Before the RCB vs. PBKS IPL 2025 final, Sunil Gavaskar boldly asserts that the Bengaluru team has had four days off

When Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) square off in the 18th Indian Premier League final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a new champion is expected to be crowned. Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has identified a critical element that could give one of the teams the advantage ahead of the match.

After defeating PBKS by a commanding eight wickets in Qualifier 1 on May 29, the Rajat Patidar-led team easily advanced to the final. They had a crucial four-day break before the finals thanks to the victory. In Qualifier 2, which concluded on June 2, PBKS had to go the longer road but recovered with a spectacular five-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians. The former believes that when the two clash, this disparity might be a major factor.

“It is undoubtedly beneficial. Additionally, I believe that the Punjab Kings’ late match against the Mumbai Indians and the fact that they only have a day off before the final don’t give their bodies enough time to heal. Yes, I am aware that the game starts at 7:30 in the evening, but the body needs a lot of rest following the previous day’s efforts.

As I mentioned before, Punjab has only about 24 hours to recuperate, which is insufficient given the amount of work they put in to defeat the Mumbai Indians. When the Bengaluru team enters the frame, they will undoubtedly be much more rested both physically and mentally than the Punjab team because they have had four days off,” he stated, as reported by India Today.

Gavaskar also shared his thoughts on RCB’s possible disadvantage of not playing in Ahmedabad this season.

“It’s not really a benefit. As I already stated, I believe it’s because RCB is entering the final with a run of incredibly impressive batsmanship and ball performances. Therefore, I don’t think that the fact that they haven’t performed here would scare them,” he continued.