As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final on June 3, one burning question remains: Will Tim David play today? The Australian finisher has missed RCB’s last two matches due to a hamstring injury. His availability could significantly impact RCB’s hopes of clinching their first IPL title.
During the pre-final press interaction in Ahmedabad, RCB captain Rajat Patidar offered an update on Tim David’s injury status.
“Doctors are there. We will get to know this evening,” Patidar told reporters on June 2.
The comment confirms that RCB is closely monitoring David’s condition, but a final decision will only be made closer to match time. This uncertainty keeps both teams and fans guessing ahead of the high-stakes final.
Although Tim David was present at RCB’s final practice session, he did not bat, fueling speculation that he may not be fully fit. This comes despite him being spotted walking normally at Ahmedabad airport earlier, which had initially raised hopes of a return.
Typically, players recovering from hamstring injuries undergo a full fitness drill—including batting and sprinting—before being cleared for selection. The fact that David did not actively participate raises doubts about his match readiness. However, he was seen coming out of the team bus without a limp ahead of the IPL 2025 final.
When fit, Tim David has been in explosive form this season. In just 9 innings, he has scored:
He has consistently delivered late-innings acceleration, including cameos that turned matches in RCB’s favor. His absence in recent matches has forced RCB to reshuffle their middle and lower order, though the team has managed to win without him.
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If fit, Tim David’s inclusion adds immense value:
In the IPL 2025 final, where margins will be tight and the pitch in Ahmedabad expected to favor batters early on, a finisher of his caliber could make the difference between RCB lifting the trophy or finishing second again.
Here’s the probable RCB lineup for the final if David is not cleared to play:
If David is unavailable, RCB may continue with Livingstone, but might explore the possibility to play him slightly down the order as a finisher alongside Romario Shepherd, potentially altering their lower-order firepower and team balance. They’re unlikely to test someone new despite Livingstone’s failures in the final game of the tournament.
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