The IPL 2025 final is more than a clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS); it’s a showcase of two batting leaders at the peak of their powers, each scripting a unique legacy. Virat Kohli, the face of RCB and a stalwart of Indian cricket, faces off against Shreyas Iyer, the ever-evolving tactician who has quietly become the architect of IPL turnarounds.
Head-to-Head: IPL 2025 Performance Snapshot
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-rate | 50s | Best score |
| Virat Kohli | 14 | 614 | 55.81 | 147.91 | 8 | 73* |
| Shreyas Iyer | 16 | 603 | 54.81 | 176.00 | 6 | 97* |
Kohli has been RCB’s anchor, delivering consistency and big-match temperament, while Iyer’s explosive intent and adaptability have powered PBKS’s resurgence.
Playoffs Pedigree: Who Owns the Big Stage?
- Virat Kohli: 15 playoff matches, 341 runs, average 26.23, strike rate 121.78, 2 fifties. In IPL finals: 3 innings, 96 runs, average 32, strike rate 128, 1 fifty.
- Shreyas Iyer: 9 playoff matches, 214 runs, average 42.80, strike rate 127.38, 2 fifties. In IPL finals: 2 innings, 71 runs (never dismissed), strike rate 133.96, 1 fifty.
Iyer’s playoff average and composure outshine Kohli’s, especially in finals, where Iyer remains unbeaten and has guided teams to the summit on multiple occasions.
Venue Factor: Ahmedabad Showdown
- Kohli in Ahmedabad: 6 matches, 219 runs, average 54.75, strike rate 131.13 and 2 fifties.
- Iyer in Ahmedabad: 3 matches, 242 runs, strike rate 226.16, 3 fifties and best 97 not out run.
Iyer’s numbers at Ahmedabad are staggering, making him a serious threat in the final, while Kohli’s reliability at the venue keeps RCB hopeful.
Leadership Impact: The Captain’s Impact
- Kohli: The heartbeat of RCB, still chasing that elusive IPL trophy. His leadership is passionate, and his batting has been the backbone of RCB’s campaign.
- Iyer: The only player to take three different teams to the IPL final under three different coaches. His calm under pressure and ability to inspire young talent have transformed PBKS into title contenders.
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Favorite Energy Chocolate Revealed – Price Will Shock You!
The X-Factor: Clutch Moments and Legacy
- Kohli’s hunger for a maiden IPL title is at its peak, and his ability to convert starts into match-winning knocks will be critical for RCB’s fortunes.
- Iyer’s recent heroics – like his unbeaten 87 against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 – have made him the man for the big occasion, capable of single-handedly shifting momentum.
The Verdict: A Battle of Styles, Not Just Stats
Kohli is the relentless accumulator, the face of consistency and intensity. Iyer, meanwhile, is the silent disruptor, thriving in chaos and redefining what it means to be a modern IPL captain. Their duel in IPL 2025 is not just about runs or averages—it’s about legacy, leadership, and the art of rising when it matters most.
