When Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar step out for the toss in the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad, it will mark a familiar face-off. This high-stakes showdown between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)revives a gripping rivalry that played out during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 Final, one of domestic cricket’s marquee events.
That contest, hosted at RCB’s own M Chinnaswamy Stadium, was rich in drama. Leading Mumbai, Iyer had a strong command of the game. Patidar, captaining Madhya Pradesh, responded with a lone-warrior act an unbeaten 81 off 40 balls after his side’s top and middle order collapsed. His counterattack took MP to 174/8, featuring six fours and two sixes.
Yet the scoreboard didn’t capture Mumbai’s strategic grip on the game. Bowlers Tushar Deshpande, Royston Dias, Atharva Ankolekar, and Suryansh Shedge executed a disciplined plan. In response, Mumbai’s experienced top order took control. Suryakumar Yadav led with a dynamic 48 off 35, while Ajinkya Rahane anchored the chase with 37. Although Iyer contributed a quickfire 16, it was Suryansh Shedge’s unbeaten 36 off 15 balls that clinched the match. His all-round display earned him the Player of the Match, as Mumbai chased down the target in just 17.5 overs, finishing at 180/5.
History Sets the Stage for IPL 2025 Final
As they meet again, this time under the floodlights of the IPL final, the stakes are significantly higher. A championship title, fan expectations, and legacy are all on the line. While Iyer emerged victorious in their last high-profile encounter, the IPL script remains unwritten.
RCB come into the final with momentum, having crushed PBKS by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1, bowling them out for 101 in 14.1 overs and easing to the target. But Punjab bounced back impressively, defeating Mumbai Indians to earn a rematch.
For RCB, this marks their first IPL final appearance since 2016, when they suffered a defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Punjab Kings return to the summit clash for the first time since 2014, when they narrowly lost to Kolkata Knight Riders.
With both captains carrying history and a point to prove the IPL 2025 Final promises a showdown charged with past grudges, present ambition, and future glory.