Predicting RCB’s Playing XI for the IPL 2025 Final clash against PBKS

After over two months of cricketing action, IPL 2025 is finally set to end with the finals between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). For the first time in 18 years, the two oldest teams in the league will get a chance to end their wait to get their hands on the title. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru came into the finals after their eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in the first qualifier. Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma led the side well this season, with Jitesh in particular doing well as a stand-in skipper of the side. The last time RCB played in the IPL finals was in 2016, where they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in front of their home fans. 

This year, RCB came into the season well prepared as they made some tactical buys during the auctions. Purchases such as Phil Salt, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, and Jitesh Sharma have done well since moving to RCB. The form of Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood has also been one of the key reasons behind Bengaluru’s amazing run this season.  

Here is the likely RCB XI vs PBKS

Top order

English wicketkeeper and batter Phil Salt has been a massive addition to RCB this year. The 28-year-old was part of KKR’s side last season, which went on to win the title but didn’t play the playoffs and the finals due to international commitments. Salt has batted well in the powerplay overs, giving RCB the much-needed starts against the new ball. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has been at his effective best once again, proving to be an able run-getter. 

Middle Order 

Mayank Agarwal has been an able replacement for Devdutt Padikkal since his return to the league. The veteran batter has been scoring key runs and will want to do well in a bid to help his side win the league. Rajat Patidar, as the captain, has been sensational so far this year. Patidar, who turned 32 on Sunday, will be hoping to get his hands on the title as a belated birthday gift. Liam Livingstone, who came into the side for Tim David, will want to put in a good performance and show why he deserves to be retained for next season. 

Lower-order

Veteran wicketkeeper and batter Jitesh Sharma seems to have found a second wind after his move to RCB. Sharma led the side well in Patidar’s absence and did well to lead his side to the top two spots in the points table. Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya have done well during the course of the season, both with the bat and with the ball. Shepherd will be key in the latter half of the innings with the bat, while Pandya has been one of the key bowlers in the middle overs. 

Tail-enders 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal have blown hot and cold this season. Kumar has been reasonably decent with the new ball. Dayal has found enough swing with the new ball as well as done a good job in the death overs. Josh Hazlewood has been RCB’s standout performer this season with a truckload of wickets. The value of Hazlewood on the RCB side was felt when the veteran pacer missed a few games. 

RCB XI vs PBKS

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Impact player – Suyash Sharma 

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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