RCB vs Punjab Kings: How Many Times Have They Reached the IPL Final? A Look at Their Journey, Records, and Star Performers
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As Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings gear up for a historic title clash, we look back at their journeys, near misses, and key players driving their dream run.
Two Long Waits, One Trophy: The Stage is Set
The 2025 IPL final promises high drama and emotional payoff as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on June 3. With neither team ever having lifted the trophy, this clash is more than just a final - it’s a battle to break a legacy of heartbreak and near-misses.
While RCB is making its fourth appearance in an IPL final, PBKS is playing only its second. Both teams are chasing that elusive first title, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
RCB has been here before — and fallen short.
Despite the star-studded line-ups over the years — from Anil Kumble to Virat Kohli — the silverware has always slipped through. Now in 2025, under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, RCB hopes to rewrite history.
PBKS: A Decade-Long Wait for a Comeback
PBKS’s only appearance in an IPL final came in 2014, where they lost a close contest to Kolkata Knight Riders. Since then, they’ve seen leadership changes, underwhelming campaigns, and inconsistency - until now.
Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have clawed their way back to the summit clash with a hunger that’s impossible to miss. Iyer has made history by becoming the first player to captain three IPL teams to the final.
Both RCB and PBKS finished the league stage with identical records — 9 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no-result — totalling 19 points each. PBKS topped the table but lost to RCB in Qualifier 1. They recovered by defeating Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, setting the stage for a much-anticipated rematch in the final.
PBKS's Power Players
Final Squads: All Set for the Big Day
Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, and others.
Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kyle Jamieson, and others.
RCB and PBKS have built passionate fanbases, nurtured cricketing legends, and delivered countless edge-of-the-seat thrillers. Yet, neither has tasted IPL glory.
Will RCB finally break their jinx, or will PBKS script a fairy tale ending? One way or another, the IPL 2025 final is all set to deliver fireworks, heartbreaks, and - for one side - long-awaited triumph.
Two Long Waits, One Trophy: The Stage is Set
The 2025 IPL final promises high drama and emotional payoff as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on June 3. With neither team ever having lifted the trophy, this clash is more than just a final - it’s a battle to break a legacy of heartbreak and near-misses. While RCB is making its fourth appearance in an IPL final, PBKS is playing only its second. Both teams are chasing that elusive first title, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
RCB: Hope Rides on the Fourth Time
RCB has been here before — and fallen short.
- 2009: Lost to Deccan Chargers by 6 runs
- 2011: Outclassed by CSK by 58 runs
- 2016: Narrow loss to SRH by 8 runs
Despite the star-studded line-ups over the years — from Anil Kumble to Virat Kohli — the silverware has always slipped through. Now in 2025, under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, RCB hopes to rewrite history.
PBKS: A Decade-Long Wait for a Comeback
PBKS’s only appearance in an IPL final came in 2014, where they lost a close contest to Kolkata Knight Riders. Since then, they’ve seen leadership changes, underwhelming campaigns, and inconsistency - until now.
Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have clawed their way back to the summit clash with a hunger that’s impossible to miss. Iyer has made history by becoming the first player to captain three IPL teams to the final.
The Road to the Final: A Deadlock of Grit
Both RCB and PBKS finished the league stage with identical records — 9 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no-result — totalling 19 points each. PBKS topped the table but lost to RCB in Qualifier 1. They recovered by defeating Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, setting the stage for a much-anticipated rematch in the final.
Key Game-Changers to Watch
RCB's X-Factors
- Virat Kohli: In vintage form with 614 runs and 8 half-centuries this season
- Josh Hazlewood: Leading the bowling attack with 21 wickets
PBKS's Power Players
- Shreyas Iyer: A captain leading from the front with 603 runs and 6 half-centuries
- Arshdeep Singh: Reliable pace spearhead with 18 wickets, troubling batters all season
Final Squads: All Set for the Big Day
RCB Squad:
Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, and others.
PBKS Squad:
Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kyle Jamieson, and others.
History in the Making
RCB and PBKS have built passionate fanbases, nurtured cricketing legends, and delivered countless edge-of-the-seat thrillers. Yet, neither has tasted IPL glory.
Will RCB finally break their jinx, or will PBKS script a fairy tale ending? One way or another, the IPL 2025 final is all set to deliver fireworks, heartbreaks, and - for one side - long-awaited triumph.
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