As the highly anticipated IPL 2025 final approaches, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are preparing for a showdown against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 2. With emotions running high and both teams desperate to secure their first-ever IPL title, RCB has received unexpected backing from a familiar face — Ambati Rayudu.

Rayudu, the former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman, has long been a critic of RCB and its star player, Virat Kohli. However, ahead of the IPL final, Rayudu has surprisingly thrown his support behind RCB, much to the astonishment of fans and players alike.

Rayudu Endorses RCB for IPL Glory
RCB’s journey to the final has been nothing short of dramatic. Having suffered three agonizing defeats in the finals (2009, 2011, and 2016), the team finds itself on the verge of breaking an 18-year-long title drought. Despite the fierce rivalry between RCB and CSK over the years, Rayudu has gone against the grain by backing the Bengaluru-based franchise to lift their maiden IPL trophy.

After winning six IPL titles with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, Rayudu believes that this is RCB’s moment. He emphasized that, given their stellar performances this season, the team truly deserves the title. Rayudu took to X (formerly Twitter) on June 3, writing:

“There has always been an amazing cricket rivalry between the three great southern cities… I think it’s time for Bangalore to win their first-ever IPL trophy tonight. They truly deserve it this season. Go RCB, bring it home.”

Rayudu’s unexpected support has sparked conversation, as it marks a significant shift for someone who had once been a vocal critic of the team. His endorsement highlights how much RCB’s current form has impressed cricketing circles across the country.

RCB's Journey to the Final
This year marks RCB’s fourth appearance in the IPL final. Despite past heartbreaks in 2009, 2011, and 2016, the team has consistently demonstrated resilience and skill. Led by Virat Kohli, who has been in sublime form this season, RCB is once again chasing that elusive IPL trophy. The team will be looking to finally finish what they started years ago and put an end to the long wait for an IPL title.

However, standing in their way is a formidable Punjab Kings team, which is hungry for its first-ever IPL trophy as well. Led by the astute Shreyas Iyer, PBKS has been one of the standout teams of IPL 2025 and has consistently shown its ability to perform under pressure.

Shreyas Iyer's PBKS: A Tough Challenge for RCB
Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, PBKS has looked a complete unit throughout the 2025 season. Finishing at the top of the points table with 9 wins, they have showcased a solid balance of batting and bowling. Despite their loss to RCB in Qualifier 1, PBKS bounced back strongly, defeating Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to secure their spot in the final.

This marks only the second time in PBKS’ history that they have reached the IPL final, with their first appearance coming back in 2014. Iyer’s words reflect the competitive spirit of his team: “When you're on the field, it's not about comfort; it's about rivalry. You step onto the field for battle, and the goal is simple — win."

RCB captain Rajat Patidar acknowledged the challenge PBKS poses, saying, “Punjab is playing excellent cricket this season. The way they are playing, we know it will be a tough challenge in the final.”

The Rivalry and the Road Ahead
With the final just around the corner, the excitement surrounding the match is palpable. RCB’s quest for an IPL title is well-documented, and with their loyal fan base behind them, they are determined to break the 18-year curse. On the other hand, PBKS, under the leadership of Iyer, has a well-balanced team that could potentially spoil RCB's title dreams.

For RCB, this final is more than just a match; it’s an opportunity to rewrite history. With support from surprising quarters like Ambati Rayudu, who knows where their momentum could take them. For PBKS, the chance to secure their maiden IPL trophy after a decade of inconsistency adds to the intensity of this battle.

The clash between RCB and PBKS is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing their best to the table. Fans of both teams are in for an unforgettable night of cricket, and only one team will walk away with the coveted IPL 2025 trophy.