RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: Phil Salt’s Stunning Catch Turns the Match
The IPL 2025 Final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) was a high-octane clash filled with key moments. From Shreyas Iyer’s early dismissal to Krunal Pandya’s brilliant spell of 2/17, several turning points shaped RCB’s thrilling six-run victory. However, both head coaches—Andy Flower (RCB) and Ricky Ponting (PBKS)—agreed that Phil Salt’s jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Priyansh Arya was the real game-changer.
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In a match where every ball counted, it was Phil Salt’s incredible fielding at deep backward square leg that truly flipped the game. Priyansh Arya, one of PBKS’s most dangerous batters, had started strong, smashing four boundaries to reach 24 in no time during Punjab’s chase of 191. He looked well-set to carry the momentum forward—until Salt intervened.
Running toward the boundary, Salt judged the ball perfectly, caught it on the move, and while realizing he was about to step over the rope, tossed it up in the air, stepped out, came back in, and completed one of the most stunning catches in IPL history.
“That was a critical moment,” said Ricky Ponting, Punjab’s head coach. “Arya has been a key player for us, especially in the powerplay. Salt’s catch under pressure turned the match on its head.”
Why Arya’s Wicket Was So Important
Priyansh Arya was in red-hot form this season, scoring 475 runs at a blistering strike rate of 172.69. He provided Punjab with flying starts throughout the tournament and had already helped them race to 23/0 in just two overs.
Just as PBKS looked to dominate, Arya took on Josh Hazlewood and cracked two crisp boundaries. A third was in the making when Salt’s brilliance broke Punjab’s momentum. From 43/1, the Kings never quite recovered.
Andy Flower: “Salt Held His Nerve in the Biggest Moment”
RCB coach Andy Flower hailed Salt’s fielding composure:
“That was an outstanding catch. To maintain such calm in an IPL final under pressure speaks volumes. It was our first breakthrough and came at a crucial time.”
Even more remarkable was Salt’s commitment to the team. After flying back to England post-Qualifier 1, he returned to India in the early hours of the final day, just in time for the big match.
“He landed at 3 AM. He’s mainly a wicketkeeper, but he’s taken stunning outfield catches all season. He works hard on his fielding. That moment defined our title win,” Flower added.
Krunal Pandya’s Spell Also Crucial, But Salt Stole the Spotlight
While Krunal Pandya’s 2/17 in 4 overs kept PBKS under control in the middle overs, it was Salt’s fielding brilliance that broke the back of Punjab’s run chase. The timing, execution, and impact of that one catch changed the flow of the IPL 2025 final completely.
Punjab Kings eventually fell short, finishing on 184/7, handing RCB their first-ever IPL title after 18 seasons of heartbreak and near misses.
Conclusion: Salt’s Catch Secures RCB’s Historic Title
The RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final will be remembered for many reasons—Virat Kohli’s long-awaited triumph, Krunal Pandya’s bowling masterclass, and the emotional celebrations that followed. But it was Phil Salt’s game-changing catch that will go down as the defining moment of the IPL 2025 season.
RCB finally ended their trophy drought with a thrilling performance and proved that sometimes, one moment of brilliance is all it takes to change history.