PBKS vs RCB Prediction: Who Will Make History in the Final?
The IPL 2025 final is upon us, and it’s a battle of the underdogs—Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Both teams have waited years, decades even, for this moment. And now, history will be made as one of them lifts their maiden IPL trophy. Let’s dive into our PBKS vs RCB prediction, covering everything from Dream11 picks to fan frenzy.
Why “PBKS vs RCB Prediction” Matters
RCB and PBKS both have large fan bases and star-studded lineups. When they meet, the game often swings back and forth. Even if you are not a fantasy cricket enthusiast, knowing the inside details of the match environment can help you enjoy it more. For those playing Dream11, a solid PBKS vs RCB Prediction can guide you in selecting the right captain, vice-captain, and supporting players. For others, understanding the pitch conditions and team strengths can make watching the game more fun.
Pitch Report of Ahmedabad Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world. The pitch here usually behaves in a specific way:
Check This : Narendra Modi Stadium: Pitch Report, Scores & Facts
- Batting-Friendly Surface: The pitch tends to favor batsmen, with good bounce and minimal turn. Fast bowlers can extract movement early on, but as the match progresses, it becomes easier for batters to settle.
- Even Contest: Since the stadium has a large boundary, hitting big sixes requires timing and power. Spinners often toil for breakthroughs but can be effective in the last ten overs.
- Day/Night Variations: In day games, the pitch might be a bit slower early on, giving bowlers a slight advantage. At night, lights come on, and dew might settle, making it easier for batsmen under lights.
When considering an PBKS vs RCB Prediction, it is vital to note that teams batting first often post big totals. A score above 180 is usually a winning total. Teams chasing tend to prefer a strong batting line-up to chase well under lights. Both RCB and PBKS carry powerful batters, so expect high scores and an exciting contest.
Head-to-Head: PBKS vs RCB
Punjab and Bangalore have a classic rivalry. Historically, these teams are very evenly matched.
Overall head-to-head: out of all 36 IPL meetings between PBKS and RCB, each side has won 18 matches This all-time parity means past results are dead even – neither team has dominated the other. Even in home venues, it’s neck-and-neck: RCB have a slight edge in Bengaluru, but PBKS won their only meeting at this Ahmedabad stadium (in 2021).
| Matches Played | PBKS Won |
RCB Won |
| 36 | 18 |
18 |
Both sides will reference this history to motivate themselves. But note that this season RCB have held the upper hand. In IPL 2025, RCB and PBKS clashed three times (including Qualifier 1). PBKS won the first encounter, but RCB won the next two – including a crushing 8-wicket victory in Qualifier 1. In that qualifier, RCB bowled PBKS out for just 101, chasing the total in 10 overs That dominant win gives RCB momentum and psychological edge going into the final.
- Table (Head-to-Head): The table above shows total matches and win counts highlighting the 18-18 split.
- Note: These stats underscore how tight the rivalry is, but also that RCB’s recent form is better (they beat PBKS twice in 2025)
Team Form and Chances (PBKS vs RCB Prediction)
Both teams peaked when it mattered in IPL 2025. RCB’s form: They finished in the top four and won their playoff match (Qualifier 1). In the league stage, they had strong performances from multiple players (see key players section). The Qualifier 1 win over PBKS was emphatic – RCB outplayed PBKS in all departments. Punjab’s form: PBKS finished second in the points table, indicating consistent wins through the season. Their key men like Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis scored heavily. However, PBKS stumbled in Qualifier 1 against RCB, which raises questions about their clutch performance under pressure.
Statistically, RCB had a better season head-to-head against PBKS: they won 2 of 3 matches RCB’s batting was exceptional, with Virat Kohli (548 runs in 12 games and young RCB skipper Rajat Patidar chipping in. RCB’s bowling, led by Josh Hazlewood, is also potent. For PBKS, Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting (600+ runs this season) and Stoinis’s all-round contributions were highlights. But their bowling lacked a major wicket-taking threat after missing Yuzvendra Chahal in Qualifier 1.
Both teams have heavy-hitters, but the IPL playoff format means momentum and execution on the day will decide. RCB arguably have the edge due to recent dominance and depth. Even Mint’s AI prediction gave RCB a slight edge, noting “RCB have momentum, playoff experience, and form on their side…Still, edge to RCB — this may finally be their year to break the curse”. (Even though one prediction system fancied PBKS, most expert voices give RCB the slight upper hand.)
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Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Tips
Cricket fantasy fans eagerly await Dream11 predictions. When picking your fantasy team for the PBKS vs RCB final, balance is key. Include the in-form top-order batters and wicket-takers from both sides. Our suggested Dream11 picks (based on form, consistency, and key roles) are in the table below:
| Player | Team | Role | Dream11 Tip |
| Virat Kohli | RCB | Batter (Opener) | Pick as captain – top form (548 runs in IPL 2025)and highest run-getter vs PBKS historically His aggressive batting yields points. |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | Batter (Opener) | Vice-captain option – Punjab’s run-machine and inspirational leader. Scored 600+ runs this season, smooth timing. |
| Rajat Patidar | RCB | Batter (Opener) | Dangerous opener – has scored heavily (notably 333 runs in 2024) and continued form. Opens strong, can hit quick fifties. |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | Bowler (Fast) | Strike bowler – seasoned pacer with wickets in every match. Took 19 wickets in IPL 2024. Likely to bowl powerplay and death overs. |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | PBKS | Bowler (Spinner) | Wicket-taker – leading spinner for PBKS (28 wickets vs RCB in history). Risky if injury-free. Good for middle overs. |
| Marcus Stoinis | PBKS | All-rounder (Bat/Bowl) | All-round pick – big hitter and useful medium-pace. Contributes with bat and occasionally nabs wickets. Raises ceiling. |
| Liam Livingstone | RCB | All-rounder (Bat/Bowl) | Explosive finisher – powerhouse bat and leg-spin. His striking ability boosts points. Key RCB match-winner. |
| Romario Shepherd | RCB | All-rounder (Bat/Bowl) | Lower-order hitter and handy bowler. Can blast quick runs at death and bowl useful overs. Great utility pick. |
| Josh Inglis | PBKS | WK-Batter | Aggressive keeper-opener – nails big shots early. Pick as keeper, he can score fast fifties and take catches. |
| Jitesh Sharma | RCB | WK-Batter | In-form finisher – can win games late. Also collects catches/stumpings as keeper. Good flex choice. |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | Bowler (Fast) | Strike fast bowler – new-ball wicket threat. Took 14 wickets in IPL 2024. Likely to make early breakthroughs. |
These picks draw from the Fantasy team suggested by Mint. For example, Mint’s fantasy lineup also includes Virat, Shreyas, Patidar, Prabhsimran, Stoinis, Shepherd, Hazlewood, Chahal, Brar, Inglis and Jitesh. We’ve customized it to include Livingstone (another RCB all-rounder) and Arshdeep (PBKS pacer).
Fantasy Tips:
- Choose 1 wicketkeeper (ideally the one who bats higher, e.g. Inglis or Jitesh) and a mix of 4–5 batters, 1–2 all-rounders, and 3–4 bowlers.
- Always pick in-form stars as captain/vice-captain (double points). Virat and Shreyas make strong choices for those roles given their form.
- Include all-rounders (Stoinis, Shepherd, Livingstone) to gain points in multiple ways.
- Bowlers who bowl in powerplay (Hazlewood, Arshdeep) or death overs (Chahal, Hazlewood again) earn extra points.
- Keep an eye on toss and pitch – if conditions suit bowlers (overnight pitch wear), include an extra specialist bowler instead of a batsman.
- Remember to check final team news (injuries like Chahal’s wrist) before finalizing your squad.
By following these tips and our player picks table, you can build a Dream11 team to maximize points in the PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 final.
Virat Kohli: Aggression and Leadership
No discussion is complete without Virat Kohli. He’s RCB’s batting talisman, known for his aggressive strokes and never-say-die attitude. In IPL 2024 he won the Orange Cap, and in 2025 he’s been among the top scorers again. His aggression fires up the crowd and his teammates. Even though he is no longer RCB’s official captain, his leadership on the field—mentoring young batters, setting high standards—is invaluable. As Mint noted, Virat “holds the record for the highest runs in a single IPL season (973 in 2016)” and has “over 8,000 runs” in his career.
In this final, expect Kohli to bat aggressively early and keep striking form. His experience can also calm the innings if early wickets fall. The fans will be watching his body language keenly; a fired-up Kohli can swing momentum. RCB will rely heavily on him to put up a big score or chase one. As Mint’s head-to-head analysis pointed out, Virat “has been outstanding with 1,116 runs in 35 innings” against PBKS. That sort of record gives RCB confidence whenever he is at the crease.
Shreyas Iyer: Form and Class
On the other side, Shreyas Iyer is PBKS’s batting rock. Since joining PBKS as captain, he has turned the team’s fortunes around. In 2025, Shreyas has been in scintillating form, scoring prolifically at the top of the order. His batting is often described as “classy” – blending elegance with timing. He rotates the strike smartly, but can also explode with boundaries. In big games, his temperament is a plus.
Shreyas’s impact isn’t just with the bat: his leadership is historic. As Mint highlighted, he is the first captain to take three different teams to the IPL final (DC in 2020, KKR in 2024, and now PBKS in 2025). That stat speaks volumes about his captaincy and ability to inspire teams. Fantasy experts note that Shreyas’s “fighting spirit and leadership in high-pressure situations” could tip the scales.
In this final, watch Shreyas to see if he can chase a total down or set one up calmly. His unbeaten 106* vs RR in Qualifier 1 showed his class. Against RCB’s bowling, his key will be giving PBKS a strong start. If he clicks, it sets the tone. So Shreyas is a key fantasy pick (as noted above) and a crucial player for PBKS’s hopes.
Fan Craze and Final Match Atmosphere
When two trophy-less giants contest a finals match, the energy in the stadium and among fans skyrockets. Even if the upcoming PBKS vs RCB game is not a final, fans already treat every encounter as one:
- Massive Turnout: Ahmedabad stadium has a seating capacity of around 132,000. If the match is a final, tickets will sell out within minutes. Fans from Punjab, Karnataka, and other regions will travel.
- RCB Army vs. Kingsmen: Both sets of supporters are known for their vocal presence. RCB Army brings drums, flags, and colorful banners. Kingsmen (PBKS fans) chant slogans and wear red caps, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
- Social Media Frenzy: Hashtags like #PBKSVSRCB, #RCBArm y, and #Kingsmen trend well before the match. Fans share memes, past highlights, and predictions. The day before the match, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook flood with anticipation and banter.
In our PBKS vs RCB Prediction, we cannot ignore how fan support can influence players. The roar of the crowd when Kohli hits a boundary or Rahul scores a quick fifty can uplift the entire team. Likewise, boos and jeers for a dropped catch can rattle a player’s confidence. If this were a finals match, the weight of expectations would be even higher, creating unforgettable moments—both joyful and heartbreaking.
Prediction Summary:
RCB have a narrow edge thanks to form and depth, but PBKS’s strong batting and spirited leadership by Shreyas Iyer mean the final could go either way. Fantasy players should back top performers like Virat and Shreyas in their Dream11 squads. Ultimately, on June 3, one team’s 18-year wait will end, and the other’s heartbreak will continue
Regardless of the outcome, fans are guaranteed a thrilling, high-scoring final in Ahmedabad’s packed stadium.So enjoy the contest, and may the best team win!
