The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to be electric as Punjab Kings (PBKS) gear up to face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in what promises to be a thrilling IPL 2025 final. But even before the first ball is bowled, PBKS coach Sanjay Bangar is preparing his squad for a challenge that goes beyond the boundary ropes — the thunderous roar of a pro-Virat Kohli crowd.
With RCB reaching their first IPL final since their maiden title win in 2024, the anticipation surrounding the team has skyrocketed. And with Kohli at the helm once again, fans from across the country — and especially Gujarat — have flooded Ahmedabad to back their icon. Tickets were reportedly sold out within minutes of release, and stadium officials estimate over 90% of the crowd could be cheering for RCB and Kohli.
Bangar Acknowledges the “12th Man”
Speaking to the media on the eve of the final, Bangar admitted that the team is well aware of the partisan atmosphere awaiting them.
“We know it’s going to be loud, passionate, and overwhelmingly in favor of RCB. But we’ve prepared for that. It’s not just 11 players on the field — the crowd becomes the 12th man when it’s Kohli in India,” Bangar said with a smile.
Bangar, who was once part of the RCB coaching setup, understands the magnitude of Kohli’s influence and fan following. However, he emphasized that PBKS is not rattled.
“The boys are motivated. They’ve played in front of big crowds before. This team is hungry, focused, and united. We respect Kohli, but we’re here to win.”
Kohli Mania Hits Ahmedabad
Kohli’s fanbase has taken over Ahmedabad, with jerseys, posters, and chants dominating the streets around the stadium. His fiery half-century in the qualifier against Delhi Capitals reignited fan frenzy, with many calling this the “Kohli redemption arc” after years of playoff heartbreaks with RCB.
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Social media has been flooded with videos of fans practicing chants, creating banners, and even lighting fireworks a day before the match. Security officials have ramped up preparations to manage crowd surges, especially around player arrival zones.
PBKS: The Quiet Contenders
While RCB basks in the spotlight, PBKS have quietly put together their most consistent season in years, riding on strong performances from captain Shikhar Dhawan, pacer Arshdeep Singh, and breakout star Riyan Parag. The team has spoken about focusing on “controlling the controllables” — and the crowd isn’t one of them.
“We may not have 100,000 fans cheering for us in the stands,” said Dhawan in a pre-match interview, “but we have each other’s backs. That’s enough.”
What to Expect
The clash is being billed as a battle of flair vs. grit — Kohli’s charisma and RCB’s aggressive style against the disciplined, tactical approach of PBKS. And with the crowd expected to erupt at every Kohli boundary, the pressure on PBKS bowlers will be immense.
However, Bangar and his staff remain undeterred.
“Let them cheer. We’re here to silence the noise with our cricket,” the PBKS coach concluded.
