Tue Jun 03 13:40:00 UTC 2025: ## IPL 2025 Final: Punjab Kings to Bowl First Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad Showdown

**Ahmedabad, India** – The stage is set for a historic clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final. Both teams are vying for their maiden IPL title, promising a high-octane encounter.

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field first, aiming to capitalize on any early moisture in the pitch. “Only want to give positive signs to my mind and body,” Iyer said at the toss, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and cherishing the moment. He confirmed an unchanged lineup for Punjab Kings.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar stated he would have also chosen to bowl first. “Pitch looks hard, will try to put a good score and put them under pressure. Same team”

**Key Highlights:**

* **Toss:** Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to field.
* **Captains’ Comments:** Both Patidar and Iyer acknowledged the significance of the final and stressed the importance of staying calm and positive.
* **Team Composition:** Both teams have opted for the same playing XI.

**Impact Substitutes:**

* **Royal Challengers Bengaluru:** Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh, Suyash Sharma.
* **Punjab Kings:** Prabhsimran Singh, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlet, Harpreet Brar

**Playing XIs:**

* **Royal Challengers Bengaluru:** Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood.
* **Punjab Kings:** Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

**Pre-Match Buzz:**

* Former RCB player Robin Uthappa expressed his strong support for RCB, hoping they finally lift the trophy after a long wait.
* BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla anticipates an exciting match and hopes the weather remains clear for a full game.
* Former West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who has represented both franchises, is in attendance to witness the final.
* The ground remains under covers at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, but the gates have been opened and fans are now streaming in.

**Player Watch:**

* All eyes are on RCB opener Phil Salt, who has been in excellent form this season but has a poor record in finals. He rejoined the squad in Ahmedabad after briefly flying home for the birth of his child.
* RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is four wickets away from becoming the first pacer to claim 200 IPL wickets.
* PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer has a phenomenal record at the Ahmedabad venue, making him a key player for Punjab.

The closing ceremony featured a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. Excitement builds as both teams and their passionate fans look forward to a thrilling contest under the lights in Ahmedabad.

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