IPL 2025 final: Punjab Kings’ track record in IPL summit clashes

Punjab Kings are on the brink of history as they prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After falling short in their maiden IPL final appearance in 2014, the franchise is determined to set the record straight and claim their first-ever IPL title.

A recap of IPL 2014 final

This will be only Punjab’s second appearance in an IPL summit clash. Their previous outing in the 2014 final ended in heartbreak, when they were edged out by Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring thriller. Despite a brilliant 115* from Wriddhiman Saha, Punjab`s total of 199/4 was chased down by KKR with three wickets in hand, thanks largely to a match-winning 94 from Manish Pandey.

Fast forward to 2025, and Punjab Kings have shown remarkable transformation. On Sunday, Shreyas Iyer played a captain’s knock to guide his side into the final. His unbeaten 87 off 41 balls powered Punjab to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in the second qualifier. Chasing 204 in a rain-interrupted encounter, Punjab sealed the win with six balls to spare, with Iyer finishing the match in style by launching the winning six into the Ahmedabad stands.

With both Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru chasing their maiden IPL title, this year’s final is guaranteed to deliver a first-time champion.

How PBKS grew over the years?

Years of underperformance, frequent squad overhauls, and leadership changes had kept Punjab from establishing consistency in the IPL. But in 2025, things appear different. Under the dynamic leadership of Iyer and the strategic guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting, Punjab have built a squad with a clear identity and purpose.

The 2025 mega auction was a game-changer. Punjab made headlines by signing Iyer for a record Rs 26.75 crore. The acquisitions of Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal bolstered their bowling attack, giving them a well-rounded squad capable of delivering under pressure.

Punjab topped the league stage with nine wins, four losses, and one no-result, finishing with 19 points. Their campaign has been defined by a perfect blend of controlled aggression and tactical discipline, traits that were evident in their clinical performance against five-time champions Mumbai in the playoffs.

Now, with confidence riding high and momentum on their side, Punjab Kings are just one win away from etching their name into IPL folklore. For a team that has come close before, the final in Ahmedabad offers the perfect stage for redemption.

This article first appeared on Mid Day