IPL final: Rain threat hangs over Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings’ dream

Dubai: History is guaranteed in Ahmedabad tonight. After 17 seasons and several heartbreaks, one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Punjab Kings will finally lift their maiden IPL trophy.

RCB, beaten finalists in 2009, 2011, and 2016, are hoping to end years of near-misses. Punjab, back in the final after a 10-year gap, have a shot at redemption under a new-look team.

Fittingly, it’s the league’s two most consistent sides facing off in the title clash — with everything on the line and nothing left to lose.

Virat Kohli is known to raise his game in a final. The RCB icon often finds another gear on the big stage and will be the anchor, whether building or chasing a total against Punjab. One of the most fascinating duels could be against his former RCB teammate Yuzvendra Chahal, now leading Punjab’s spin attack.

RCB have been chasing their first title for 18 seasons — and it could fittingly be jersey No. 18 who finally delivers it.

Punjab’s batting revolves around skipper Shreyas Iyer, and his wicket could be the turning point. Iyer’s occasional impatience, combined with a known weakness against high-quality pace, makes this a contest tailor-made for Australian quick Josh Hazlewood.

If Iyer walks in early, RCB are likely to unleash Hazlewood straight away. It’s a matchup that could shape the final.

Big matches are often won in the final overs — and that’s where RCB might hold an edge. Tim David has played a couple of impactful cameos this season, while Marcus Stoinis, Punjab’s designated finisher, has struggled for rhythm.

If the match goes deep, the difference between David, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar and Stoinis could be decisive.

Rain could play a role, just as it did during Qualifier 2. While a reserve day is in place for Wednesday, the toss might become even more crucial if rain arrives during play. In the previous knockout, showers began right after the toss — potentially swinging momentum depending on who bats first.

Forecasts predict cloudy skies and a 61% chance of rain in Ahmedabad, with 1.1mm expected during the day.

In the end, it may come down to who handles the pressure better. RCB can call upon a core of experienced performers in Kohli, Phil Salt, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hazlewood, Tim David and Krunal Pandya — players who have been through the fire of big matches before.

Punjab, on the other hand, will rely on the fearless energy of youth, backed by the calming presence of coach Ricky Ponting. A win today would not just be a triumph — it would be a statement of a new era.