The Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer's popularity seems to be surging with every passing day. Despite crashing out against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 Final, Shreyas has earned the respect of his fans and his close followers. His popularity can be largely attributed to his tactical acumen and his ability to score big under pressure. To offer him a token of respect, fans, especially from the state of Punjab gave him a nickname 'Sarpanch Sahab' roughly translating to the Head of the Group. 

See also: What's behind Shreyas' new nickname? PBKS skipper reveals the truth

While his nickname 'Sarpanch Sahab' has stayed on following the end of the IPL and fans still seem excited to capture a glimse of the iconic IPL stalwart. In a recent video which has now gone viral, a fan, posing with a 'Sarpanch Sahab' poster received an autograph from Shreyas while he was exiting the stadium in a car. The car was stopped midway so the fan could get an autograph from his beloved cricketer. While Shreyas was signing the poster, the fan also captured the moment by taking a selfie with the PBKS skipper in the frame. 

Watch the video here:

Shreyas Iyer gave an autograph to a fan of Sarpanch Sahab poster. ❤️pic.twitter.com/96JRVmXgZm

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 11, 2025

The poster had a white background with the PBKS captain's new nickname written at the center in uppercase. However, his own signature was at the bottom right corner of the poster. 

Shreyas Iyer was in rich form in IPL 2025

Shreyas was in phenomenal form during the recent IPL season, emerging as the highest run-scorer for his team with 604 runs in 17 innings. He maintained an impressive average of 50.33 and notched up six half-centuries, placing him as the sixth-highest run-getter overall in the tournament. His consistency with the bat provided the team with solid starts and momentum at crucial moments. Beyond just scoring runs, Shreyas's ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed showcased his maturity and adaptability as a top-order batter.

Apart from his batting prowess, Shreyas's leadership proved to be a game-changer for PBKS. He fostered a positive, fearless culture within the dressing room and empowered the younger players to perform with confidence. His tactical decisions and calm demeanor on the field played a significant role in transforming PBKS’s campaign. Under his captaincy, the team reached the IPL final for the first time since 2014 and came heartbreakingly close to securing their first-ever IPL title, marking a remarkable turnaround for the franchise.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) has shared a heartfelt video regarding the IPL 2025 final and the aftermath. PBKS performed in a promising way under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, and at a point in the final, the momentum of the contest was with the Punjab Kings. But in the end, the moment turned out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). 

In the video edited and published by PBKS, we can see PBKS players on the ground, disappointed, with sad faces and numb eyes. They couldn't believe their fates after fighting so brilliantly all throughout the seasons. Chris Gayle was there in an RCB jersey, also a former Punjab player, who came forward to support the defeated players at Ahmedabad. Shreyas Iyer, the captain of the runner-up team, spotted Virat Kohli; they had a conversation together. 

Punjab Kings was looking under control throughout the first innings and during the initial stage of the second. With them, the ball PBKS bowlers did not allow RCB batters to go all out with their big hits. Despite leaking some runs, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal's bowling department was able to stop Royal Challengers Bengaluru within 200, restricting them to 190 in 20 overs. 

Read More: WATCH: RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat delivers emotional Thank You speech after historic IPL title win

That catch from Phil Salt was something came out of the equation 

With the bat, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh started well, looking dangerous and dealing with boundaries. Phil Salt did an unthinkable stunt just inside the boundary line, an outstanding catch to dismiss Arya. From there, RCB found their momentum and never turned back. Krunal Pandya helped Singh and Josh Inglis to cut their innings short. Pandya, the best performer in the final, got the bowling figure of 4-0-17-2. 

Punjab Kings displayed one of their most dominating performances in the history of IPL. They qualified for the round of four after finishing first in the points table. In the Qualifier 1 they lost against RCB and bounced back after defeating Mumbai Indians to confirm a place in the final, where they again couldn't prove themselves better than RCB. 

Watch the edit here 

You win some, you lose some! 🥺 pic.twitter.com/qnXgtJwjkc

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 4, 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally realized their dream of winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) after 18 years, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting IPL 2025 final. This win was sentimental for the team considering Virat Kohli, their long-standing five-star player, was visibly choked up with emotion as he settled into the fact that RCB were champions. Even before the final few moments, Kohli was later interviewed, saying how he felt in the moment and its meaning to him. 

To add to the emotional scene, former RCB star and Kohli's good friend AB de Villiers was in the crowd to support the team. After the final ball was watched as a confirmed victory for the RCB boys, Kohli and de Villiers had a warm embrace on the pitch, which brought back memories of their unbeatable pairing for social media fans. Not only do fans love these two players on the field, but they love them personally—Individually and together, the pair is the storyline for cricket in the franchise. 

Kohli praised de Villiers for his tremendous contributions to RCB throughout the years, saying, “What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous. I told him, ‘this is as much yours as it is ours.’ He’s been the Player of the Match so many times for this franchise, even after retirement. He deserves to be on the podium lifting the cup.” This moment highlighted the immense respect and gratitude Kohli has for de Villiers’ lasting impact.

Watch the video here 

Two of the people who have given everything to #RCB. ABD and Virat ❤️#IPLFinal #RCBvsPBKSpic.twitter.com/ANx19MvxPT

— STOIC 🇭🇹⚒️⚔️ (@GunhaonKaDevta) June 3, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Full Match Highlights

A Brotherhood Celebrated

The victory was not just about lifting the trophy—it was about celebrating the enduring brotherhood between two of cricket’s greatest players. Kohli and de Villiers’ connection symbolizes the heart and soul of RCB, a legacy that will inspire fans and players for years to come.

PBKS are all set to feature in the IPL 2025 and will face off one final time against RCB in this competition. PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer has been a game-changer for his side. His exploits on the field have left his fan base awestruck. However, the PBKS skipper has also been creating a buzz off the field as well. 

In a recent interaction with Preity Zinta, the co-owner of PBKS franchise, Shreyas reveals a funny incident that led the birth of his new nickname "Sarpanch Saab". Being the captain of the Punjab side, Shreyas was rightfully awarded the nickname, as it roughly translates to "the head of the group".  

See also: IPL 2025 Final: Live weather update of Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of RCB vs PBKS clash

So what's the truth behind Shreyas's newly adopted nickname

Initially, Shreyas had no idea how or who coined this famous nickname for him. Wherever he wandered around in the state of Punjab, people greeted him and called him Sarpanch Sahab. But then he reflects on an incident where his team was coming back from the ground and the whole team was stopped at the signal. A group of five guys in the car saw the PBKS skipper and by calling him with his nickname, made a humble plea to make PBKS win this year.

"I seriously have no idea about it. I've got no clue how I got this name. I am sure it came from the management. They gave me this tag and it has been tagged along. Wherever I go in Punjab right now, whenever I get out of the hotel they're like Sarpanch Saab give us a picture. That has happened. I remember this incident where we were coming back from the ground we were stopped at the signal and there was this car with five guys. They saw me sitting in the car and they were like Sarpanch saab make us win this year then we will name a road here in your name."

A look at Shreyas' stellar run this season

After being handed over the captaincy duties, Shreyas Iyer has taken on the role with great responsibility. Not only has he excelled in his leadership, steering the team to the finals after a lengthy 11-year wait, but he has also had an outstanding season with the bat.

Shreyas has emerged as their top run-scorer this season, accumulating 603 runs across 16 matches, boasting an average of 54.81 and a strike rate of 175.80, including six half-centuries. Additionally, he delivered an outstanding performance in Qualifier 2 against MI, where he scored an impressive unbeaten 87 off merely 41 balls, contributing significantly to PBKS's victory and securing a place in the final.

The Narendra Modi Stadium is gearing up to host a blockbuster showdown between two heavyweights, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), both of whom are yet to win a title. Ahead of the crucial summit clash, RCB are all set to get a massive boost. As per emerging reports, it is believed that RCB legends Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers are all set to attend the IPL 2025 Final match. 

The duo has touched down in Ahmedabad and will be in attendance today to rally behind their former franchise. Gayle and ABD have been ardent supporters of the RCB and have publicly shown their support for the franchise even in the gloomiest of times. However, those gloomy days are long gone. RCB now finds itself on the verge of creating history, and if the stars align, the duo could see their former franchise create glory.

See also: IPL 2025: RCB vs PBKS Final - A Head to Head breakdown

ABD's message to RCB ahead of the final

In a video posted on his Instagram handle, De Villiers confirmed that he has arrived in Ahmedabad and is eagerly waiting in readiness for the IPL final to unfold. Going further into the conversation, the former Proteas legend admits that he has a strong feeling that RCB are going to clinch their maiden IPL title. 

Furthermore, he highlights the team's stellar run in this season and reflects on Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood's sublime form that has won they numerous matches. He further adds that RCB have a potent bowling attack and can take down any batting opposition once they hit their straps right.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by AB de Villiers (@abdevilliers17)

More about RCB's once-feared batting duo

During their prime years with RCB, just a mere mention of Gayle and De Villiers was enough to stoke fear in the minds of the opposition. While Gayle demonstrated brute force, De Villiers was a 360-degree player, which essentially meant that he could play all around the park and terrorize the bowlers with his wide range of shots. Both AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle have been instrumental in shaping the Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) legacy in the Indian Premier League (IPL), both as dynamic players and as fan favorites.

De Villiers, most famously dubbed "Mr. 360," was with RCB from 2011 to 2021. Over 184 matches, he amassed 5,162 runs at an average of 39.70 and a strike rate of 151.68. Gayle, the Universe Boss, on the other hand, stayed with RCB from 2011 to 2017. During these years, he inflicted sheer carnage with the bat, plundering a total of 4,965 runs at an average of 39.72 and a strike rate of 148.96 with his best innings of 175* coming against Pune in 2013. 

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru(RCB) brace themselves for an intense showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The 3rd of June, 2025, will mark a significant date in the chapter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the world sits in anticipation to see a new title winner. 

PBKS had a smooth road to the playoffs and faced minimal hiccups along the way, finishing at the top during the league stage. However, leading into the playoffs, they were severely jolted by RCB in Qualifier one game as they crashed out on the back of a thumping nine-wicket defeat. But Shreyas & Co. regained momentum just in time and clinically brushed MI aside in Qualifier two to book their spot in the IPL final only for the second time in their history.

RCB, on the other hand, have also been in top form, finishing second in the points table with nine wins in 14 matches. In fact, they were the first team to qualify for the IPL 2025 final, beating PBKS by nine wickets in Qualifier one. They will meet their old adversaries from Qualifier one again and will be looking to repeat a similar sort of performance to annihilate PBKS once and for all in the final.

But as the age-old saying goes, batters win you matches, but the bowlers win you tournaments. Hence, the spotlight will be on the bowlers tonight as they have a key role to play in containing the star-studded batting line-ups on both sides. Having said that, let's dive in to unravel the top three bowlers who are likely to contribute heavily with the ball in the IPL final tonight.

See also: Three batters who can shine and score the most number of runs in the IPL 2025 Final

Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Josh Hazlewood is arguably one of the best operating seamers of the tournament so far. The Aussie paceman is now the fourth-highest wicket-taker of the competition overall, and the highest wicket-taker for his franchise. He has claimed 21 wickets at a stunning average of 15.8, which includes his best figures of 4-33 against RR in a winning cause. Following his temporary exclusion from the squad due to back injury, RCB's death bowling deteriorated significantly. The franchise had one of the worst economy rates in the death overs, with bowlers conceding at a galloping rate of 11 RPO. But his re-entry to the side bolstered RCB ahead of the Qualifier 1 game against PBKS, where he played an instrumental role in not only keeping the run flow down but also pegging the momentum of the opposition by striking at key intervals.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The veteran Indian pacer has a plethora of white-ball experience, both on an international and domestic scale. Bhuvi has also played a lot of franchise cricket and over the years, has developed a wide range of tricks that make him a tricky proposition to contend with. He currently shares the second spot with Krunal in the list of wicket-takers for his side and has scripted a few noteworthy performances this year. In 13 matches, Bhuvi has claimed 15 wickets at a formidable average of just under 30, with his best performance being against DC, where he bagged match-winning figures of 3-33. In a match where the stakes are high, the team will bank on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's experience and will require him to take wickets, particularly with the new ball.

Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings)

Arshdeep is a highly skilled operator with the new ball and has developed a reputation for picking wickets regularly inside the powerplay. Very seldom does he go wicketless inside the powerplay. Moreover, he is equally a very capable bowler in the death overs and is skilled enough to execute pinpoint yorkers. Arshdeep has grown in stature over the years, and as a result, his repertoire has also expanded as well. He is the highest wicket-taker for his franchise this season with 18 scalps across 15 games. His average stands at an impressive 26.55, whereas his strike rate is astonishingly low (18.11). His superb spell of 3-16 against DC helped PBKS register a comfortable 37-run win. Although his form in the recent two games has been concerning, Arshdeep continues to be a potent threat to the batting opposition.

Hours to go before the ultimate countdown, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up to chase glory. Never in their entire lifetime have the two franchises been able to conquer the title. It's a feat that has evaded them for 17 long years. But all the wait will now come to an end as either of the two sides will go on to win the trophy for the first time. 

RCB and PBKS have exchanged fire over the past two games this season. Although PBKS were able to draw the first blood, triumphing by a margin of five wickets, RCB were quick to give them a reality check in the first Qualifier game. This will be the third meeting between the two sides this season. With the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, and Arshdeep Singh on one side, and Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Josh Hazlewood on the other, the Narendra Modi Stadium is all set to host a scintillating grand final.

In this article, we will uncover the top three batters who could go on to become the highest run-getters in the upcoming IPL 2025 final.

See also: 'And after the game…'—Shreyas Iyer reveals dressing room fact about Ricky Ponting ahead of RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final

Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

The RCB batting maestro has been full of runs this season. He is the highest run scorer for RCB this season, averaging 55.81 across 14 innings, striking at an impressive strike rate of 146. Besides, the 36-year-old has registered eight half-century scores this season. Interestingly enough, all his fifties have come in a winning cause. With Salt accompanying him at the top, Virat can be a destructive force at the top of the order. The opening duo of Virat and Salt has raised alarm bells for the opposition in recent times, and we expect the two to shine immensely against PBKS in the summit clash.

Phil Salt (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Virat's partner in crime, Phil Salt, has hit the ground running this season and has been churning out runs consistently at the top of the order. He boasts an electrifying strike rate of over 170 and is naturally a clean hitter of the ball. Unlike Kohli, who buys some time at the top of the order to get himself in, Salt bats with an aggressive approach, which gives RCB the explosive edge. The Englishman is the second-highest run-getter for RCB this season with 387 runs in 12 innings, averaging around 35. While his participation in the upcoming final seems debatable, if he does manage to feature, then he can go on to score big.

Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings)

The PBKS skipper has been a binding force for the franchise this season. Leading his side through rough times, Shreyas has demonstrated his tactical acumen as a skipper. More importantly, his exploits with the bat have not gone unnoticed either. The 30-year-old is the highest run scorer for his franchise this season with 606 runs under his belt. After 13 innings, his average stands at an impressive high of 54.81, while his strike rate is also astonishingly high, ranging in excess of 175.  Shreyas has been leading his side with an example, and if the stars align for him tonight, he could go on to have two back-to-back title wins under his belt. (One for KKR in 2024 and one for PBKS this season)

For the first time in the history of the IPL, the cricketing community gears up to crown a new champion. Both PBKS and RCB are on the cusp of creating history. This is RCB's fourth appearance in the IPL final and the first since the 2016 edition. On the other hand, PBKS have only managed to make it to the final on two occasions, once in 2014 and once in the ongoing edition. 

While the world waits in anticipation to crown a new IPL champion, the rain threat looms large over Ahmedabad, and there is a possibility that the IPL 2025 Final may be severely compromised due to rain. The second Qualifier between PBKS and MI was also hit by rain. But thankfully, due to the extended extra time, the game commenced more than two hours past its original start time, and no overs were lost.

See also: IPL 2025: Is Tim David going to play in PBKS vs RCB clash?

Rain threatens to spoil the party in Ahmedabad

Prior to the buildup to the mega final, the weather department of Ahmedabad issued a very crucial weather update. According to Arunkumar Dasane, the director of the Ahmedabad weather department, there could be scattered showers with moderate intensity during the twilight period. The weather is likely to remain cloudy for the most part.

"Our forecast for tomorrow indicates light to moderate rainfall in isolated areas, particularly for Ahmedabad and nearby regions. The temperature in Ahmedabad is expected to be around 37 degrees, with a high likelihood of cloudy skies."

The IPL 2025 Final was originally scheduled to be hosted in Kolkata. But with the advent of the monsoon season, the city tends to receive heavy rainfall. So as a precautionary measure, the decision was made to shit the final to Ahmedabad. But the rain threat continues to linger on. Previously, the start of the second Qualifier was delayed on June 1. Two days later, the possibility of a delayed start or a rain interruption still stands high.

What happens if the final gets washed out?

The threat of rain seems real, but the possibility of a washout seems very slim. With around two hours of extra time and a 35% chance of rain expected on match day, we anticipate seeing a result. But should the unimaginable happen, BCCI has arranged a reserve day, and the final will be moved to June 4. But if the reserve day gets washed out, then PBKS, who finished at the top during the league stage, will qualify, and RCB will go home empty-handed. 

RCB vs PBKS Match Preview

The IPL 2025 season has provided over two months of thrilling action-packed cricket, leaving only two teams standing. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Punjab Kings in the final on Tuesday night in Ahmedabad. With both chasing their first title, the stage is set for a thrilling battle. This could easily go into the final overs, with both teams giving their all in the season's biggest game. 

RCB vs PBKS Match Details 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings – Final Match, IPL 2025

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Date & Time: 03rd June 2025 at 07:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

RCB vs PBKS Venue Stats

RCB vs PBKS Pitch Report

The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is usually ideal for T20s — batters prefer it, but pacers as well as those who vary in speed can also benefit. As the game progresses, the pitch may slow down slightly, making it more difficult to score freely later on.

RCB vs PBKS Weather Report

The weather in Ahmedabad will remain slightly cloudy and cool in the evening, but there is no chance of rain, so we should have a full match.  

RCB vs PBKS Last Five Matches

RCB vs PBKS Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction Final Match

RCB vs PBKS Probable Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable Playing XIs

Punjab Kings Probable Playing XIs

Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prabhsimran Singh (Impact Player)

Topmost Picks for RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

• Virat Kohli – Virat Kohli continues to be the engine with the bat—614 runs in 15 innings, averaging 56 with a strike rate of 146.53.
• Josh Hazlewood –  Josh Hazlewood's return from injury in the first Qualifier significantly improved the bowling lineup. He wasted no time and took 3 for 21 in 3.1 overs.

Top Picks – Punjab Kings

• Shreyas Iyer – Shreyas Iyer has confidently led the middle order, scoring 597 runs in 16 games at a strike rate of 175
• Arshdeep Singh –  Arshdeep Singh led the charge with 18 wickets in 16 matches, averaging 8.79 per over.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Team:

Philip Salt(VC), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer(C), Priyansh Arya, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Josh Hazlewood

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for RCB vs PBKS Dream11 Team:

Philip Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Inglis(VC), Virat Kohli(C), Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Krunal Pandya, Yash Dayal, Arshdeep Singh, Josh Hazlewood

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer

Vice-captain – Josh Inglis, Philip Salt

Wicketkeeper – Philip Salt

RCB vs PBKS Probable Winners:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are both vying for their first IPL title. RCB is making their first finals appearances in nine years, while Punjab has been waiting eleven years. There will almost certainly be nerves on both sides. Nonetheless, RCB will arrive with a more optimistic outlook. They've already defeated Punjab twice this year, including a convincing victory in the first Qualifier. Such a result can have a significant impact on one's mindset. However, a victory in the second Qualifier would have boosted Punjab as well, and they will fight hard to recover. This could go any way, with both teams giving their all, but Punjab's strong batting simply gives them an advantage. Considering the team combination, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is expected to win this match.

As the anticipation swells for the IPL 2025 Final, the clash has already begun—not on the field, but on different social channels. According to data from Distillery, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have taken a shoal lead as the most popular team, taking 51% of the social conversation total from India in the last 24 hours online, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) following closely behind with 49% of the social conversation.

The buzz map has some interesting insights. The Punjab Kings have a lot of indicative red shields in several states and substantial domination in the north and west, while RCB has lots of gold lions in the south and some in the east. This geographic division and application to the fan support could signify a fascinating virtual rivalry as the match draws closer. Now that we are close to the end of the IPL 2025 season, “One Last Shot for Glory” has a little extra gravity for fans of the two competing teams.

This sudden burst of online conversation shows how emotionally attached fans can be to their teams. Hashtags, memes, match commentary, and fan predictions have converged on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and others. The stakes are sky-high, not just for the trophy, but also for fan pride. For RCB, this is another shot at their elusive first title, while PBKS are also hunting for their maiden IPL championship.

Digital Pulse Prior to the Final

As we close in on the final, much of social media is full of predictions, fan chants, and nostalgia. Both teams have ramped up their digital activity and produced hype videos and behind-the-scenes content and have encouraged fans to color their timelines with team colors. The stakes seem just as high online as they will be on the pitch. 

ITS VERY CLOSE IN STAR SPORTS SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ - RCB vs PBKS...!!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/S04HLloD8i

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 2, 2025

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer’s Captaincy Chronicle: A legacy worth remembering

The IPL 2025 final will be held tomorrow, 3rd June, at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, with a start time of 7:30 PM IST. With PBKS leading the online race and RCB determined to make history, fans can expect an electrifying contest that goes beyond the boundary lines.