The IPL 2025 final is finally here—and it's shaping up to be a historic showdown. Two of the league’s most passionate yet title-starved franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), are set to clash in Ahmedabad. With both teams searching for their first-ever IPL title, fans are bracing for an emotionally charged evening. But there’s an unwelcome guest that might crash the party—rain.
A Clash of Redemption: RCB vs PBKS
Since the IPL’s inception in 2008, both RCB and PBKS have shown moments of brilliance, attracted massive fan followings, and invested in world-class talent—but neither has managed to claim the elusive trophy. That changes tonight. One of them will finally rise above the legacy of near-misses and heartbreaks.
PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, have been a well-oiled machine this season, topping the league table with 19 points. RCB, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, also ended with 19 points but finished second due to a slightly lower Net Run Rate. However, RCB’s dominant win in Qualifier 1—where they convincingly beat Punjab—gives them psychological edge heading into the final.
A Cloud Over the Final – Literally
As if the pressure of a maiden title weren’t enough, Ahmedabad’s weather has added a layer of uncertainty to the proceedings. According to AccuWeather, there’s a 66% chance of rain during the afternoon hours on June 3, when the final is scheduled.
Here's what the weather looks like for Sunday:
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🌧 66% rain probability in the afternoon
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🌡 38°C temperature, with high humidity
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☁️ 33% cloud cover
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🌤 Rain chance dips to just 5% by evening, offering some hope
While evening conditions look more promising, both teams and their fans will remain on edge until the skies clear completely. The Indian Premier League organizers have planned for contingencies, including:
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A reserve day in case play cannot be completed
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Extra 120 minutes of playtime as per IPL Final rules
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Flexible start times to maximize the chance of completing the game
Flashback: Weather and PBKS vs MI in Qualifier 2
It’s worth noting that PBKS have already dealt with weather disruptions in this playoff. Their Qualifier 2 match against Mumbai Indians saw a delayed start due to rain. Once it got underway, however, it turned into a PBKS masterclass. Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 off 41 balls was one of the most impactful innings of the tournament, propelling Punjab to their first final in 11 years.
Head-to-Head This Season: RCB with the Upper Hand
This will be the fourth time these two teams face off in IPL 2025. The track record so far:
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Match 1: Punjab Kings won
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Match 2: RCB bounced back with a win
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Qualifier 1: RCB crushed PBKS to storm into the final
RCB’s ability to bounce back and dominate when it mattered most gives them a confidence boost. Patidar’s calm leadership and big-game temperament will be crucial in this final showdown.
Players to Watch
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Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – The 2024 IPL-winning captain is in sublime touch. His leadership and form are key for Punjab.
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Rajat Patidar (RCB) – Once seen as a placeholder, Patidar has led with poise and purpose.
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Virat Kohli (RCB) – Possibly playing his last IPL game? Fans are hoping for one final show.
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Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) and Mohammed Siraj (RCB) – Pace will be vital on Ahmedabad’s surface.
The Final Verdict: Fate, Form, and Forecast
This IPL final is more than just a match—it’s 18 years of heartbreak versus a golden shot at redemption. Both franchises have loyal fanbases that have stuck through the ups and downs. Tonight, one side will erupt in jubilation, and the other will have to wait—yet again.
But the looming rainclouds threaten to spoil what promises to be an unforgettable contest. While the IPL’s contingency plans are robust, nothing can quite substitute the thrill of an uninterrupted final under a clear sky.
Let’s hope weather gods show mercy and let the cricket take center stage. Because for RCB and PBKS fans, this is the moment they’ve been waiting nearly two decades for.
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