3 reasons why PBKS lost to RCB in IPL 2025 finals

The eighteenth edition of the Indian Premier League got its Champion in the form of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Franchise won its maiden IPL crown after getting the better of the Punjab Kings in the finals played at Narendra Modi Stadium. Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore put on a formidable target of 191 runs at the end of 20 overs with contributions from Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Patidar, and Livingstone. Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson picked up three wickets each. Batting second, Punjab Kings batters faltered to reach the target and fell short by 6 runs. Top scorer Shashank Singh tried to keep Punjab’s hopes alive till the last over but couldn’t steer his team to their first IPL crown.

Here is the list of three reasons why Punjab Kings lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the finals of IPL 2025.

3. Punjab Kings couldn’t sustain big-match pressure

Punjab Kings got off to a good start in the finals but couldn’t build on the momentum. At first, their bowlers got hit all over the park in the middle overs phase. Punjab conceded 90 runs between the 7th and 15th over. While they came out to bat, most of the batters lost their wickets at the wrong time despite chasing an average-looking score.

2. Captain failed to lead from the front 

In the lead-up to the finals, Shreyas Iyer was anticipated to play a crucial role as the backbone of the Punjab Kings’ batting lineup. Unfortunately, he struggled significantly during the match, scoring only a single run off two balls. His wicket turned out to be a pivotal moment, as it allowed RCB bowlers to maintain tight control over the game, leading to a lack of boundaries for Punjab when they needed it the most.

1. ‘Impact’ player didn’t work

Yuzvendra Chahal was introduced as Punjab’s impact player in the first innings. Unlike Royal Challengers Bangalore’s spinner Krunal Pandya, who tightened up the attack in the middle overs, Chahal was taken for cleaners as he conceded 38 runs in his quota of four overs while picking up only one wicket.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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