The IPL 2025 final is to be a thrilling match-up between long-time franchises Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). both have been a part of the IPL, but neither has won the trophy, making this a historic match since it guarantees that at least one of the three franchises that make up the "Holy Trinity" (PBKS, RCB, and Delhi Capitals) will finally win the trophy. Both teams have a lot to play for, as they have suffered heartbreak and near misses over the years.

Shreyas Iyer's leadership and Ricky Ponting's coaching have led to the remarkable return of Punjab, as this is their first final in eleven years. Iyer has shown great leadership and tactics with a calmness that has restored a belief and resilience that the franchise has not witnessed in a long time. RCB simply wants to win their first title for Virat Kohli, who has been the heart and soul of the franchise since it began. RCB has the same determination to rewrite history.

Iyer was adamant that they will put friendship aside on finals day as Indian teammates. “When you step onto the field, you are at war, and you fight to win,” Iyer stated in the pre-match press conference. “It’s not about comfort. It’s about adapting to the situation and giving everything for the team.” He emphasized the importance of flexibility over fixed strategies, highlighting the maturity of PBKS’s young core.

Iyer’s Redemption Story

For Iyer, this final is more than just a trophy. He has a personal mission after being chopped and dropped from India’s Test squad for the England series and parted ways with KKR after taking them to a title in 2024. He now has the chance to become the first captain to win the IPL with two different teams and the only one to take three different franchises to a final.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs PBKS Final - A Head to Head breakdown

Iyer was quick to remind everyone with his undefeated 87* in Qualifier 2 against the Mumbai Indians that he can still lead and has form. As PBKS looks to solve their closest to eternity title drought, Iyer is quite literally one win away from making a memory that will shape his legacy.