RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report, Ground Conditions, Toss Factor, Stats & Records

RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report, Ground Conditions, Toss Factor, Stats & Records

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 Final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. With both teams chasing their maiden IPL title, this high-stakes clash promises a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide. Here’s an in-depth look at the pitch report, ground conditions, toss dynamics, and key stats for this blockbuster encounter.

Narendra Modi Stadium: A Glimpse

The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket arena with a capacity of 132,000, is renowned for hosting marquee events, including the 2023 ODI World Cup Final and the IPL 2022 and 2023 finals. Home to the Gujarat Titans, this venue has a reputation for high-scoring T20 battles, making it a fitting stage for the IPL 2025 Final.

Pitch Report: A Batting Paradise

The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium has been a batter’s delight throughout IPL 2025. With an average first-innings score of 219, the surface has consistently produced high-scoring encounters. Out of 16 innings this season, 11 have seen teams breach the 200-run mark, indicating a flat track that favors stroke-makers. The pitch, a mix of red and black soil, offers true bounce, especially on red-soil surfaces, allowing batters to play freely. However, as the game progresses, the black-soil component may slow down, bringing spinners into play.

Early in the match, pacers may find some movement, particularly during the powerplay under lights, but the surface generally remains conducive to big totals. Spinners have been slightly more effective, claiming 29 wickets at an average of 31 and an economy rate below 10, compared to pacers’ 65 wickets at an average of 35 and an economy of 10.

Ground Conditions: Dew and Weather Factors

The Narendra Modi Stadium is known for its dew factor, which often aids chasing teams in night games. This was evident in PBKS’s successful chase of 204 against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, highlighting that big targets are achievable under lights. However, weather forecasts indicate a 2-5% chance of rain with cloudy skies, which could lead to a damp outfield and potential interruptions. Temperatures are expected to range from 36°C at the start to 31°C by the end, with humidity levels between 52% and 63%. Teams will need to factor in dew and possible drizzle when strategizing.

Toss Factor: To Bat or Chase?

Historically, the toss has not been a decisive factor at this venue. Out of 44 IPL matches, teams batting first have won 21 times, while chasing sides have clinched 22 victories, with one tie. Teams winning the toss and choosing to field have a slight edge, winning 15 of 32 matches compared to 5 wins in 12 for those opting to bat first. However, in IPL 2025, batting first has been advantageous, with six of eight matches won by teams setting a target. Captains may lean toward batting first to post a daunting total, especially given the pitch’s batting-friendly nature, but the dew factor makes chasing a viable option.

Key Stats and Records at Narendra Modi Stadium

- Matches Played: 44

- Batting First Wins: 21

- Batting Second Wins: 22 Tied: 1

- Highest Team Total: 243/5 by PBKS vs Gujarat Titans (2025)

- Lowest Team Total: 87 by Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals (2024)

- Highest Target Chased: 207/7 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans (2023)

- Lowest Total Defended: 130/8 by Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans (2023)[]

- Average First-Innings Score (IPL 2025): 219

- Top Run-Scorer: Shubman Gill (986 runs)

- Top Wicket-Taker: Mohit Sharma (29 wickets)

- Best Individual Score: Shubman Gill (129 vs Mumbai Indians, 2023)[]

- Best Bowling Figures: Mohit Sharma (5/10 vs Mumbai Indians, 2023)[]

RCB vs PBKS Head-to-Head at Narendra Modi Stadium

This will be the second meeting between RCB and PBKS at this venue. Their last encounter here in 2021 saw PBKS triumph by 34 runs.

 In IPL 2025, RCB have dominated the head-to-head, winning two of three matches against PBKS, including a commanding eight-wicket victory in Qualifier 1. However, PBKS’s familiarity with the venue, having played two matches here this season (both wins), could give them a slight edge in adapting to conditions.

Key Players to Watch

- RCB:

 Virat Kohli, with 3,040 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, will be crucial, though his record at Narendra Modi Stadium is less prolific. Phil Salt’s explosive batting and Josh Hazlewood’s ability to trouble PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer (dismissed four times in six IPL innings) could be game-changers.[]

- PBKS: 

Shreyas Iyer, unbeaten with 242 runs in three innings at this venue, is in scintillating form. The opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, backed by Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin prowess, will be pivotal.

Tactical Insights

Given the pitch’s batting-friendly nature, teams may aim for totals above 200, with 220 considered par. RCB’s balanced bowling attack, led by Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, will need to exploit early movement, while PBKS’s spinners, including Chahal, could capitalize on the slowing pitch. The dew factor may tempt the toss winner to bowl first, but recent trends favor batting first to set a challenging target.

Social Media Buzz

Posts on X reflect the excitement surrounding the final, with fans debating the toss and pitch conditions. Some RCB supporters express concern over PBKS’s potent bowling lineup, while others highlight the venue’s chasing-friendly history due to dew. The consensus is that the mixed-soil pitch could produce another run-fest, with totals exceeding 230 not out of the question.

Prediction

With both teams boasting formidable batting lineups and potent bowling attacks, the IPL 2025 Final is poised to be a high-scoring thriller. RCB’s recent dominance over PBKS gives them a psychological edge, but PBKS’s familiarity with the venue and Shreyas Iyer’s form make them formidable opponents. The team that adapts better to the dew and leverages the powerplay effectively is likely to lift the coveted trophy.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a historic clash as RCB and PBKS vie for their first IPL title at the Narendra Modi Stadium!

Disclaimer: Weather and pitch conditions are based on available forecasts and may vary on match day. Always check live updates for real-time insights.