'They have this in the bag...': India great predicts the winner of PBKS vs RCB IPL final

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be facing-off against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final of IPL 2025 that is set to be held at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad. This is the fourth time that the Bengaluru-based franchise has made it to the IPL final while for PBKS, it will be their second appearance in the penultimate match of the league.

However, both the teams are yet to register a single IPL triumph as they have lost all the final matches that they have played in so far. Finally, one of them will be able to get their hands on the IPL title on June 3.

Ravichandran Ashwin believes RCB will win the final

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the winner of the IPL 2025 final will be RCB. The spin great feels that the side is a heavy favourite to emerge victorious over PBKS and finally break their IPL title dought.

"I can't help but feel that RCB has this in the bag. Look at what has happened. Look at their momentum and tempo, I am a complete cricket buff. But I cannot help but look at science, as cricketers, you also get superstitious. You have to run after the trend," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"If you look at what has happened, every team that has gone against has eventually turned into a favour for them," he added.

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Ashwin also credited Jitesh Sharma, whose unbeaten knock of 85 runs from 33 deliveries carried RCB to a much-needed victory against Lucknow Super Giants in their final league stage match of the season. This victory came as a major confidence booster as they had been defeated comprehensively by Sunrisers Hyderabad by 42 runs in the previous game.

"First, people were saying RCB's momentum was broken because of the 20-day break. They lost against SunRisers Hyderabad. Look at how they bounced back in the LSG game. Jitesh Sharma scoring those runs was a massive momentum shift," Ashwin stated.

"Hazlewood was waiting. RCB were bleeding runs when he was sitting out. I kind of feel the tide of luck is running with RCB," he concluded.

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Notably, RCB had defeated PBKS comfortably by eight wickets earlier in the first qualifier to secure a spot in the IPL final for the first time in nine years. The Punjab-based franchise and their fans will be hoping for a change in fortune in the much-anticipated final clash.