IPL 2023 Final: RCB and Punjab Kings Battle for Glory

The IPL 2023 final is set to be an exciting clash between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings, both aiming for their first title. With Virat Kohli leading RCB, fans are eager to see if he can finally lift the trophy after years of near misses. This match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season, as both teams have a history of heartbreak in previous finals. Will Kohli's stellar form lead RCB to victory? Tune in to find out!

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2025, 13:55 IST

IPL 2023 Final Showdown

Ahmedabad: The much-anticipated final of the IPL is upon us. After an exhilarating two and a half months filled with 74 matches, the 18th season of the IPL culminates with a thrilling finale. The Royal Challengers Bangalore will go head-to-head with the Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, both teams eager to secure their first IPL championship. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 PM at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with all eyes on Virat Kohli. Will he finally claim the coveted IPL trophy?

A Quest for Redemption

Both RCB and Punjab Kings have unfinished business in the tournament. Each team has previously come close to clinching the title but has fallen short. Punjab's last final appearance was in 2014, while RCB has reached the finals three times. Their first final was in 2009 in Johannesburg, where they lost by a narrow margin of six runs. Virat Kohli, who participated in that match, remains a key player for RCB.

Previous Final Heartbreaks

In 2011, RCB faced MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings in the final but succumbed to a defeat, losing by 58 runs after failing to chase down Chennai's total of 205 runs. Kohli managed to score 35 runs off 32 balls, leaving the field disappointed.

The third final appearance for RCB came in 2016 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by David Warner. Despite Kohli's remarkable season, where he scored 973 runs, RCB fell short once again, losing by eight runs despite Kohli's fifty in the final.

Kohli: RCB's Icon

Kohli: The Dhoni of RCB?

Since the IPL's inception in 2008, Virat Kohli has been a stalwart for RCB, much like how fans associate MS Dhoni with Chennai. Kohli captained RCB from 2011 to 2023, participating in 266 IPL matches, with 258 innings under his belt, amassing 8618 runs at an average of 39.53 and a strike rate of 132.92. He holds the record for the most centuries in IPL history, with eight, and leads with 63 fifties.

Many believe Kohli deserves to lift the IPL trophy, and even his competitors would likely agree. After 18 remarkable seasons with RCB, this could be the moment for Kohli to finally celebrate. With 614 runs this season, including eight fifties, he is in exceptional form. RCB's commanding victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 might hint at a promising outcome. Could this be the year the King finally claims his title? Will the long wait come to an end?