RCB vs PBKS Prediction: RCB set to crown Kohli

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings face off in the final of the 2025 Indian Premier League on Tuesday (15:00, Sky Sports Cricket).

Neither team has ever won this competition so it is a massive occasion for both sides as they look to break their IPL duck. Below you can find my RCB vs PBKS predictions.

Punjab Kings topped the league standings but were forced to take the long route to the final after losing Qualifier 1 to second-placed RCB in Mullanpur.

But Shreyas Iyer’s side chased down the Mumbai Indians with an over to spare to win Sunday’s Qualifier 2 to give themselves a shot at glory in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

The Narendra Modi Stadium will be packed to the rafters and buzzing for the conclusion of the tournament and it will not lack star power with RCB bidding to win it for their legendary former skipper Virat Kohli.

Team news

The big talking point ahead of Tuesday’s clash has been the possible return of Australian star Tim David to the RCB line-up.

The finisher, who has scored 136 runs from 72 balls in the death overs this year and has been dismissed just three times in eight innings, suffered a hamstring injury two weeks ago.

David missed RCB’s last two matches, including Qualifier 1 against PBKS, but could return to take the place of Liam Livingstone in the lower middle order.

Phil Salt will open alongside Kohli with captain Rajat Patidar at no.3, Mayank Agarwal following at four just ahead of Jitesh Sharma.

Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya are RCB’s all-rounders with Suyash Sharma leading the spin attack and Josh Hazlewood spearheading the pacemen with Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Punjab Kings are expected to name the same line-up that saw them through against Mumbai with leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal now over the hand injury that kept him out of Qualifier 1.

Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis bats at three with Iyer at four and Marcus Stoinis taking the finisher’s role in the late middle order.

Kiwi fast bowler Kyle Jamieson and Indian star Arshdeep Singh share the new ball duties for PBKS.

RCB vs PBKS Odds

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are 4/5 to end their long wait for an IPL title with Punjab Kings priced at evens to break their duck.

It’s 10/11 for the Kings to hit the most sixes in the match, while Kohli and Salt are priced at 4/6 to accumulate the Highest Opening Partnership.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win @ 4/5

RCB have won five of their last six meetings with Punjab Kings and enter the final in excellent form.

Their recent demolition of Punjab in Qualifier 1 underlines their credentials, and with Kohli in good touch and the bowling attack firing, they look like worthy favourites to finally claim their maiden title.

Over 3.5 Virat Kohli fours @ 5/6

Kohli has averaged 4.5 fours per game in IPL 2025 and is likely to play a key role once again.

With the pressure of a final and his hunger for runs, backing him to clear this line offers strong value.

Shreyas Iyer - Top Punjab Kings Batter @ 13/5

Iyer is in the form of his life and has shown he thrives on the big stage. His ability to clear the ropes at will makes him an attractive pick to top score for the Kings.

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