Watch: Shankar Mahadevan pays musical tribute to armed forces for Operation Sindoor before IPL final

Shankar Mahadevan delivered a stirring musical performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, to honour the Indian armed forces ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final.

The tribute was dedicated to the soldiers for their valiant contribution during Operation Sindhoor. The moment set a patriotic tone before the highly anticipated final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).

RCB and PBKS eye maiden IPL crown

The 2025 final brings together two teams chasing history. Despite years of participation, neither RCB nor PBKS has won an IPL title.

RCB have been runners-up thrice—in 2009, 2011 and 2016—but failed to clinch the trophy. Punjab Kings, previously known as Kings XI Punjab, reached the final once in 2014 but lost to Kolkata Knight Riders.

Now, both sides stand on the cusp of a breakthrough victory.

Road to the final

RCB finished second in the league stage with 19 points from 14 matches. Their place in the final was secured after an eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1.

Punjab Kings also amassed 19 points during the league phase, finishing with a superior net run rate. Despite the defeat in Qualifier 1, they rebounded with a five-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to book their spot in the final.

Players to watch

For RCB, the spotlight remains on Virat Kohli, who has been in formidable form. He has scored 614 runs this season at an average of 55.82 and a strike rate of 146.53. Josh Hazlewood has led their bowling with 21 wickets in 11 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.30.

PBKS have been carried by captain Shreyas Iyer, who has scored 603 runs in the campaign. His unbeaten 87 off 41 balls in Qualifier 2 was instrumental in their semi-final win. Arshdeep Singh has been their leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets across 16 matches.

Evenly matched rivalry

RCB and PBKS have shared an evenly balanced rivalry, with 18 wins each in 36 IPL meetings. This season, PBKS took the initial win, but RCB bounced back to claim victories in the remaining two encounters, including the high-stakes Qualifier 1.