The Indian Premier League’s 2025 playoff picture is set, with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians vying for the top spot. Notably, two of these teams – Bangalore and Punjab – have never claimed the IPL championship.
In a recent video shared on social media, Australian cricket legend Shane Watson made a bold prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore will take home the trophy this year. Watson pointed to the team’s bolstered lineup, particularly with the return of Josh Hazlewood, as a key factor in their potential championship run.
With a stellar season under his belt, Virat Kohli is Watson’s pick for Player of the Match in the final. Kohli has been on fire, boasting an average of 60.20 across 13 matches and racking up 602 runs. This marks his third consecutive season with over 600 runs in the IPL.
A championship win would be a historic milestone for Royal Challengers Bangalore, who last appeared in the IPL final in 2016. Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, the team is poised to make their fourth finals appearance – and potentially secure their first-ever title.