The stage is set for the IPL 2025 final, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) taking on Punjab Kings on June 3 at the Ahmedabad stadium. RCB has been on a roll, finishing second in the points table with 19 points. Key players like Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood have been in top form.
A major concern for RCB is the injury of all-rounder Tim David, who got hurt during a league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. If David recovers, Liam Livingstone might have to sit out. The opening duo of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt has been impressive, with Kohli scoring 614 runs and Salt contributing 387 runs.
Mayank Agarwal, who replaced injured Devdutt Padikkal, hasn’t quite delivered. However, considering his experience, he might get a chance in the final, with captain Rajat Patidar taking on the responsibility at number four.
Key Players to Watch
RCB’s hopes rest on players like Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Kohli is the team’s top run-scorer this season, while Hazlewood has taken 21 wickets. Bhuvneshwar has a remarkable record against Punjab Kings, with 32 wickets against them in the IPL.
The probable playing XI for RCB includes:
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt
- Rajat Patidar (captain)
- Mayank Agarwal
- Jitesh Sharma
- Liam Livingstone
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Yash Dayal
- Josh Hazlewood
- Suyash Sharma
With their strong lineup and key players in form, RCB looks set to give Punjab Kings a tough competition in the final.