Ahmedabad: As the IPL 2025 final pits Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Narendra Modi Stadium, all eyes are on key players who could tilt the scales in this historic clash for a maiden title. With rain threatening to disrupt proceedings, these stars will need to shine bright to secure glory. Here are the players to watch out for in this high-octane finale.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Virat Kohli (Batsman)
The heartbeat of RCB, Kohli has been a run-machine with 614 runs in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 147.91. His recent form against PBKS is stellar, averaging 62.5 runs over the last eight games, including 375 runs. Kohli’s ability to anchor and accelerate makes him a prime candidate for Player of the Match, especially after his 59th IPL fifty in a recent chase. With the weight of RCB’s title drought on his shoulders, expect Kohli to deliver under pressure.

Phil Salt (Wicketkeeper-Batsman)
Salt has been a revelation, smashing four fifties in six chases this season, including a 27-ball 56 in Qualifier 1 against PBKS. His aggressive starts at the top have set the tone for RCB’s batting, but PBKS’s Arshdeep Singh has dismissed him four times in 32 balls, making this matchup critical. If Salt survives the early overs, his power-hitting could dominate Ahmedabad’s batting-friendly pitch.

Josh Hazlewood (Bowler)
Hazlewood’s knack for big-match performances makes him RCB’s trump card. With 21 wickets in the season and 12 in five playoff games, he’s been lethal, particularly against PBKS, dismissing Shreyas Iyer three times in 19 balls. His ability to exploit early swing in humid, rain-affected conditions could rattle PBKS’s top order.

Rajat Patidar (Captain/Batsman)
RCB’s captain has led with intent, though his 286 runs at a strike rate of 142.28 don’t fully reflect his impact. His match-defining six in Qualifier 1 sealed RCB’s final berth, and his calm leadership has galvanized the team. Patidar’s duel with PBKS’s spinners, especially Yuzvendra Chahal, will be pivotal.

Suyash Sharma (Bowler)
The young spinner has been a surprise package, taking three wickets in Qualifier 1 to dismantle PBKS’s middle order. His wrong’un has troubled batters, and with Ahmedabad’s pitch likely to assist spin if rain dampens it, Sharma’s variations could be a game-changer.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Shreyas Iyer (Captain/Batsman)
PBKS’s captain has led from the front with 603 runs at a strike rate of 171.90, including an unbeaten 87 in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians. His experience as a title-winning captain with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 gives PBKS an edge. However, RCB’s bowlers, particularly Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, have dismissed him multiple times, making this a battle to watch.

Nehal Wadhera (Batsman)
Wadhera’s nerves of steel shone in a tense chase against RCB earlier, and his 78 not out in Qualifier 2 showcased his clutch ability. With 514 runs this season, the young batter’s composure against RCB’s pace attack, especially in a rain-shortened game, could be decisive.

Arshdeep Singh (Bowler)
Arshdeep’s 18 wickets this season include four dismissals of Phil Salt, giving PBKS hope of curbing RCB’s explosive opener. His ability to swing the ball early in humid conditions could exploit Ahmedabad’s weather, making him a key figure in the powerplay.

Yuzvendra Chahal (Bowler)
Despite a hand injury, Chahal’s experience in big games (two previous IPL finals) makes him a threat. His 2 for 11 against RCB in a rain-curtailed match this season and key wickets against Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians highlight his match-winning potential. If fit, Chahal could exploit RCB’s middle order on a spin-friendly track.

Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper-Batsman)
Inglis’s role as a finisher has been vital for PBKS, and his quick scoring could counter RCB’s bowlers in a high-pressure chase. His wicketkeeping will also be crucial if the outfield is wet, testing his agility behind the stumps.

Weather Watch and Tactical Impact

With a 51-66% chance of rain in Ahmedabad this afternoon, per AccuWeather, the match could see interruptions, favoring bowlers like Hazlewood and Arshdeep who thrive in swing-friendly conditions. A damp pitch may assist spinners like Chahal and Sharma, making their battles with top batters must-watch moments. If the game is shortened, players like Salt and Iyer, who excel in quick chases, will be critical.

Fan Buzz on X

Fans on X are abuzz with predictions, with many backing Kohli and Salt for RCB, while others see Chahal and Iyer as PBKS’s X-factors. Posts suggest Hazlewood and Romario Shepherd could shine, with some tipping Nehal Wadhera for Player of the Match.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 final is poised for drama, with Kohli’s experience, Salt’s aggression, and Hazlewood’s precision giving RCB an edge, while Iyer’s leadership, Wadhera’s form, and Chahal’s guile make PBKS formidable. As rain looms, adaptability will be key. Tune in at 7:30 PM IST on Star Sports or JioCinema to see who claims the elusive IPL crown.

Note: Player availability, like Tim David for RCB and Chahal for PBKS, remains uncertain due to injuries, so check final XIs at toss time.