls. His aggressive start laid the foundation for Chennai's 205-run total, which proved too much for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Manish Pandey – 94 (KKR) 4 / 9 In the same final where Saha struck a century, Manish Pandey stole the show with a 50-ball 94. His counter-attacking innings helped Kolkata Knight Riders chase down 200 and lift their second IPL title. Manvinder Bisla - 89 (KKR) 5 / 9 Bisla's surprise heroics in the 2012 final helped KKR clinch their first IPL trophy. He smashed 89 off 48 balls while chasing a steep target set by CSK. His fearless knock remains one of the most underrated in IPL history. Faf du Plessis – 86 (CSK) 6 / 9 Faf du Plessis played a key role in CSK's 2021 title win with an 86-run knock in the final. His composure and strokeplay helped Chennai post a big total against KKR, securing their fourth title. Shane Watson – 80 (CSK) 7 / 9 Watson once again starred in an IPL final, this time scoring 80 not out in 2019. Despite suffering cramps, he kept CSK in the hunt till the last over, though Mumbai Indians ultimately edged the thriller by 1 run. Chris Gayle – 76 (RCB) 8 / 9 Known for his power hitting, Chris Gayle scored a rapid 76 in the 2016 final for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Unfortunately, RCB couldn't chase down Sunrisers Hyderabad's target, and Gayle's effort went in vain. Sai Sudharsan – 76 (GT) 9 / 9 Sai Sudharsan showcased remarkable maturity in the 2023 final, scoring 76 off 47 balls for Gujarat Titans. His innings provided a solid platform, but CSK ultimately chased down the target in a rain-hit thriller.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
"Winner Of IPL 2025 Is RCB, Virat Kohli Man Of The Match": Australia Legend's Massive Prediction
As Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to face Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 1 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Thursday, Australia legend Shane Watson has made a massive prediction. The former all-rounder, who too has played for RCB in the past, has backed the side to win the title this year. He gave the reason behind his prediction and also stated that Virat Kohli will be the Player of the Match in the final game of the tournament. Notably, RCB, who have been a part of IPL since its inception in 2008, have never won the coveted trophy. They have played the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but ended up losing all three. "The winner of IPL 2025... I've been thinking long and hard about it, is RCB. And the Man of the Match for me is Virat Kohli, the great man. And here's the reason why. I just get a feeling that this is the time for RCB. They have had a few blips in the back end of the tournament, but with Josh Hazlewood coming back for the Playoffs, I get a feeling this is the year," Watson said in a video he posted on his X handle. It really has been another incredible season of @IPL The playoffs are truly going to be epic!! Here are my predictions for who I think is going to win IPL18. Make your predictions on Wolf777 now. #watson #wolf777 #wolf777exchange #cricket #ipl18 #playoffs... — Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) May 28, 2025 Virat Kohli has been in sensational touch in the ongoing season, having scored 602 runs in 13 matches at an average of 60.20. His strike rate is 147.91. Kohli has hit 8 fifties so far and is only one away from equalling the record of David Warner of smashing most half-centuries in a single IPL season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the ultimate face of loyalty, resilience, patience for its unwavering fan base and a franchise trolled for a dust-collecting trophy cabinet despite presence of some of the sport's biggest superstars, is just few steps away from capturing the Indian Premier League (IPL) glory for the first-time ever. RCB and PBKS, two franchises that have not lifted the IPL gold in their entire existence, will be aiming to book a direct spot in the final when they lock horns in the Qualifier one at Mullanpur on Thursday. Even if either of them loses, they will get a shot at redemption when they play either Gujarat Titans (GT) or Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Qualifier two at Ahmedabad. While PBKS have defied expectations and displayed fearlessness under skipper Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, the journey towards the playoffs has been just as brilliant for RCB, led by Rajat Patidar.
India Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
RCB will win IPL 2025 and Virat Kohli will be Player of the Match: Shane Watson
Legendary Australia cricketer Shane Watson has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to win Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) and Virat Kohli to win Player of the Match. RCB finished the league stage of the tournament on second position with nine wins from 14 matches, having 19 points to their name. It was the first time that the Bengaluru-based franchise finished in top two after nine a result, they have a golden chance to win the tournament and end their 18-year drought of an IPL trophy. Shane Watson has also backed RCB to win the trophy and Virat Kohli to win the Player of the Match award in the final. He also mentioned how the return of Josh Hazlewood for the playoffs is a major boost for the side."The winner of IPL 2025, and I've been thinking long and hard about it, is RCB. And the Man of the Match for me is Virat Kohli, the great man. And here's the reason why. I just get a feeling that this is the time for RCB. They have had a few blips in the back end of the tournament, but with Josh Hazlewood coming back for the Playoffs, I get a feeling this is the year," Watson said in a video shared on his X really has been another incredible season of @IPL The playoffs are truly going to be epic!! Here are my predictions for who I think is going to win your predictions on Wolf777 now.#watson #wolf777 #wolf777exchange #cricket #ipl18 #playoffs Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) May 28, 2025advertisement Back in 2016, during the final of the IPL played between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Watson didn't have a memorable game. He first leaked 61 runs in four overs and later got dismissed for 11 (9) as RCB lost the match by eight runs. The Australian all-rounder has apologised to RCB fans time and again for his dismal show in the final which deprived them of their maiden title Hazlewood missed the last two games for RCB as he was nursing a shoulder issue and returned late from Australia. However, his return just ahead of the playoffs has provided a major boost for Bengaluru. The Rajat Patidar-led side will hope that the Australian seamer continues his rich form in the season and finally ends their title updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!
