IPL 2025 Final Showdown: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The stage is set for the IPL 2025 final. Punjab Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad on June 3rd, Tuesday. Let’s dive into their journey, strengths, and challenges.
Team Analysis
Challenges Ahead
Punjab Kings have a few hurdles to overcome:
- Big match experience: Only a handful of players have tasted the pressure of a big final. Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marcus Stoinis have been there before. Arshdeep Singh felt the heat in the last T20 World Cup final. These four must lead the way for the younger players when the pressure is on.
- Inconsistent performances: Punjab Kings had a shaky start in the league games. They were struggling at 34/3 against Rajasthan Royals but bounced back to finish strong at 219/5. However, their aggressive approach didn’t pay off in Qualifier 1 against RCB, leading to a low score of 101. Shreyas Iyer showed better form in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians.
Can the team handle the pressure and deliver when it matters most against RCB?
Strategic Opportunities
Punjab Kings have a chance to refine their strategy:
- Playing two spinners: Harpreet Brar didn’t play in the first six games of IPL 2025. His first game was against RCB, a team he loves to play against. In fact, 31% of his IPL wickets have come from matches against RCB. Brar has had a better season than Yuzvendra Chahal.
Playing both spinners could benefit Shreyas Iyer in two ways.
Potential Threats
Punjab Kings face some significant threats:
- Josh Hazlewood’s form: Hazlewood has been a thorn in the side for Indian fans, especially since the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup. He played a crucial role in limiting India to 240 runs. In IPL 2025, Hazlewood has been outstanding against Punjab Kings. He took three-wicket hauls in two of the three matches. He also dismissed Shreyas Iyer twice, including in Qualifier 1.
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