RCB, Punjab Kings Meet in IPL 2025 Final for First-Time Title

Virat Kohli is set to appear in his fourth Indian Premier League (IPL) final with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), seeking to claim the elusive title that has escaped him and the franchise for 18 seasons. Despite his stellar form this season, scoring 614 runs at an average of 55.82, Kohli has yet to deliver a match-winning knock in previous finals, where RCB finished as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016. This season, however, RCB has shown improved team balance and depth, with key contributions from Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Mayank Agarwal, and strong bowling led by Josh Hazlewood. Their opponents, Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, have also had a remarkable turnaround, reaching their first final in 11 years after a strong league campaign. The final at Narendra Modi Stadium will not only decide the champion but also likely mark Kohli's temporary farewell from cricket following his recent Test retirement, intensifying fan emotions as many plan to support him wearing his iconic No. 18 jersey. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill, making the final a historic clash with a first-time champion guaranteed.