Ahmedabad, June 3, 2025 – The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad pits two perennial contenders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), in a high-stakes clash for their maiden IPL title. With both teams showcasing remarkable form this season, here’s a detailed SWOT analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as they battle for glory.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – SWOT Analysis

Strengths

• Explosive Batting Line-Up: RCB boasts a formidable batting unit led by Virat Kohli (614 runs in IPL 2025) and Phil Salt, whose 27-ball 56 in Qualifier 1 showcased his ability to dominate chases.
• Potent Bowling Attack: Josh Hazlewood (21 wickets) and Suyash Sharma (3/17 in Qualifier 1) form a lethal combination, with Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar providing depth. Their ability to exploit both seam and spin was evident in bundling out PBKS for 101 in Qualifier 1.
• Recent Form and Momentum: RCB’s thumping eight-wicket win over PBKS in Qualifier 1—chasing 102 in just 10 overs—highlights their clinical approach. A 71.43% win rate over the past year and five wins in their last six encounters against PBKS give them a psychological edge.
• Captain Rajat Patidar’s Leadership: Patidar’s calm demeanor and aggressive batting (286 runs, strike rate 142.28) have galvanized RCB, with key performances like the match-sealing six in Qualifier 1.

Weaknesses

• Injury Concerns: Uncertainty surrounds Tim David’s availability due to a hamstring injury, which could weaken RCB’s middle order.
• Middle-Order Inconsistency: While Patidar and Salt have shone, players like Mayank Agarwal have struggled against specific bowlers such as Yuzvendra Chahal (averaging just 12.00 against him).
• Historical Final Struggles: RCB have lost all three of their previous IPL finals (2009, 2011, 2016), which could add pressure in high-stakes moments.

Opportunities

• High-Scoring Venue: The Narendra Modi Stadium’s mixed-soil pitch, which yielded over 470 runs in a previous match, suits RCB’s aggressive batting style, offering a chance to post or chase big totals.
• Kohli’s Motivation: Patidar has emphasized Kohli’s desire for the elusive IPL trophy, which could inspire a standout performance from the star batter.
• Bowling Variety: With Hazlewood’s pace, Sharma’s spin, and Hardik Pandya’s all-round skills, RCB can exploit PBKS’s occasional batting collapses, as seen in Qualifier 1.

Threats

• PBKS’s Redemption Drive: PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer’s aggressive captaincy, are motivated to overturn their Qualifier 1 loss. Iyer’s unbeaten 87 in Qualifier 2 showcased their resilience.
• Chahal’s Spin Threat: Yuzvendra Chahal’s 4/28 in a previous match and his strong record against RCB batters like Agarwal could challenge their middle order.
• Pressure of Expectations: RCB’s massive fanbase and history of near-misses could weigh heavily if the match becomes a close contest.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) – SWOT Analysis

Strengths

• Balanced Batting Unit: Shreyas Iyer (603 runs, strike rate 171.90) and Nehal Wadhera’s match-defining 33 off 19 balls in a rain-hit game highlight PBKS’s depth. Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis add further firepower.
• Versatile Bowling Attack: Arshdeep Singh (18 wickets) and Yuzvendra Chahal (if fit) form a potent duo, supported by Kyle Jamieson and Vijaykumar Vyshak. Their ability to defend 111 in a previous match demonstrates their adaptability.
• Iyer–Ponting Partnership: Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, backed by coach Ricky Ponting, has driven PBKS to their first playoff appearance since 2014, with a 62.5% win rate in the past year.
• Resilience in Knockouts: Despite the Qualifier 1 loss, PBKS bounced back with a commanding win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, showcasing mental fortitude.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent Batting in Big Games: PBKS’s collapse to 101 in Qualifier 1 exposed vulnerabilities against RCB’s pace and spin, with Shreyas Iyer struggling against Hazlewood (11 runs off 22 balls).
• Chahal’s Fitness Concerns: Yuzvendra Chahal’s hand injury could force PBKS to rely on Harpreet Brar, potentially weakening their spin attack.
• Poor Record at Narendra Modi Stadium: PBKS have won only one match against RCB at this venue, which could dent their confidence.

Opportunities

• High-Scoring Pitch: The batsman-friendly Narendra Modi Stadium pitch favors PBKS’s aggressive top order, including Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, who scored fifties in a recent match.
• Iyer’s Big-Match Experience: Having led KKR to the IPL title in 2024, Iyer’s ability to perform under pressure (e.g., 87* in Qualifier 2) could be a game-changer.
• Redemption Narrative: PBKS’s desire to avenge their Qualifier 1 drubbing could fuel a spirited performance, especially with Stoinis and Wadhera in form.

Threats

• RCB’s Bowling Dominance: RCB’s pace trio of Hazlewood, Dayal, and Kumar, combined with Sharma’s spin, dismantled PBKS in Qualifier 1, posing a significant challenge.
• Kohli’s Form: Virat Kohli’s 614 runs and animated celebrations against Iyer in a previous match suggest he could target PBKS’s bowling unit.
• Lack of IPL Final Experience: With only one previous final appearance (2014), PBKS’s relative inexperience compared to RCB’s fourth final could be a factor.

Head-to-Head and Venue Context

• Head-to-Head Record: PBKS and RCB are tied at 18 wins each in 36 IPL matches. However, RCB have won five of their last six encounters since 2023, including a dominant Qualifier 1 victory.
• Narendra Modi Stadium: The pitch is expected to favor batsmen, with over 470 runs scored in a previous match this season. No rain is forecast, ensuring a full 20-over game.

Key Battles

• Kohli vs. Chahal: Kohli’s 614 runs face a challenge from Chahal, who has dismissed Mayank Agarwal six times in the IPL.
• Iyer vs. Hazlewood: Iyer’s struggles against Hazlewood (four dismissals in six innings) could be exploited by RCB.
• Salt vs. Arshdeep: Phil Salt’s aggressive starts will test Arshdeep Singh’s early overs.

Prediction and Key Players to Watch

• RCB: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, and Suyash Sharma are pivotal. RCB’s balanced squad and recent dominance over PBKS make them slight favorites, with a 48.29% win probability.
• PBKS: Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal (if fit) will be crucial. PBKS’s 51.71% win probability reflects their resilience and batting depth.
• Prediction: The match is likely to be a high-scoring thriller, with RCB’s bowling edge and home-like familiarity at Narendra Modi Stadium giving them a slight advantage. However, PBKS’s hunger for redemption could make it a close contest.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 final is set to be a clash of titans, with RCB’s star-studded line-up and bowling prowess facing PBKS’s revitalized squad under Iyer’s leadership. Fans can expect fireworks at Narendra Modi Stadium as both teams vie to end their 17-year title drought. DeshGujarat