RCB vs PBKS Final: Fan theories, photoshoot clues & superstitions set Internet ablaze

The IPL 2025 final isn’t just another title clash; it’s a battle of unfinished legacies. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are two of the most passionate franchises in the league’s history, with massive fanbases, marquee players, and years of heartbreak behind them. Yet, despite their firepower, neither team has ever lifted the IPL trophy, making this final a moment of destiny for both.

And while the players gear up on the field, fans off it are in full throttle, diving deep into superstition, social media theories, and even photographic "evidence" in hopes of predicting the winner.

The Photoshoot Theory Goes Viral

Forget pitch reports and match-ups—for some fans, the answer lies in the official pre-final captain photoshoots. A viral theory making the rounds on Twitter and Instagram claims that "the captain who stands on the left in the pre-match photo has consistently won the IPL final since 2019."

Armed with side-by-side comparisons from previous seasons, fans have turned into forensic analysts, dissecting angles, poses, and even body language. Some have gone even further, tracing the "left vs. right" captain pattern all the way back to 2015 and claiming a near-perfect predictive streak.

Nimbu-Mirchi, Nazar Tikas & Digital Baths

Okay I've data about photoshoot b4 final captain(standing on Left or Right) winner of IPL from 2015-2024😂

2015 - Rohit (L)
2016 - Warner (R)
2017 - Rohit (L)
2018 - Dhoni (R)
2019 - Rohit (L)
2020 - Rohit (L)
2021 - Dhoni (L)
2022 - Pandya (L)
2023 - Dhoni (L)
2024 - Iyer (L) pic.twitter.com/njw64M2JNV

— Chandan Pargi (@rxn_13) June 2, 2025

RCB and PBKS fans aren’t relying on data alone—they’re invoking everything from astrology to desi superstitions. RCB loyalists have decorated players’ posters with nazar tikas, while some PBKS fans claim to have held virtual ‘snaans’ (ritual baths) to cleanse the team’s luck.

One diehard RCB fan even went viral after decorating his car with lemon and chili garlands—a traditional Indian charm against bad luck. Others are burning camphor, fasting, and even meditating for their team's success.

The Battle Begins: PBKS Wins Toss, RCB Off to a Steady Start

With the excitement at fever pitch, Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first. As of the latest update, RCB are 117 for 3 after 13 overs—off to a solid start in their quest for history.