The IPL 2025 final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on June 3, promises an intense showdown between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Both teams will fight for their first IPL title, making every player’s battle crucial. Here are the top five player matchups that could swing the final in favor of either side.
These head-to-head battles could be decisive in determining which team claims their first IPL title.
1. Phil Salt (RCB) vs Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
Phil Salt has been in explosive form, smashing an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls to lead RCB’s chase in Qualifier 1 against PBKS.
His aggressive approach in the powerplay will be tested by Arshdeep Singh, PBKS’s premier left-arm pacer, who will be tasked with breaking RCB’s momentum early.
2. Virat Kohli (RCB) vs Azmatullah Omarzai (PBKS)
Virat Kohli ability to anchor the innings remains vital for RCB. In the previous encounter, Kohli fell to Kyle Jamieson, but Omarzai’s all-round skills and knack for picking up key wickets make him a threat, especially if Kohli looks to accelerate.
3. Mayank Agarwal (RCB) vs Harpreet Brar (PBKS)
Mayank Agarwal provided a brisk start in Qualifier 1, scoring 19 off 13 balls. His contest with Harpreet Brar, PBKS’s left-arm spinner, will be crucial in the middle overs, especially if Mayank looks to target the spinners to keep the run rate high.
4. Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) vs Josh Hazlewood (RCB)
Shreyas Iyer, though dismissed cheaply in Qualifier 1, remains a key batter for PBKS. Hazlewood, who took 3 wickets in that match, will again look to exploit Iyer’s weakness against disciplined pace and bounce.
5. Priyansh Arya (PBKS) vs Suyash Sharma (RCB)
Priyansh Arya’s aggressive starts at the top are vital for PBKS. Suyash Sharma, RCB’s leg-spinner who also picked up 3 wickets in Qualifier 1, will be eager to unsettle Arya if he gets through the powerplay.
