PBKS vs RCB | From Sarpanch to King to Bendemeer Bullet: 5 players to watch out for in IPL final – Spartans destined to rewrite history

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final looms on Tuesday at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, cricket fans await a first-time champion in this fiercely contested T20 extravaganza. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will battle it out in a thrilling summit clash, both sides eager to claim their maiden IPL crown.

After finishing the league phase in the top two spots, RCB sealed their place in the final with a commanding victory over Punjab in Qualifier 1. Punjab, however, fought back fiercely, beating Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to set up a gripping rematch.

Here are five players set to make a significant impact on the big day:

Virat Kohli (RCB)

The heart and soul of RCB since 2008, Kohli is still chasing his elusive first IPL title. Having reached the final three times without success, the star batsman has been in sublime form this season, amassing 614 runs at the top of the order. Kohli’s experience and determination could prove pivotal in the final.

Shreyas Iyer (PBKS)

Punjab’s captain and their most expensive signing ever, Iyer has revitalised the team, ending an 11-year wait for a final appearance. With 603 runs this season, the stylish batter will lead from the front, aiming to deliver Punjab’s maiden IPL triumph.

Josh Inglis (PBKS)

The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, promoted to No.3 late in the season, has been a standout performer. Inglis’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed will be vital in the high-pressure final.

Phil Salt (RCB)

Salt has formed a formidable opening partnership with Kohli. The Englishman, who was Iyer’s teammate at Kolkata Knight Riders last season, will look to continue his fine form and play a crucial role in setting the tone for RCB’s innings.

Josh Hazlewood (RCB)

Leading the bowling charts for RCB with 21 wickets this season, Hazlewood’s skillful pace and accuracy make him a key threat. His performance with the ball could very well determine the outcome of the title clash.

With the stakes at their highest, these five players will be under the spotlight as they seek to etch their names into IPL history.

“We need to do our best for Patidar,” says Kohli

Virat Kohli has given 18 years of his senior cricket career to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their first-time skipper Rajat Patidar understands what it would mean for the team to win the coveted Indian Premier League title for one of country's bonafide cricket legends.

In all, RCB have played a total of three finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 and have ended up on the losing side in each of the summit clashes with Kohli's individual brilliance not being enough for them to end their title drought.

“Of course. I think he has given a lot of years to RCB and the international side also. We will try to do our best in the game,” Patidar told media here on Monday during his pre-match press conference alongside PBKS' Shreyas Iyer when asked if the Kohli factor would dominate the build-up.

When asked if focus on one player alone was frustrating given RCB have been one of the most dominant sides in this competition, Patidar replied, “I think it is not frustrating for me..

“We are not looking on the stage that we are in the finals. We will try to play our best cricket. We are not playing here for the stage. I always like to keep things simple,” he added.

The Kohli factor has certainly weighed heavily on RCB drawing strong crowd support even while playing away from home and Patidar said that gives them feeling of being on their home ground.

“Wherever we go, we feel that the crowd is a home ground for us and (given ) the way they are showing support and love from the (last many) years,” he said.

RCB, however, will be concerned over the availability of big-hitting Tim David, who has not featured in their last two matches so far owing to a hamstring injury.

“Till now, I have no idea about Tim David. Doctors are there and we will get to know this evening,” he said.

For Patidar himself, it will be a big challenge given he was appointed RCB's captain only before the start of the tournament, while the leader in the opposition camp, Shreyas Iyer won the IPL with his former franchise Kolkata Knight Riders last year.

Iyer is also the only captain in IPL history to have led three different teams — Delhi Capitals, KKR and now Punjab Kings — into IPL finals.

Patidar said for him it would be essential to create a good environment for his players.

“Till now, I have enjoyed a lot to be honest. For me, I think it is a great opportunity to learn from the great leaders of the game, (some) great players, great foreign players of the game. It is a great opportunity for me to learn from them and their different ideas, which is helping me a lot in my leadership role,” he said.

“I have always tried to create a good environment off the field as much as I can so that every player, whether it is a domestic player or an international player, they both feel the same. They should feel relaxed and confident. I think this is my first point,” Patidar added. (PTI)