We are finally at the final stop in this Indian Premier League season and what makes it even  more fascinating is the fact that IPL will see a first-time winner on Tuesday night. Let’s  hope it’s a cracking game. It’s bound to be better than the last time these two sides met. To  me, the key to this match lies in RCB’s bowling attack. It could be the defining factor that  turns the game on its head. The difference they can make is massive. 

Josh Hazlewood’s return is a huge boost. RCB did face some challenges before he  returned, but with him back, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Krunal Pandya, and Suyash  Sharma in the mix, I think their bowling attack just edges out Punjab Kings’. 

Punjab Kings do have a solid bowling lineup—no doubt about that. I’m a big fan of  Arshdeep Singh and always have been. And in Yuzvendra Chahal, they arguably have the  best spinner on show. When it comes to all-rounders, Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah  Omarzai give them a real edge as well. 

But for me, RCB just have a slightly stronger overall combination. With Hazlewood’s pace,  variety and bowling craft, Bhuvi’s experience, and the support of Dayal, Krunal, and  Suyash—not to mention the flexibility to bring in an additional bowler if needed—I think  their bowling unit has a bit more depth. That could be the decisive factor in how this match  plays out.

One aspect that often gets overlooked in match previews is fielding. But in a high-pressure  game like this, with more than 1 lakh fans watching and everything on the line, it can be  crucial. A single dropped catch, a missed run-out, or a simple fumble could swing the  momentum and change the entire outcome. 

The coaches have done their job beautifully as well. I think Ricky Ponting and Andy Flower  have been outstanding; the way they’ve built this team, the mutual respect they share, and  the environment they’ve created is remarkable. They’ve fostered a culture where everyone,  from the most seasoned players to the newcomers, feels empowered to perform. A lot of  credit goes to both coaches for setting that tone and bringing the best out of the squad. 

Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer too command immense respect—each with their own  unique captaincy style. I’ve been particularly impressed with Shreyas and the way he’s  bounced back. After a disappointing outing with the bat against RCB, especially his  struggle against Hazlewood, he could’ve easily let that weigh him down. But just a few days  later, he turns it around and delivers the innings of a lifetime to take his team to the final.  That kind of resilience is what sets great players apart. 

It’s incredibly impressive. The composure shown by both captains has had a massive  influence on their teams, alongside the guidance of the coaches. 

One of the standout battles for me will be Hazlewood vs Arshdeep. These are two top quality international bowlers going head-to-head. It could be a defining moment in the  match. 

Another intriguing match-up, which might fly under the radar, is Josh Inglis versus Jitesh  Sharma—keeper-batter against keeper-batter. Both are dynamic with the gloves and  dangerous with the bat, and that contest could play a crucial role in how things unfold. 

I was watching Josh Inglis take on Jasprit Bumrah recently and not many players have the  confidence or the skill to do that. There’s something special about him, and he’s now  making serious waves on the international stage. 

Now, speaking of young talent – Shashank Singh and Priyansh Iyer are two seriously  exciting players. Players whom you watch on the field and go ‘wow’. Yes, they lack  experience, especially in high-stakes games. But sometimes, that can actually be an  advantage. Without the weight of past performances or the pressure of expectations, they  play with a sense of freedom and fearlessness. That’s what I see in both of them—they’re  not burdened by history or past finals. They’re not overthinking. It’s simple: see the ball, hit  the ball. And that can be a big positive in a game like this.

And then, of course, you look to the experienced figure of Virat Kohli. There’s always going  to be a spotlight on him heading into a game of this magnitude. For me, the moment Kohli  announced his retirement from Test cricket, something clicked; I genuinely started to  believe this could be RCB’s year. It almost feels like it’s written in the stars. 

You’re talking about the greatest run-chaser the game has ever seen, especially under  pressure. In a high-stakes match, having someone like Kohli in your lineup is an incredible  asset. Add to that his unmatched passion and intensity—he’s going to bring fire to the  contest, no doubt about it. 

Phil Salt at the top adds another layer of experience. He’s been part of a winning final  before. That kind of big-match know-how and composure is invaluable.  

What we have here are two incredibly cohesive units—teams that have stuck together  through highs and lows, and that kind of resilience matters in pressure situations. You  need that unity, that belief that someone—anyone—will step up and become the hero  when it matters most. 

Both sides have shown that time and again, and that’s exactly why they’ve earned their  place in the final. 

There’s a saying in cricket: strong batting can win you games, but strong bowling wins you  tournaments. And I believe that holds true here. With Hazlewood back in the mix, I’m going  to stick my neck out and say, RCB just might have the bowling edge to go all the way. I also  feel that RCB’s depth and balance might make the difference on the day. However,  ultimately, the team that holds its nerve better under pressure will come out on top.