 "RCB vs PBKS Predicted Playing XI, IPL 2025 Final: Phil Salt to open with Virat Kohli; Yuzi Chahal to be dropped?")
The stage is set for the grand finale of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, 3 June. With both RCB and PBKS looking to lift their maiden IPL trophy, all eyes are now on the playing XIs.
Phil Salt returns to India
One of the biggest talking points before the RCB vs PBKS final was whether England opener Phil Salt would be available for RCB before the final. The explosive batter had sparked concern after skipping the team’s final practice session on Monday, a day before the summit clash.
However, according to Hindustan Times, Salt landed back in Ahmedabad around 3:00 AM on Tuesday, making himself available for the much-anticipated final. This means he will likely retain his opening slot alongside India legend Virat Kohli at the top of the order for RCB.
Yuzi Chahal to be dropped?
For Punjab Kings, the major concern is around Yuzvendra Chahal. The leg-spinner, who featured in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians, bowled his full quota of overs. But PBKS bowling coach James Hopes later admitted Chahal wasn’t fully fit. If Chahal is unable to take the field for the final, PBKS might opt to bring in Harpreet Brar.
Both RCB and PBKS will be desperate to clinch their maiden IPL title when they face off tonight. While RCB have reached the final on multiple occasions in the past (2009, 2011, 2016), Punjab are only making their second appearance in an IPL final. Their previous playoff qualification came back in 2014, where they finished as runners-up after losing to three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
RCB vs PBKS: Predicted XIs and Impact Players
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David/Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood
Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh
Impact Sub: Yuzvendra Chahal/Harpreet Brar
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