RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: Star-Studded Ceremony Kicks Off as Ahmedabad Weather Holds Steady

• Bollywood stars light up the Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the high-voltage final.
• RCB icon eyes maiden IPL title in what could be his final appearance before a cricket break.
• Clear skies in Ahmedabad ensure an uninterrupted showdown between RCB and PBKS.

The highly anticipated IPL 2025 final between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is under way with a dazzling closing ceremony illuminating the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With a guaranteed good weather and a houseful, all is set for a record showdown between two teams looking to win their first-ever IPL title.

Eyes are on Virat Kohli, who takes RCB into their second-ever final  and his possible last IPL game before temporarily hanging up his boots from all types of cricket. Kohli, who has scored 614 runs this year, wants to end almost two decades of his IPL career by winning the only title that has so far slipped out of his grasp.

RCB came to the final through a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. With a stronger batting lineup this season, Kohli has received good support from Phil Salt's aggressive batting, Mayank Agarwal's experience, and Rajat Patidar's consistency. The potential inclusion of power-hitter Tim David could also enhance RCB's prospects in the death overs along with Romario Shepherd.

On the bowling side, Josh Hazlewood has spearheaded the attack with 21 wickets and will be looking for one final big performance in the 2025 season.

Punjab Kings, under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, are making their first IPL final appearance in 11 years. After a crushing defeat in Qualifier 1, PBKS bounced back to eliminate five-time champions Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, showcasing resilience and hunger.

Captain Iyer, with 603 runs under his belt this season, is making history by becoming the inaugural player to captain three distinct franchises in IPL finals  Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings now. Supported by a self-assured batting unit consisting of Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Priyansh Arya, and Shashank Singh, PBKS are full of confidence.

Even without Marcus Jansen, their bowling attack is weakened, but Punjab's stern performance against MI has boosted their confidence. Yuzvendra Chahal, who is also carrying a slight hand injury, is likely to play a decisive role against his previous team.

Ahmedabad weather is still clear of any rain threat. The BCCI has provided a 120-minute buffer and an official reserve day to facilitate the smooth completion of the final.

As the last starts, it is an emotional night. With both RCB and PBKS ending up as the top two teams in the league table, this night's match is not merely about winning the trophy, it's a matter of redemption, legacy, and starting a new chapter in the history of the IPL.