‘Punjab will win’ – Yograj Singh makes bold prediction ahead of IPL 2025 final

Yograj Singh (Source: Yograj Singh/Instagram)

Ahead of the grand finale of IPL 2025 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, former India cricketer Yograj Singh has made a bold prediction of Punjab Kings ending their title drought by defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who too are searching for their maiden gold.

Yograj believes Punjab’s biggest threat will be the crucial wicket of star RCB batter Virat Kohli, who can take the game away. Notably, the 36-year-old has had yet another impressive season with 614 runs at an average of 55.82 and a strike rate of 146.53. However, the former feels PBKS will edge out RCB in the summit clash.

“If Punjab doesn’t get Virat out, then they are in trouble. If he doesn’t get out, then he can chase 250 or 300. I believe Punjab can win. The game is done if Virat doesn’t get out in the first 10 overs. My senses say Punjab will win,” Yograj said as quoted by NDTV.

Punjab has a wonderful captain: Yograj Singh

Kohli has been the backbone of Bengaluru’s success for several years. Despite making it to three IPL finals before (2009, 2011, and 2016), the batting maestro is yet to taste IPL glory, and he will be looking to change that this time around.

On the other hand, Punjab’s skipper Shreyas Iyer, along with head coach Ricky Ponting, has changed the side’s fortune, taking them to the finals after 11 years. Iyer’s leadership style and batting performances have been instrumental to their success this season. With 39 sixes to his name, Iyer is only behind Nicholas Pooran in terms of maximums hit this year. Yograj lauded him as a captain and compared him with Kohli.

“Punjab has a wonderful captain. He is an amazing player. The game will be between Punjab’s captain and Virat Kohli. If RCB has Virat, Punjab has Shreyas Iyer. Punjab should win. If Virat can win RCB a game from any position, Shreyas can do it as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru booked their final berth after thrashing Punjab in a one-sided Qualifier 1. Punjab bounced back brilliantly, defeating Mumbai Indians in a thrilling Qualifier 2, courtesy of Iyer’s sublime knock.

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