David Warner Makes Bold Prediction for IPL 2025 Final: Backs RCB to Win, Hazlewood as Player of the Match

Former Australian cricketer and 2016 IPL-winning captain David Warner has made a bold prediction regarding the IPL 2025 final. He believes that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will win the title this year, with Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood being named Player of the Match.

Warner made this statement during a Q&A session on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. He said, “I think RCB will win and Josh Hazlewood will be the Player of the Match.”

Josh Hazlewood was acquired by RCB for INR 12.5 crore in the 2025 mega auction. Although he missed a few matches due to injury, he made a strong comeback in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs. So far, Hazlewood has taken 21 wickets in 11 matches, playing a crucial role in RCB’s campaign.

RCB secured their place in the final after defeating Punjab Kings by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1 on May 29. This is RCB’s first appearance in the IPL final since 2016, when they lost to Warner’s Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The final will be held on June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB will face the winner of Qualifier 2, which will be contested between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians.

Warner’s prediction has stirred excitement among cricket fans, especially RCB supporters who are eagerly hoping for their team’s maiden IPL title.