The IPL 2025 Final is finally upon us, and the excitement surrounding the clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) is palpable. Set to unfold at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3, this match has fans, players, and pundits alike eagerly awaiting one of the most anticipated title encounters in IPL history.

Both RCB and PBKS are vying for their first-ever IPL championship, but it is the Bangalore-based franchise that is carrying the heaviest burden. With a long history of near-misses, RCB's hopes for redemption have reached a boiling point. Having lost three previous finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, they come into the final with a massive fanbase of over 20 million backing them. The need to finally claim the elusive IPL title after 18 years of heartache is more intense than ever.

However, while RCB is undoubtedly one of the most star-studded teams in the tournament, they find themselves under the most pressure. The weight of history, expectations, and their passionate supporters has created an atmosphere of high tension as they look to break their title drought.

Alyssa Healy’s Perspective on RCB's Pressure
Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Australian Women’s cricket captain, Alyssa Healy, has weighed in on the final and highlighted the immense pressure on RCB, specifically on their talismanic captain, Virat Kohli. Healy, speaking on the LiSTNR Sport podcast, pointed out that although both teams are aiming for their first title, it is RCB that seems to have more at stake.

"RCB has had such a strong season and come so close before, and you can just sense that the pressure is building on them," Healy said. "I think the weight of that expectation is massive, especially with how well they’ve played this season. But in contrast, Punjab Kings have nothing to lose. They’re going to come out there, fearless, and if they play their cards right, they might just spoil RCB’s title dream."

Healy's comments suggest that the dynamics of the final are more complicated than simply a battle of two good teams. For RCB, it’s not just about winning; it’s about ending a history of close calls and failed attempts. For PBKS, there’s an element of freedom—they’re in the final with no heavy legacy weighing them down, and that could be the perfect environment for them to thrive.

Virat Kohli’s Quest for Glory
Virat Kohli has been the beating heart of RCB for over a decade. His consistency, leadership, and sheer determination to lead his team to glory have made him a symbol of the franchise. Yet, despite all his achievements on the international stage—winning the 2012 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and earning the Orange Cap twice—Kohli has never been able to guide RCB to an IPL title.

His near-misses in 2016, when he was in blistering form and scored over 600 runs, still haunt RCB fans. Even then, a heartbreaking defeat in the final left them empty-handed. Now, as the 2025 final approaches, Kohli is in prime form again, and many are wondering if this will be his year to finally clinch the IPL trophy.

However, Alyssa Healy, who has played alongside Kohli in various formats and knows the pressure that comes with being the face of a franchise, suggested that Kohli may face a tremendous amount of scrutiny. "I really feel for Virat. Every time RCB falls short, he seems to carry the blame, whether it’s fair or not. He’s the face of the franchise, and with that comes an overwhelming amount of responsibility,” Healy said.

She further emphasized that Kohli's performance on the day of the final could ultimately determine RCB's fate. “RCB is going to rely on him heavily to get them across the line. It’s a huge amount of pressure, but that’s what makes Kohli the player he is.”

PBKS: The Dark Horse
While RCB is burdened with the weight of expectation, PBKS enters the final with a sense of freedom. Without the pressure of years of heartbreak and a massive fanbase, Punjab Kings have flown under the radar, quietly putting together an impressive season. Healy pointed out that PBKS is entering this match with a 'nothing to lose' mentality, which could make them a dangerous proposition for RCB.

“Punjab Kings have been quietly consistent, and their players are hungry for success. They’ve been playing with a lot of belief, and there’s no reason why they can’t walk away with the trophy,” Healy explained. “Their calmness, confidence, and hunger to win will serve them well in the final. If they can play their best cricket, they’re more than capable of upsetting RCB’s plans.”

With players like Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, and Arshdeep Singh stepping up in crucial moments, PBKS will look to capitalize on any pressure that RCB might feel, especially when it comes to the key moments of the match.

Kohli’s Leadership and the Road Ahead
For RCB, the key question remains: Can Virat Kohli, who has often been the centerpiece of their success and failure, finally deliver the IPL title? In many ways, this is the culmination of his long and storied IPL career—a career where, despite numerous accolades, the one thing that has eluded him is the prestigious IPL trophy.

Kohli’s leadership has been nothing short of inspiring, but as Healy mentioned, the pressure on him to deliver is enormous. The Indian superstar will not only be playing for the title but also to silence the critics who say that despite all his individual achievements, the one thing that matters most in the IPL has slipped from his grasp.

Ultimately, the IPL 2025 Final will be a test of Kohli’s leadership, mental strength, and ability to handle the intense scrutiny. If he can lead RCB to victory, he will etch his name in history as one of the greatest cricketers to ever play the game. But if PBKS pulls off a win, they will walk away with their first-ever IPL title and solidify themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the tournament’s history.

Final Thoughts
As the final approaches, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bangalore, hoping they can finally lift the IPL trophy after years of near-misses. However, with PBKS entering the match without the heavy burden of history, the final promises to be an exciting clash of contrasting pressures and playing styles.

Will it be Kohli's time to shine, or will Punjab Kings emerge as the unlikely champions? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the IPL 2025 final promises to be a match for the ages.