The final of the 2025 Indian Premier League takes place on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with the two table-topping teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Punjab Kings, set to battle it out for the title. Let’s look at each side’s path to the final and some betting angles.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB finished second on the log, level on points with Punjab Kings, but edged out on net run rate. Their league campaign saw them play 14 matches, winning 9, losing 4, and having one no result.
They booked their place in the final with a dominant performance in Qualifier 1 against Punjab at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Moolampur. After winning the toss and opting to field, RCB’s bowlers took control early, bowling the Kings out for just 101 in 14.1 overs. Suyash Sharma led the attack with 3 for 17 in 3 overs and was well supported by the rest of the bowlers.
RCB made short work of the chase, reaching 106 for 2 in just 10 overs, with Phil Salt smashing 56 not out off 27 balls.
Punjab Kings
The Punjab Kings had an identical 9-4-1 record to RCB but topped the standings thanks to their superior net run rate. However, their performance in Qualifier 1 was underwhelming. Only Marcus Stoinis showed resistance with 26 off 17 balls, as they were bowled out cheaply and lost by 8 wickets.
They earned a second chance in Qualifier 2 on Sunday, facing the Mumbai Indians, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the same venue as the Final. Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bowl, but the decision looked questionable as Mumbai posted 203 for 6 in their 20 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 43 in his 4 overs.
In response, Punjab Kings chased down the target with an over to spare and five wickets in hand, thanks largely to a stunning knock from Shreyas Iyer, who scored 87 not out off 41 balls.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1.95
Punjab Kings 1.95
SELECTIONS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru win at 1.95
I have no doubt that the Punjab Kings will put up a much better fight that in Qualifier 1 but for my money RCB should be the clear favourites and I am happy to back them at just under even money.
RCB Top Bowler Suyash Sharma at 3.70
Sharma landed this bet in the Qualifier and although a worthy favourite Josh Hazlewood is too short at 2.40 for my money. I am backing Sharma to do the business again.
There are plenty of other markets on offer including Player of the Match where Virat Kohli is trading at 5.00 and for those who fancy a Punjab win it could well be on the back of a match winning display from Marcus Stoinis a 15.00 shot.
There will also be in-running betting throughout the match so it is never too late to get involved.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
