What RCB Must Do to Win IPL 2025 Final Against PBKS

By Chirag - Jun 02, 2025 04:14 PM
Last updated on Jun 02, 2025 04:15 PM

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final is set to deliver a historic outcome as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Scheduled for June 3, the clash guarantees a first-time champion, as neither team has ever lifted the coveted IPL trophy.

A History of Near Misses

RCB's Final Woes

RCB will be playing in their fourth IPL final, having ended as runners-up in:

1. 2009 (vs Deccan Chargers)
2. 2011 (vs Chennai Super Kings)
3. 2016 (vs Sunrisers Hyderabad)

In each of these finals, RCB were chasing a target and failed to cross the finish line — a trend that now stands out as a defining part of their IPL story.

PBKS Lone Final Appearance

In their only final in 2014, the Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, lost to the Kolkata Knight Riders. Similar to RCB, PBKS wants to change the course of history and win their first championship.

RCB’s Finals Breakdown: The Chasing Curse

2009 Final – vs Deccan Chargers (Johannesburg)

• Toss: RCB won and chose to field
• Target Set: 144
• Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) managed only 137/9, losing by 7 runs
• Key Moment: Anil Kumble’s 4-wicket haul wasn’t enough to stop DC’s recovery led by Herschelle Gibbs and Andrew Symonds

Also Read: PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction: Top Captain Or Vice-Captain For IPL 2025

2011 Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

• Toss: CSK won and batted first
• Target Set: 206
• Result: RCB were restricted to 147/8, losing by 58 runs
• Key Moment: R. Ashwin dismissed Chris Gayle for a duck in the 1st over.

2016 Final – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Bengaluru)

• Toss: SRH won and batted first
• Target Set: 209
• Result: RCB finished at 200/7 after falling behind by 8 runs.
• Key Moment: After a 114-run opening stand between Gayle and Kohli, a middle-order collapse sealed their fate

Final Strategy in Question: Bat or Bowl?

The Toss Dilemma

RCB’s record in IPL finals shows a consistent trend — chasing has not worked. As they enter their fourth final, should they finally choose to bat first and try to reverse their fortunes?

Also Read: RCB vs PBKS Dream11 & My11Circle: Best 3 Batter for Today’s IPL Match

Recent Knockout Performances

Qualifier 1: They bowled out PBKS for just 101 and pursued it in 10 overs after winning the toss.

Qualifier 2: PBKS recovered well, defeating the Mumbai Indians by chasing down 204 with only six deliveries remaining.

These performances highlight the current form and preferences of both teams — RCB’s dominant bowling while chasing, and PBKS’s strong finishing ability when batting second.

The Verdict: Time to Flip the Script?

With both franchises aiming for their first IPL title, RCB might benefit from changing their strategy. If they win the toss, opting to bat first could offer a psychological and tactical edge, helping them avoid repeating past failures.

On the other side, PBKS have shown consistency in chasing totals in this season’s knockout matches, making the toss and strategy all the more critical.

Final Thoughts

• A new IPL champion will emerge on June 3
• RCB has a chance to put an end to their title drought and make up for past losses.
• PBKS are poised to make history with a squad that thrives under pressure
• The winner may be decided by the toss choice and innings plan.

As history looms large, RCB must decide whether to trust their instincts or learn from the past. The final could come down to one brave call at the toss.

Also Read: IPL 2025 Final: PBKS vs RCB - Who will IPL 2025 Final?

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