IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Record-Breaking Bids, Surprise Picks & Live Updates

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings have finally arrived at the long-awaited IPL 2025 Final in Ahmedabad, turning Narendra Modi Stadium into a sea of red and maroon. As dusk settled over the world’s largest cricket arena, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, betting on Ahmedabad’s hint of early swing and the proven chasing prowess of his batting line-up. The closing-ceremony curtain-raiser set the tone for a high-voltage night. Padma Shri award-winner Shankar Mahadevan headlined a patriotic medley that paid tribute to India’s armed forces, drawing roars from a full house of 132,000 fans. Fireworks crackled above the Motera skyline moments before Virat Kohli and Phil Salt walked out to open for RCB. • Powerplay drama: Kyle Jamieson struck in the third over, luring Salt into a miscued pull that Shreyas Iyer pouched with a diving effort at deep mid-wicket, sparking an animated roar from the PBKS skipper. • Kohli milestone watch: The RCB talisman needs 46 more runs tonight to become the first player to breach 7,500 IPL runs; his measured start (17* off 14 at the eight-over mark) suggests the chase for history is very much on. • Spin vs dew: With a light westerly breeze forecast and dew expected after 9 p.m., PBKS will likely hold back wrist-spinner Rahul Chahar for the middle overs, hoping the ball grips before the outfield turns slick. Why this final matters 1. A new champion is guaranteed. Both franchises are chasing a maiden IPL crown after a combined 31 seasons of near-misses. 2. Legacy narratives collide: Kohli’s quest for franchise glory faces Iyer’s shot at redemption after missing India’s 2024–25 home season through injury. 3. Ahmedabad’s fortress factor: Teams batting second have won five of the last six IPL knock-outs at this venue, validating Iyer’s decision at the toss. Key head-to-head stats • Overall meetings: RCB 18 wins, PBKS 16. • 2025 league stage: PBKS beat RCB by seven runs in Dharamsala; RCB avenged with a 64-run hammering in Bengaluru. • Purple Cap battle: Harshal Patel (RCB) vs Arshdeep Singh (PBKS) — 27 wickets apiece. Probable XIs RCB: Virat Kohli (c), Phil Salt†, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik†, Mahipal Lomror, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Karn Sharma. PBKS: Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Shreyas Iyer (c), Jitesh Sharma†, Sam Curran, Ashutosh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson. Live score snapshot (8.4 overs) RCB 58/1 – Kohli 17*, Patidar 26*, Jamieson 1/14. Fans watching from home can stream the match on JioCinema (free-to-air) or tune into Star Sports Network’s English, Hindi and regional feeds. For ball-by-ball text, keep an eye on the official IPL website’s Match Centre, which refreshes every 30 seconds. SEO-friendly FAQs Q1: What time does the IPL 2025 Final start? A1: The match began at 7:30 p.m. IST on 3 June 2025, with toss at 7:00 p.m. IST. Q2: Where is the RCB vs PBKS final being played? A2: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad — the same venue that hosted the 2023 ODI World Cup Final. Q3: How can I watch IPL 2025 in the USA, UK and Australia? A3: Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports Cricket (UK) and Fox Cricket/Kayo Sports (Australia) hold the broadcast rights. Q4: Who performed at the IPL 2025 closing ceremony? A4: Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan led the musical tribute, supported by local dance troupes and a 500-drone light show. Stay tuned to this live blog for rapid updates, expert analysis and post-match reactions as a fresh chapter of IPL history unfolds in Ahmedabad.