Big blow for RCB! No Tim David in playing XI vs PBKS; fans stunned as Liam Livingstone retains spot in?IPL?2025?final

After over two months of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 ¡ª including a one-week suspension due to India-Pakistan border tensions ¡ª it's finally time for the Final, featuring two teams that have never lifted the trophy in 17 years. Hoping to change their fate in the tournament's 18th edition, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

At the toss, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar once again lost. While the toss result was out of his control, it was what he said afterward that left netizens confused, surprised, angry, and stunned.

RCB's playing XI for the IPL 2025 Final

The Bengaluru captain mentioned that they, too, wanted to field first, but it was his statement about playing the same XI as in Qualifier 1 that disappointed fans.

The unchanged lineup means no Tim David in the playing XI, and Liam Livingstone gets another chance to prove himself in the IPL 2025 Final. There had been uncertainty surrounding Tim David's availability, and it now appears he is still not match-fit after suffering a hamstring injury.

Fans react to no Tim David in the team

Many cricket fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their frustration and question why the big-hitter was not included in the playing XI. Several pointed out how Tim David has rescued RCB from tough situations in the past and was needed now more than ever. Some believe this decision could be a game-changer ¡ª potentially costing RCB the final.

One said, "I knew it RCB will lose toss and are going to bat now. I feel RCB is losing man it just like 19/11 no Tim David they can only go up to 180."

I knew it rcb will lose toss and r going to bat now .I feel rcb is losing man it just like 19/11 no time david they can only go upto 180

¡ª Mayur (@mayur_suralkar) June 3, 2025

Another said, "Same team RCB...No Tim David?"

Same team rcb
No tim david ?#RCBvPBKS

¡ª Drhumorous (@randomguy0777) June 3, 2025

One wrote, "It's big blow...No Tim David in the 11 for RCB."

Ita big blow ?? No Tim David in the 11 for #RCB #IPLFinals

¡ª 9duniyadari (@BramanKadti) June 3, 2025

Another wrote, "RCB technically the 'home' team I guess because they won Qualifier 1, so Rajat Patidar tosses, Shreyas Iyer calls. As ever in IPL2025 RCB lose the home toss. Punjab bowling first. Both have same teams. That means unfortunately Tim David is not yet fit."

RCB technically the "home" team I guess because they won Qualifier 1, so Rajat Patidar tosses, Shreyas Iyer calls.
As ever in #IPL2025 RCB lose the home toss. Punjab bowling first.

Both have same teams. That means unfortunately Tim David is not yet fit. #IPLFinal

¡ª Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) June 3, 2025

RCB vs PBKS: Teams

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood
Impact Subs: Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh, Suyash Sharma.

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Subs: Prabhsimran Singh, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlet, Harpreet Brar