Who Has the Edge?
Punjab Kings hold a slight edge going into this match. Shreyas Iyer has led three different teams to IPL finals — Delhi Capitals in 2020, KKR in their 2024 triumph, and PBKS last season. Despite his consistent performances, Shreyas continues to be overlooked by selectors, giving him enormous motivation.
GT may gain a slight advantage due to their bowling structure, while Punjab Kings will rely on their batting strength and familiarity at home. However, the absence of Lockie Ferguson is a genuine setback for PBKS’s bowling attack. GT’s bowling — Kagiso Rabada, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Rashid Khan — is arguably better on paper.
GT enter the new season with a settled core, having retained the bulk of their squad. But PBKS at home, in front of their own crowd, with the pressure of a final defeat in their minds — that’s a dangerous combination.