Cricket's largest entertainer, Chris Gayle, has stolen the limelight once again, this time off the field, as he weighed his support in favor of both Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) before the eagerly anticipated IPL 2025 final. The high-voltage encounter is to be played at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, and Gayle's presence has already lent a dose of star power to the grand event.

In a going-viral Instagram video, Gayle presented his trademark fashion sense and age-old connections with both franchises by wearing a bespoke combination: an RCB jersey over a classic Punjabi turban, and flashy red-and-gold colored theme shoes, a reference to his memorable stint with the Bengaluru team. "Let The Game Begin! RCB v PBKS #OneIndia #IPL #Finals #2025," Gayle captioned, encapsulating the essence of the evening in a single sentence.

A Tale of Two Franchises and One Legend

Having played for both franchises in his IPL career, Gayle's allegiance goes deep on either side. At RCB, he was a devastating force between 2011 and 2017, aggregating more than 3,100 runs, including five hundreds, and the historic 175*- a knock still indelibly written in IPL lore. Later, representing the colours of PBKS between 2018 and 2021, he performed sensationally, scoring a century and ten half-centuries in 41 innings. With his bold strokeplay and charismatic presence, Gayle was a crowd favourite irrespective of what colours he played for. 

Now that both his previous sides are finally meeting for their first-ever IPL title, Gayle's heart is divided, but his message is loud and clear: it is about the celebration of the game, the journey, and the people.

ALSO SEE: WATCH: Shankar Mahadevan releases heartfelt musical tribute to armed forces ahead of IPL 2025 Final

Watch the video:

The Universe Boss in the house! 🙌🔥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 #RCBvPBKS pic.twitter.com/ePNrXzk76k

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 3, 2025

RCB vs PBKS: The Long-Awaited Final

The two sides went into the final with equal league points (19), but quite dissimilar journeys. RCB, under Rajat Patidar's leadership, defeated PBKS in Qualifier 1 after placing second on the table. Punjab, though, came back through a gritty victory against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to earn a second chance at glory. RCB keeps riding on the form of Virat Kohli (614 runs in the season) and Josh Hazlewood (21 wickets), while PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer has taken a cue from the front with 603 runs at a strike rate of almost 176. Before the toss, Narendra Modi Stadium was abuzz with excitement, and it was PBKS who won the toss, deciding to field first, given the surface, which has been batting-friendly, and the advantage of chasing under lights.

Chris Gayle didn't arrive, he arrived. His symbolic attire, representing the heritage of RCB and PBKS, was not fashionable. It was a reminder of the multicultural heart of the IPL and the journey of a man who was a legend in both camps. Whether you support Kohli's team or are a follower of Iyer's army, Gayle is the common thread. After 18 years, either one of these sides will finally dispel the "trophyless" label, and Gayle, the ageless prankster, is there to see it. One final. Two fervent teams. And the Universe Boss is in attendance. Let the theatrics begin.