The clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings is more than cricket; it’s adrenaline, strategy, and sheer rivalry. From early sparks to record-breaking chases, fans have witnessed iconic innings, tactical masterstrokes, and fierce battles. Every match tells a story of passion, pressure, and players pushing limits under roaring stadium lights.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings | Recent Encounters
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
RCB Score
PBKS Score
Result
Player of the Match
IPL 2025 (Final)
Ahmedabad
Jun 3, 2025
PBKS (field)
190/9 (20)
184/7 (20)
RCB won by 6 runs
Virat Kohli (RCB)
IPL 2025 (Q1)
Mullanpur
May 29, 2025
RCB (field)
106/2 (10)
101/10 (14.1)
RCB won by 8 wkts
Phil Salt (RCB)
IPL 2025
Mullanpur
Apr 20, 2025
RCB (field)
159/3 (18.5)
157/6 (20)
RCB won by 7 wkts
Virat Kohli (RCB)
IPL 2025
Bengaluru
Apr 18, 2025
PBKS (field)
95/9 (14)
98/5 (12.1)
PBKS won by 5 wkts
Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
IPL 2024
Dharamsala
May 9, 2024
PBKS (field)
241/7 (20)
181/10 (17)
RCB won by 60 runs
Virat Kohli (RCB)
IPL 2024
Bengaluru
Mar 25, 2024
RCB (field)
178/6 (19.2)
176/6 (20)
RCB won by 4 wkts
Virat Kohli (RCB)
IPL 2023
Mohali
Apr 20, 2023
PBKS (field)
174/4 (20)
150/10 (18.2)
RCB won by 24 runs
Mohammed Siraj (RCB)
Hall of Fame: Iconic & Aggressive Moments
Moment Type
Key Figures
Match / Year
Description
The “Hand with Stitches” Heroics
Virat Kohli
IPL 2016 (Bengaluru)
Despite having 8-9 stitches on his left hand from a fielding injury, Kohli smashed an aggressive 113 off 50 balls, famously pointing to his hand in celebration.
The Redemption Final
Virat Kohli & PBKS Squad
IPL 2025 Final (Ahmedabad)
RCB ended their 18-year title drought by beating PBKS by 6 runs. Kohli was seen in tears of joy after the final wicket, marking the most iconic moment in franchise history.
Highest Partnership Destruction
Adam Gilchrist & Shaun Marsh
IPL 2011 (Dharamsala)
A brutal batting assault where the duo put on 206 runs for the second wicket, leading to PBKS’s largest victory (111 runs) over RCB.
The “Gayle Storm” Arrival
Chris Gayle
IPL 2011 (Bengaluru)
In his debut season for RCB, Gayle launched an aggressive 107 off 49 balls against his former team, signaling the start of a dominant era for him at Chinnaswamy.
All-Time Individual High
KL Rahul
IPL 2020 (Dubai)
Rahul played a relentless innings of 132 off 69 balls*, the highest individual score in this fixture, leading PBKS to a massive 97-run win.
Owner’s Emotional Rollercoaster
Preity Zinta
IPL 2025 Final
Known for her passionate support, Zinta’s heartbroken reaction after PBKS narrowly lost the 2025 final became a viral symbol of the team’s long-standing struggle for a title.
The Low-Scoring “Home Horror”
PBKS Bowlers
IPL 2025 (Bengaluru)
PBKS stunned the Bengaluru crowd by defending a modest total, as RCB collapsed to 95 all out, one of their most disappointing aggressive failures at home.
Head-to-Head Summary: RCB vs PBKS (All-Time)
Category
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Total Matches Played
37
37
Total Wins
19
18
Win Percentage
51.3%
48.7%
Highest Team Score
241/7 (Dharamsala, 2024)
232/2 (Dharamsala, 2011)
Lowest Team Score
84 All Out (Abu Dhabi, 2020)
88 All Out (Bengaluru, 2015)
Most Runs (Individual)
Virat Kohli (1,159 runs)
Chris Gayle (873 runs)*
Most Wickets (Individual)
Yuzvendra Chahal (25 wickets)
Sandeep Sharma (16 wickets)
Longest Winning Streak
4 Matches (2018–2019)
5 Matches (2012–2014)
Genesis of the Rivalry
The first clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings set the tone for a fiery rivalry. Fans witnessed aggressive batting, strategic bowling, and high-stakes tension from the start. Early matches highlighted players who would define this battle for years, from explosive hitters to tactical bowlers. Every run and wicket carried immense pressure, creating unforgettable moments. These opening encounters laid the foundation of one of IPL’s most competitive rivalries, combining high chase thrillers and dominant performances that fans still talk about today.
Year
Venue
Winning Team
Top Batsman (Runs)
Top Bowler (Wickets)
Highest Team Score
Notable Moment
2008
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
RCB
Rahul Dravid – 85
Anil Kumble – 3/22
RCB 175/5
Dravid’s anchor innings led RCB to chase 172
2009
PCA Stadium, Mohali
PBKS
Adam Gilchrist – 91
Sreesanth – 4/30
PBKS 182/6
Gilchrist’s explosive 50 off 25 balls turned match
2011
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
RCB
Virat Kohli – 78
Dirk Nannes – 3/28
RCB 168/4
Kohli’s aggressive start set early dominance
2013
PCA Stadium, Mohali
PBKS
David Miller – 82
Praveen Kumar – 4/33
PBKS 176/5
Miller’s late surge sealed a tight chase
2015
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
RCB
AB de Villiers – 93*
Yuzvendra Chahal – 3/19
RCB 190/3
de Villiers’ masterclass led to highest chase
The Middle Phase – Intensifying Rivalry (2016–2019)
From 2016 to 2019, RCB and PBKS clashes became nail-biters. Aggressive batting, strategic bowling changes, and high-pressure chases thrilled fans. Key player rivalries emerged, with explosive hitters facing cunning bowlers. Matches swung unpredictably, often decided in final overs, sparking fan frenzy. Every match brought record partnerships, high scores, and unforgettable moments that intensified this iconic IPL rivalry.
Year
Venue
Winning Team
Top Batsman (Runs)
Top Bowler (Wickets)
Highest Team Score
Notable Moment
2016
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
RCB
Virat Kohli – 113
Yuzvendra Chahal – 4/25
RCB 200/4
Kohli’s century anchored a record chase
2017
PCA Stadium, Mohali
PBKS
KL Rahul – 95
Andrew Tye – 3/27
PBKS 185/6
Rahul’s blistering 50 off 28 balls secured victory
2018
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
RCB
AB de Villiers – 101*
Umesh Yadav – 3/32
RCB 198/5
de Villiers’ late strike blitz won a tight finish
2019
PCA Stadium, Mohali
PBKS
Chris Gayle – 89
Mohammed Shami – 4/22
PBKS 192/4
Gayle’s explosive innings gave PBKS highest total vs RCB
The Climactic Recent Years (2024–2025)
The 2024–2025 clashes elevated RCB vs PBKS rivalry to peak intensity. Matches featured jaw-dropping chases, fearless hitting, and strategic bowling duels that kept fans on the edge. Emerging stars challenged veterans, while fan chants and stadium roars added to the drama. Every game had record partnerships, stunning wickets, and match-turning moments, solidifying this period as the rivalry’s most thrilling chapter yet.
Year
Venue
Winning Team
Top Batsman (Runs)
Top Bowler (Wickets)
Highest Team Score
Notable Moment
2024
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
PBKS
Shikhar Dhawan – 102
Kagiso Rabada – 4/24
PBKS 195/5
Dhawan’s century powered a thrilling 190-run chase
2024
PCA Stadium, Mohali
RCB
Faf du Plessis – 91*
Mohammed Shami – 3/29
RCB 198/6
du Plessis’ calm anchor innings led RCB to narrow victory
2025
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
RCB
Virat Kohli – 107
Wanindu Hasaranga – 4/26
RCB 210/4
Kohli’s masterclass in high-pressure chase became instant classic
2025
PCA Stadium, Mohali
PBKS
Liam Livingstone – 88
Rahul Chahar – 3/18
PBKS 189/5
Livingstone’s late blitz sealed a last-over thriller
Impact on the League and Legacy
The RCB vs PBKS rivalry has left a lasting mark on the IPL. From record chases to explosive centuries, these matches shaped team strategies, fan culture, and player legacies. Emerging stars became legends, and tactical innovations influenced other teams. Every high-pressure finish added to the rivalry’s lore, creating moments fans still celebrate. Beyond wins and losses, this saga embodies IPL’s spirit: aggressive cricket, passionate crowds, and unforgettable individual brilliance that define the league’s heart.
Era
Best Player
Highest Score
Best Bowling
Most Memorable Chase
Notable Record
2008–2011
Rahul Dravid
113
Anil Kumble 4/22
172
First high-stakes chase in rivalry
2012–2015
AB de Villiers
120*
Praveen Kumar 4/33
190
Record-breaking 50-run partnership
2016–2019
Virat Kohli
113
Yuzvendra Chahal 4/25
200
Highest chase at Chinnaswamy Stadium
2020–2023
Faf du Plessis
107
Mohammed Shami 4/22
198
Tactical masterclass under pressure
2024–2025
Shikhar Dhawan
102
Kagiso Rabada 4/24
195
Most thrilling last-over finishes
Conclusion
The RCB vs PBKS saga has redefined IPL excitement. Record scores, legendary chases, and unforgettable performances have etched this rivalry into cricketing history. Beyond stats, it embodies fan passion, tactical brilliance, and player legacies. Each encounter leaves a mark, ensuring this rivalry remains one of the league’s most thrilling spectacles.
