IPL 2023 Final: Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore Compete for First Title

Exciting IPL Final Awaits in Ahmedabad

On June 3, the Indian Premier League (IPL) will witness a new champion crowned at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), both teams yet to claim the prestigious title in the league's 18-year history, are set to battle for glory.

Punjab Kings topped the league standings, while RCB secured the second position, showcasing their consistency throughout the 18th season of this lucrative tournament. Historically, seven teams have won the IPL, with one, the Deccan Chargers, now defunct, and two others, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, not participating when the league commenced in 2008.

Despite their efforts, neither Punjab nor Bengaluru has lifted the trophy. RCB has reached the finals three times (2009, 2011, 2016) but has yet to secure a win. Conversely, Punjab is making its first final appearance in 11 years, having previously reached the final in 2014, only to lose to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

In their head-to-head encounters, Punjab and Bengaluru have played 36 matches, with both teams winning 18 each. RCB advanced to the final after defeating Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1, thanks to Philip Salt's impressive 56 runs. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings secured their final spot by overcoming the Mumbai Indians by five wickets, led by Shreyas Iyer's crucial 87-run performance.

Under the leadership of head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, Punjab has transformed into a formidable team, finishing the season with 19 points and nine victories. Iyer has been a standout performer, scoring 603 runs in 16 innings, averaging 54.81, while Arshdeep Singh has excelled with the ball, taking 18 wickets in 15 innings.

For RCB, Virat Kohli has been the standout batsman this season, amassing 614 runs in 14 innings, with an average of 55.81. Josh Hazlewood has been a key player in the bowling department, leading the wicket tally for RCB with 21 wickets in 11 innings.

Punjab's most significant victory over RCB occurred in the 2011 season, where they won by 111 runs, while RCB's largest win against Punjab came in 2015, with a 138-run margin.

Punjab Kings Squad: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yuzvendra Chahal, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Xavier Bartlett, Praveen Dubey, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vishnu Vinod, Yash Thakur, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, Mitchell Owen, Harnoor Singh, Pyla Avinash.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Tim Seifert, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Blessing Muzarabani, Tim David, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.