After 73 games, the 2025 IPL Final is upon us, as RCB and Punjab Kings look to break through for their maiden title. Can Virat Kohli finally add an IPL trophy to his incredible resume? Or will Ricky Ponting bring the city of Punjab their first taste of success? We’ll find out when action gets underway from 12am AEST on Wednesday!
We have you covered with a preview and betting tips for the IPL Final below and if you're keen to follow along, consider joining CrossBet - an up and coming sportsbook with a lightning fast mobile app!
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Prediction & Tips: 2025 IPL Final
Can RCB Finally Produce When it Matters?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been stacked with world class players in each of the 18 seasons of the IPL, but have never been able to win the tournament. RCB have been runners up on three occasions, whilst they’ve also been knocked out in the Playoffs times on top of this. Nine chances to win the title and they haven’t found a way.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru re-invented themselves during this year's auction, prioritising depth and roles over star power. Recruiting Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Romario Shepherd rather than going after one superstar like Rishab Pant was a change of direction, and it has paid massive dividends.
All four of those players have had massive roles. Salt (387 runs at a strike rate of 175) has paired with Virat Kohli to be the third most prolific opening partnership this season. Sharma scored a match winning 85* off 33 in the final regular season game to secure RCB a top 2 place on the table. Tim David has scored the most sixes of any player between overs 17-20, and he has the best strike rate in that over range as well. Shepherd has a strike rate of 353 this season, having scored the second fastest half century in the history of the IPL. If there was ever a time to beat the demons that have haunted this franchise, it’s now.
Can Punjab’s Batting Stand Up on the Big Stage?
Punjab finished at the top of table at the conclusion of the regular season, but were completely dismantled by RCB in Qualifier 1. Punjab Kings were knocked over for 101 inside of 15 overs, which RCB chased down in 10 overs. Marcus Stoinis (26) was the only Punjab player to score over 20 runs in a dismal performance.
However with their season on the line in Qualifier 2 against MI, Punjab’s batting unit came to play, chasing down the target of 204 with six balls to spare. Captain Shreyas Iyer led the way with an unbeaten 87 off 41, and was well supported by Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29) and Josh Inglish (38 off 21). Shreyas Iyer has scored 603 runs at an average of 54 with a strike rate of 175, and it’s clear that he needs to deliver for Punjab Kings to win.
Like RCB, Punjab Kings re-invented their squad at the auction as new coach Ricky Ponting went about putting together a side that was capable of winning a title. Success has been a long way from Punjab King across the history of the IPL, only reaching the Final once, and the Playoffs once before this season. In 15 of their 17 seasons before 2025, they had failed to make the playoffs.
RCB or Kings? Here's Our IPL Final Tip
Both sides have shown their capacity to be incredibly dangerous with the bat, with six of the top 23 run scorers this season coming from RCB and Punjab. However the battle of the ball looms as the area RCB can get on top in. Punjab Kings conceded 102 runs in 10 overs in Qualifier 1, and conceded 203 runs in Qualifier 2. Kyle Jamiseon’s performance in Qualifier 2 was the only Punjab bowler to go at an economy rate under 9 in the Playoffs this season.
RCB’s bowling attack showed their brilliance in Qualifier 1 with Suyash Sharma (3/17), Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Yash Dayal (2/26) taking wickets and restricting runs. Hazlewood has a proven track record in big IPL games, and will set the tone for his bowling attack early in this clash. RCB’s bowling will be the difference in this clash, as they finally end their hoodoo.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Win
$1.80 (1 Unit)
