Ahead of the IPL 2025 grand finals on Tuesday at Ahmedabad’s historic Narendra Modi Stadium, former India cricketer Yograj Singh has made a bold prediction that Punjab Kings will end their title drought by defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are also looking for their first gold medal.
Yograj believes Punjab’s biggest threat would be the important wicket of top RCB batter Virat Kohli, who has the ability to take the game away. Notably, the 36-year-old has had another outstanding season, scoring 614 runs at an average of 55.82 and a strike rate of 146.53. However, the former believes PBKS will outperform RCB in the top battle.
“If Punjab does not get Virat out, they will be in trouble. If he doesn’t get out, he can go after 250 or 300. I feel Punjab can win. If Virat is not dismissed within the first ten overs, the game is over. According to NDTV, Yograj believes Punjab will win.
Punjab has a superb captain, Yograj Singh.
Kohli has been the driving force behind Bengaluru’s success for many years. Despite making three IPL finals (in 2009, 2011, and 2016), the batting genius has yet to experience IPL triumph, and he will be hoping to rectify that this time around.
On the other hand, Punjab’s skipper Shreyas Iyer, together with head coach Ricky Ponting, has altered the team’s fortunes, propelling them to the finals after 11 years. Iyer’s leadership style and batting performances have contributed significantly to their success this season. With 39 sixes, Iyer trails just Nicholas Pooran in terms of maximums hit this year. Yograj praised him as a captain, comparing him to Kohli.
“Punjab has an excellent skipper. He is a terrific player. The contest will feature Punjab’s skipper and Virat Kohli. If the RCB has Virat, Punjab has Shreyas Iyer. Punjab should win. “If Virat can win a game for RCB from any position, Shreyas can too,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru secured their final ticket by defeating Punjab in a one-sided Qualifier 1. Punjab bounced back well, defeating Mumbai Indians in a dramatic Qualifier 2 thanks to Iyer’s stunning knock.
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