Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has made a bold prediction ahead of the IPL 2025 final, backing Punjab Kings (PBKS) to defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and win their maiden title. The high-voltage final will be played today at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Yograj emphasized that Virat Kohli’s wicket will be the deciding factor in the match.
“If Punjab doesn’t get Virat out early, they’re in big trouble,” Yograj told ANI. “If he stays in, he can chase down 250 or even 300. My instinct says Punjab will win. But it all depends on how quickly they remove Kohli.”
Kohli’s Red-Hot Form a Major Threat
Virat Kohli has been in sensational form this season, scoring 614 runs at an average of 55.82 and a strike rate of 146.53.
He is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer of the tournament. Thanks to his consistent performances, RCB has reached the final for the first time since 2016. However, Kohli’s record in IPL finals hasn’t been exceptional – he’s scored 7, 11, and 54 runs in the three finals he has played (2009, 2011, and 2016).
“If RCB Has Virat, Punjab Has Shreyas”
Yograj also praised Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, highlighting his ability to influence big matches. “Shreyas is a smart and fearless leader,” Yograj said. “If Kohli can win matches from any position, so can Shreyas. It’s going to be a battle between two match-winners.”
Shreyas Iyer has been a key figure in Punjab’s campaign this season, especially with his power-hitting. He has smashed 39 sixes – second only to Nicholas Pooran’s 44 for Lucknow Super Giants. Shreyas also has a strong record in finals: he scored an unbeaten 65 in the 2020 final for Delhi Capitals and remained not out in last year’s final as well.
A High-Stakes Showdown Awaits
With both RCB and PBKS aiming for their first IPL title, all eyes are on the two captains – Kohli and Iyer. Yograj summed up the contest: “This final will be a clash of two leaders. If Punjab can contain Kohli early, I believe they will lift the trophy tonight.”
