Punjab Kings` skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
After a grueling and action-packed season, only one victory now separates both teams from creating history and claiming their maiden IPL title. For Iyer, the stakes are particularly high, he stands on the cusp of becoming the first captain to win IPL titles with two different franchises, a feat yet to be achieved in the tournament’s 18-year history. On the other side, Virat Kohli is chasing a long-cherished dream: lifting the IPL trophy with RCB after three previous failed attempts in the finals.
RCB, who finished second in the league stage standings, stormed into the final with a dominant performance in Qualifier 1, crushing table-toppers Punjab Kings by eight wickets. Powered by a commanding all-round display, Bengaluru made a bold statement as they booked their place in the title clash. Kohli, who has led from the front throughout the season, continues to be the driving force behind the team’s pursuit of elusive glory.
Punjab, however, showed remarkable composure and resilience in bouncing back. In Qualifier 2, they outclassed five-time champions Mumbai Indians in a high-pressure encounter. Iyer anchored the innings with a sensational 87-run knock, guiding his team to a five-wicket win and securing only their second-ever appearance in an IPL final. Their previous outing came in 2014, when they narrowly missed the title after a heartbreaking loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders.
“We`re going to bowl. Only want to give positive signs to my mind and body. It`s an amazing day. The crowd is electrifying. All we have to do is come here and cherish. Boys are in brilliant shape and mindset. All we spoke about in the team meeting is the more calm you are, the better. Nerves are fine. I won`t say it`s just like another game. It`s the final and we`re going to play like a final. Tremendous feeling just thinking about lifting the trophy. Same team,” said Iyer, after winning the toss.
“We were also going to bowl. Pitch looks hard, will try to put a good score and put them under pressure. Till now we`ve played good cricket. It`s just another game for us. It`s a big stage, but as I said it`s just another away game for us. Same team. Pitch is looking good. I think it`s a flat track, a mix of red and black soil,” said Patidar.
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