The Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline is one of the longest-running matchups in Indian Premier League history. The two franchises first met in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, when Punjab were still known as Kings XI Punjab and Bengaluru competed as Royal Challengers Bangalore. Since then, the rivalry has featured big totals, dramatic chases, dominant bowling spells and several memorable individual performances.
The fixture has also evolved with the teams. Kings XI Punjab became Punjab Kings in 2021, while Royal Challengers Bangalore adopted the name Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. Despite those changes, the history of the contest remains continuous.
By the end of IPL 2026, the teams had played 39 IPL matches, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru holding a narrow 21-18 advantage. The most recent meeting came on May 17, 2026, when RCB defeated PBKS by 23 runs after scoring 222/4 against Punjab’s 199/8.
Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline Overview
The rivalry began on May 5, 2008, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kings XI Punjab won that first encounter by six wickets and followed it up with another victory against RCB later in the same season.
Over the years, the balance has shifted repeatedly. Punjab dominated the early 2008 season, RCB controlled the rivalry during some middle years, and the two sides produced several closely contested matches during the 2020s.
The 2025 season added a completely new dimension. PBKS and RCB met three times before the 2026 season: twice in the league stage and then in Qualifier 1 and the IPL final. RCB won the Qualifier and final, including a six-run victory in the championship match.
PBKS vs RCB Rivalry at a Glance
| Category | Punjab Kings | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| First Meeting | May 5, 2008 | May 5, 2008 |
| Matches Played through 2026 | 39 | 39 |
| Wins | 18 | 21 |
| Losses | 21 | 18 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| No Results | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Team Score | 232/2 | 241/7 |
| Lowest Team Score | 88 | 84 |
| Latest Meeting | Lost by 23 runs | Won by 23 runs |
The historical statistics show how competitive the matchup has been. Punjab’s highest score against RCB is 232/2, while RCB’s highest is 241/7. KL Rahul owns Punjab’s highest individual score in the rivalry with 132*, while Chris Gayle’s 117 remains RCB’s highest individual score against the Kings.
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Punjab Kings vs RCB Timeline: 2008–2010
PBKS vs RCB First IPL Match in 2008
The first chapter of the rivalry was played on May 5, 2008, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Kings XI Punjab chased down RCB’s 126 with 10 balls remaining, winning by six wickets.
Punjab completed the season double when the teams met again on May 12 at Mohali. Kings XI made 144/1 and defeated RCB, who scored 143/8, by nine wickets.
The opening season therefore established Punjab as the early leader of the matchup, winning both encounters.
Punjab Kings vs RCB Matches in 2009
The 2009 IPL was played in South Africa, but the rivalry continued.
Punjab won the first meeting by seven wickets after chasing 168. RCB responded in the second match, winning by eight runs after scoring 145/9 and restricting Kings XI to 137/7.
The season ended 1-1, giving RCB their first victory over Punjab.
PBKS vs RCB in 2010
RCB took control in 2010, winning both league meetings.
The first match was particularly high scoring. RCB posted 204/2 and defeated Kings XI by eight wickets. In the second encounter, RCB again chased successfully, winning by six wickets after Punjab made 181/5.
It was the first season in which RCB completed a clean sweep over Punjab.
Punjab Kings vs RCB Timeline: 2011–2015
2011 PBKS vs RCB Matches
The teams split their two meetings in 2011.
RCB won the first match in Bengaluru by 85 runs after scoring 205/6. Punjab responded emphatically in Dharamsala, where Adam Gilchrist’s century helped Kings XI reach 232/2. Punjab then bowled RCB out for 121 to complete a huge 111-run victory.
The Dharamsala match remains one of the biggest victories in the rivalry.
2012 PBKS vs RCB Matches
The 2012 season again ended 1-1.
RCB won the first encounter in Mohali by five wickets after chasing 163. Punjab hit back in Bengaluru, chasing 159 with one ball remaining to win by four wickets.
The narrow nature of the second match reflected the increasingly competitive nature of the fixture.
2013 PBKS vs RCB Matches
Punjab dominated the 2013 meetings.
In the first match at Mohali, Kings XI scored 194/4 and defeated RCB by four wickets after the Bengaluru side made 190/3. The second encounter in Bengaluru was another Punjab victory, this time by seven wickets after a successful chase of 175.
Punjab therefore completed another season sweep.
2014 PBKS vs RCB Matches
Punjab again had the upper hand in 2014.
The first meeting in Dubai was a close contest. Kings XI made 127/5 and defended it against RCB’s 124/8, winning by five wickets.
The second meeting at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was much more comfortable. Punjab scored 198/8 and defeated RCB by 32 runs. Sandeep Sharma played a major role with the ball.
2015 PBKS vs RCB Matches
The 2015 rivalry produced two very different matches.
On May 6, RCB produced one of the most destructive performances in the history of the fixture. Chris Gayle smashed 117 from 57 balls, including 12 sixes, as RCB reached 226/3. Punjab were bowled out for 88, giving Bengaluru a massive 138-run win. Mitchell Starc and Sreenath Aravind both took four wickets.
Punjab responded in the return match at Mohali. A rain-shortened 10-over contest saw Kings XI score 106/6 before restricting RCB to 84/6. Punjab won by 22 runs, with Axar Patel named Player of the Match.
Punjab Kings vs RCB Timeline: 2016–2020
PBKS vs RCB in 2016
RCB won both meetings in 2016.
The first was a thriller in Mohali, where RCB held their nerve to win by just one run. The second was more one-sided. RCB scored 211/3 in a rain-affected match at Bengaluru and defeated Punjab by 82 runs under the DLS method. Virat Kohli’s 113 from 50 balls was the highlight of that contest.
PBKS vs RCB in 2017
Punjab won both meetings in 2017.
The first match at Holkar Stadium saw Kings XI chase 149 successfully, reaching 150/2 in only 14.3 overs. Punjab won by eight wickets.
The return match at Bengaluru was another Punjab victory. Kings XI scored 138/7 and dismissed RCB for 119, winning by 19 runs.
PBKS vs RCB in 2018
RCB reversed the trend in 2018.
The first match at Bengaluru was closely contested. Punjab scored 155, but RCB chased the target with three balls remaining, winning by four wickets. KL Rahul top-scored for Punjab with 47.
The second match at Indore was far more one-sided. Punjab collapsed to 88 all out, with Umesh Yadav taking 3/23. RCB then raced to 92/0 in only 8.1 overs, winning by 10 wickets. Virat Kohli made 48* and Parthiv Patel scored 40*.
PBKS vs RCB in 2019
RCB completed another season double.
In the first meeting at Mohali, Punjab made 173/4, but RCB chased the target in 19.2 overs, winning by eight wickets.
The return fixture in Bengaluru was another high-scoring match. RCB posted 202/4 and defeated Kings XI, who finished on 185/7, by 17 runs.
PBKS vs RCB in 2020
The 2020 UAE season became one of the most memorable chapters in the rivalry.
In Dubai, Kings XI Punjab demolished RCB. KL Rahul produced a spectacular 132* from 69 balls as Punjab reached 206/3 and bowled RCB out for 109. The 97-run victory was one of Punjab’s most dominant performances against Bengaluru.
The second meeting in Sharjah was much closer. Punjab chased 172, reaching 177/2 and winning by eight wickets with KL Rahul again among the key contributors.
Punjab Kings vs RCB Timeline: 2021–2024
PBKS vs RCB in 2021
The two teams split their 2021 meetings.
Punjab won the first match at Ahmedabad by 34 runs. Harpreet Brar was the standout performer, contributing with both bat and ball.
RCB won the second meeting in Sharjah by six runs. Glenn Maxwell’s 57 helped Bengaluru reach 164/7, while Yuzvendra Chahal took three wickets to restrict Punjab to 158/6.
PBKS vs RCB in 2022
Punjab won both matches in 2022.
In the first encounter at the DY Patil Sports Academy, Punjab chased 206/2 after RCB made 205/2. PBKS won by five wickets.
The second match at Brabourne Stadium was more comfortable. Punjab posted 209/9 and restricted RCB to 155/9, winning by 54 runs.
PBKS vs RCB in 2023
RCB returned to winning ways in 2023.
At Mohali, RCB scored 174/4 before bowling Punjab out for 150 in 18.2 overs. Bengaluru won by 24 runs, with the result giving them another important victory in the head-to-head battle.
PBKS vs RCB in 2024
RCB won both matches in 2024.
The first meeting at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was a tight chase. Punjab scored 176/6, but RCB reached 178/6 to win by four wickets.
The second meeting in Dharamsala was considerably more one-sided. RCB made 241/7, with Virat Kohli scoring 92 from 47 balls. Punjab were bowled out for 181, giving RCB a 60-run victory.
The 241/7 remains RCB’s highest team total in the rivalry.
Punjab Kings vs RCB Timeline: 2025
The 2025 season was arguably the most important year in the entire Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru rivalry because the teams met four times: twice in the league stage, once in Qualifier 1 and once in the final.
PBKS vs RCB in IPL 2025: League Match 1
The first meeting was played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18.
Punjab were involved in a rain-affected contest and eventually won by five wickets. RCB made 95/9, while Punjab reached 98/5.
It was an important victory for PBKS because it stopped RCB from taking an early advantage in their 2025 head-to-head battle.
PBKS vs RCB in IPL 2025: League Match 2
The teams met again at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on April 20.
RCB turned the tables, chasing 158 after Punjab made 157/6. Bengaluru reached 159/3 to win by seven wickets.
The two league-stage meetings therefore ended 1-1.
PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1
The stakes increased dramatically in Qualifier 1 on May 29.
Punjab were bowled out for only 101, and RCB chased the target with 10 overs remaining, finishing on 106/2. RCB won by eight wickets and booked a place in the IPL final. Phil Salt led the chase with 56 from 27 balls.
The result gave RCB a major psychological advantage going into the final.
PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Final
The rivalry reached its biggest stage on June 3, 2025, when PBKS and RCB met in the IPL final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Punjab won the toss and elected to field. RCB scored 190/9 in 20 overs. Punjab fought back during the chase and reached 184/7, leaving RCB with a six-run victory. Krunal Pandya was named Player of the Match.
The result gave RCB their maiden IPL championship after 18 years and made the PBKS vs RCB rivalry part of IPL final history.
The final was also a remarkable contest because Punjab stayed in the chase until the closing stages. A six-run margin meant the match was decided by only a handful of deliveries, adding another dramatic finish to the rivalry.
Punjab Kings vs RCB Timeline: 2026
PBKS vs RCB 2026 Match
The latest chapter came on May 17, 2026, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
Punjab won the toss and chose to bowl first. RCB responded with a powerful batting display, scoring 222/4 in 20 overs. Punjab made a strong attempt in the chase but finished on 199/8, giving RCB a 23-run victory.
The result extended RCB’s advantage in the overall rivalry to 21 wins against Punjab’s 18.
The match also showed the continuing pattern of this fixture: high scoring, aggressive batting and a relatively narrow gap between the teams even when one side wins comfortably on the scoreboard. RCB’s 222/4 gave them enough cushion to withstand Punjab’s 199/8 chase.
PBKS vs RCB 2026 Match Summary
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Score |
| May 17, 2026 | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala | RCB | 23 runs | RCB 222/4, PBKS 199/8 |
Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Head-to-Head Record
After the 2026 meeting, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru had played 39 IPL matches.
RCB lead the overall head-to-head record with 21 wins, while PBKS have won 18. Neither side has recorded a tie or no-result in the rivalry according to the current match record. The last 10 meetings have also tilted toward RCB, who have won seven of those contests.
PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Win % |
| Punjab Kings | 39 | 18 | 21 | 46.15% |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 39 | 21 | 18 | 53.85% |
The numbers demonstrate how close the rivalry has been overall. RCB have the advantage, but Punjab remain within three victories of Bengaluru.
Punjab Kings vs RCB Match Results Year by Year
The complete timeline below summarizes the major results from the first meeting in 2008 through the latest match in 2026. Historical results from 2008-2015 are documented in IPL match records, while recent results are available through the current IPL head-to-head record.
| Year | Match Results | Winner |
| 2008 | KXIP won by 6 wickets; KXIP won by 9 wickets | PBKS/KXIP 2-0 |
| 2009 | KXIP won by 7 wickets; RCB won by 8 runs | 1-1 |
| 2010 | RCB won by 8 wickets; RCB won by 6 wickets | RCB 2-0 |
| 2011 | RCB won by 85 runs; KXIP won by 111 runs | 1-1 |
| 2012 | RCB won by 5 wickets; KXIP won by 4 wickets | 1-1 |
| 2013 | KXIP won by 4 wickets; KXIP won by 7 wickets | PBKS/KXIP 2-0 |
| 2014 | KXIP won by 5 wickets; KXIP won by 32 runs | PBKS/KXIP 2-0 |
| 2015 | RCB won by 138 runs; KXIP won by 22 runs | 1-1 |
| 2016 | RCB won by 1 run; RCB won by 82 runs | RCB 2-0 |
| 2017 | KXIP won by 8 wickets; KXIP won by 19 runs | PBKS/KXIP 2-0 |
| 2018 | RCB won by 4 wickets; RCB won by 10 wickets | RCB 2-0 |
| 2019 | RCB won by 8 wickets; RCB won by 17 runs | RCB 2-0 |
| 2020 | KXIP won by 97 runs; KXIP won by 8 wickets | PBKS/KXIP 2-0 |
| 2021 | PBKS won by 34 runs; RCB won by 6 runs | 1-1 |
| 2022 | PBKS won by 5 wickets; PBKS won by 54 runs | PBKS 2-0 |
| 2023 | RCB won by 24 runs | RCB 1-0 |
| 2024 | RCB won by 4 wickets; RCB won by 60 runs | RCB 2-0 |
| 2025 | PBKS won by 5 wickets; RCB won by 7 wickets; RCB won Qualifier 1 by 8 wickets; RCB won Final by 6 runs | RCB 3-1 |
| 2026 | RCB won by 23 runs | RCB 1-0 |
Biggest Wins in Punjab Kings vs RCB History
Biggest PBKS Victory Over RCB
Punjab’s biggest victory by runs came in 2011 at Dharamsala.
Kings XI Punjab scored a huge 232/2, powered by Adam Gilchrist’s century, before dismissing RCB for 121. The resulting 111-run victory remains one of the most dominant results in the rivalry.
Biggest RCB Victory Over PBKS
RCB’s biggest victory by runs came in 2015.
Chris Gayle’s 117 helped RCB reach 226/3, after which Starc and Aravind helped dismiss Punjab for 88. RCB won by 138 runs, the largest winning margin by runs in the matchup.
Highest-Scoring Punjab Kings vs RCB Matches
Both sides have produced enormous totals in this rivalry.
Highest Team Scores in PBKS vs RCB Matches
| Rank | Team | Score | Overs | Opponent | Year |
| 1 | RCB | 241/7 | 20 | PBKS | 2024 |
| 2 | PBKS | 232/2 | 20 | RCB | 2011 |
| 3 | RCB | 226/3 | 20 | PBKS | 2015 |
| 4 | RCB | 222/4 | 20 | PBKS | 2026 |
| 5 | RCB | 211/3 | 15 | PBKS | 2016 |
RCB’s 241/7 in Dharamsala in 2024 is the highest team score in the rivalry. Punjab’s 232/2 in 2011 is the highest PBKS/KXIP total.
Lowest Scores in PBKS vs RCB Matches
The rivalry has also witnessed spectacular batting collapses.
Lowest Team Scores
| Rank | Team | Score | Year | Result |
| 1 | RCB | 84/6 | 2015 | PBKS won by 22 runs |
| 2 | PBKS | 88 all out | 2015 | RCB won by 138 runs |
| 3 | PBKS | 88 all out | 2018 | RCB won by 10 wickets |
| 4 | RCB | 109 all out | 2020 | PBKS won by 97 runs |
| 5 | RCB | 119 all out | 2017 | PBKS won by 19 runs |
The 2015 and 2018 matches are particularly notable because Punjab recorded an 88 all-out score in both contests, although the circumstances and results were very different.
Top Run Scorers in Punjab Kings vs RCB Matches
The rivalry has featured some of the greatest T20 batsmen of the IPL era.
Virat Kohli has been RCB’s leading run-scorer against Punjab, while Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers have also produced major performances. For Punjab, KL Rahul and Shaun Marsh have been among the most influential run-scorers.
Leading Run Scorers
| Rank | Player | Team | Notable Record |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | RCB | 1,000+ runs |
| 2 | Chris Gayle | RCB/PBKS | 873 runs |
| 3 | AB de Villiers | RCB | 700+ runs |
| 4 | KL Rahul | PBKS/KXIP | 451+ runs in earlier official matchup records |
| 5 | Shaun Marsh | PBKS/KXIP | 266 runs in early official PBKS records |
Exact totals can vary between historical statistical snapshots depending on the cutoff date and whether franchise-name eras are combined, so the team’s historical records are best interpreted alongside the current head-to-head database.
Top Wicket-Takers in PBKS vs RCB History
Yuzvendra Chahal has been one of the most successful bowlers in the fixture. He spent several seasons with RCB before later joining Punjab, making his record particularly unusual because he has taken wickets against both franchises while representing both sides.
Sandeep Sharma has also been highly effective against RCB and was Punjab’s leading wicket-taker in the franchise’s earlier official head-to-head record.
Leading Wicket-Takers
| Rank | Player | Team(s) | Wickets |
| 1 | Yuzvendra Chahal | RCB/PBKS | 25+ |
| 2 | Sandeep Sharma | PBKS | 16 |
| 3 | Harshal Patel | RCB/PBKS | 16 |
Best Bowling Figures
| Player | Team | Figures | Year |
| Sreenath Aravind | RCB | 4/14 | 2011 |
| Piyush Chawla | PBKS | 4/17 | 2011 |
| Mitchell Starc | RCB | 4/15 | 2015 |
The 2015 meeting produced two outstanding RCB bowling performances, with Mitchell Starc taking 4/15 and Sreenath Aravind also taking four wickets.
Most Memorable Punjab Kings vs RCB Matches
The First IPL Encounter
The first match in 2008 is important because it established the rivalry. Kings XI Punjab chased RCB’s 126 and won by six wickets in Bengaluru. Punjab then completed a season sweep by winning the return fixture in Mohali.
A Dramatic Close Finish
The 2016 meeting in Mohali is remembered for RCB’s one-run victory. It was one of the tightest results in the history of the fixture and demonstrated how little separated the teams on the day.
A Virat Kohli Masterclass
Kohli’s 113 from 50 balls in 2016 remains one of his standout innings against Punjab. RCB scored 211/3 in a rain-affected match and went on to win by 82 runs.
A Memorable PBKS Comeback
Punjab’s 2020 campaign against RCB included one of the most memorable turnarounds. KL Rahul’s 132* powered Kings XI to 206/3, after which RCB were dismissed for 109. Punjab won by 97 runs.
The 2025 Playoff Encounters
Qualifier 1 in 2025 was the first major knockout meeting between these teams in the IPL era. RCB dismissed Punjab for 101 and chased the target in just 10 overs, winning by eight wickets.
The 2025 IPL Final
The biggest match in the rivalry came in the 2025 final. RCB made 190/9 and held Punjab to 184/7, winning by six runs to claim their first IPL title.
Virat Kohli vs Punjab Kings
Virat Kohli has been one of the defining players in the PBKS vs RCB rivalry.
His record against Punjab includes several major innings, including a century in 2016. RCB’s own statistical archive has credited Kohli with more than 800 runs against Punjab in an earlier snapshot, while later head-to-head databases place his total above 1,000 as the rivalry has continued.
His most memorable PBKS vs RCB innings include:
- 113 off 50 balls in 2016
- 92 off 47 balls in 2024
- Numerous important contributions during RCB’s successful run in 2025
His 92 in the 2024 Dharamsala match helped RCB reach 241/7, their highest total against Punjab.
Punjab Kings vs RCB Rivalry at Different Venues
The rivalry has been played at traditional home grounds as well as neutral venues.
Venue-Wise PBKS vs RCB Record
| Venue Type | Examples | Key Matches |
| Bengaluru | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 2008 first match, 2015 Gayle 117 |
| Punjab | Mohali, Mullanpur | 2011, 2025 playoff matches |
| Dharamsala | HPCA Stadium | 2011 111-run PBKS win, 2024 RCB 241/7, 2026 RCB win |
| Neutral | Dubai, Sharjah, Indore, Ahmedabad | 2020 UAE matches, 2025 final |
The Chinnaswamy Stadium has hosted many meetings, while Punjab’s matches have historically been split between Mohali, Mullanpur and Dharamsala. The 2025 Qualifier 1 was played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, while the 2025 final was staged in Ahmedabad.
PBKS vs RCB Playoff and Knockout History
For much of the rivalry’s history, PBKS and RCB primarily met during the league stage. That changed dramatically in 2025.
The teams met in:
- Qualifier 1, IPL 2025: RCB won by eight wickets.
- IPL 2025 Final: RCB won by six runs.
The Qualifier was heavily one-sided, with Punjab dismissed for 101. The final was dramatically closer, with RCB defending 190 against Punjab’s 184/7.
RCB therefore emerged as the winner in both major knockout meetings of 2025.
Key Turning Points in the Punjab Kings vs RCB Rivalry
Early IPL Years
Punjab started strongly by winning both meetings in 2008. The teams then traded wins before RCB became more dominant in 2010.
Franchise Identity Changes
Kings XI Punjab competed under that name from 2008 through 2020 before becoming Punjab Kings in 2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore later adopted the Bengaluru name, becoming Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024.
These changes altered the branding but not the historical continuity of the rivalry.
Kings XI Punjab Era
The Kings XI years included some of Punjab’s biggest victories, including the 111-run win in 2011 and the 97-run win in 2020.
Punjab Kings Era
Since adopting the Punjab Kings name, the franchise has continued to produce memorable contests against RCB, including the 2022 double and the 2025 final.
RCB’s Evolution
RCB have increasingly gained the upper hand in recent years. Their victories in 2024, the 2025 Qualifier, the 2025 final and the 2026 meeting helped establish a clear recent advantage.
Major Playoff Encounters
The 2025 season transformed the rivalry from a regular league fixture into a major knockout matchup.
2025 Final as a Rivalry Milestone
The six-run final victory gave RCB their first IPL championship and created the biggest competitive milestone in the history of PBKS vs RCB.
Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline: Key Records
| Record | Player/Team | Figure |
| Most Overall Wins | RCB | 21 |
| PBKS Wins | PBKS | 18 |
| Highest PBKS Score | PBKS | 232/2 |
| Highest RCB Score | RCB | 241/7 |
| Lowest PBKS Score | PBKS | 88 all out |
| Lowest RCB Score | RCB | 84 |
| Highest Individual PBKS Score | KL Rahul | 132* |
| Highest Individual RCB Score | Chris Gayle | 117 |
| Best RCB Bowling | Sreenath Aravind | 4/14 |
| Best PBKS Bowling | Piyush Chawla | 4/17 |
| Biggest PBKS Win | PBKS | 111 runs |
| Biggest RCB Win | RCB | 138 runs |
The record figures underline how extreme this rivalry can be. Punjab’s 232/2 and RCB’s 241/7 represent two of the fixture’s biggest batting performances, while the 2015 meeting produced RCB’s biggest win by runs.
What Makes the PBKS vs RCB Rivalry Special?
The rivalry has remained relevant for several reasons.
Long IPL history: The teams have been facing each other since the first IPL season in 2008.
Star players: The fixture has featured Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, KL Rahul, Adam Gilchrist, Glenn Maxwell, Yuvraj Singh and many other major T20 names.
Close finishes: One-run and six-run victories have repeatedly added drama to the contest.
High-scoring matches: RCB’s 241/7 in 2024, Punjab’s 232/2 in 2011 and RCB’s 226/3 in 2015 demonstrate the batting quality associated with this fixture.
Strong fan bases: Both franchises have passionate supporters, making PBKS vs RCB matches popular well beyond the points table.
Playoff encounters: The 2025 Qualifier and final added a new knockout dimension to the rivalry.
The 2025 final: RCB’s six-run victory remains the biggest competitive milestone in the history of the matchup.
Conclusion
The Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline stretches from the first IPL season in 2008 to the latest chapter in 2026. What began as a regular league fixture between Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore has developed into a rivalry filled with major batting performances, huge totals, dramatic finishes and memorable knockout matches.
Punjab dominated several phases of the rivalry, including the 2008, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2022 seasons. RCB, meanwhile, have enjoyed strong periods in 2010, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2024 and especially 2025-26.
The 2025 season stands above the rest. RCB defeated PBKS in Qualifier 1 before winning the final by six runs to claim their maiden IPL title. The following season, RCB added another victory to their record with a 23-run win in Dharamsala.
With 39 matches played and RCB leading 21-18, the overall rivalry remains competitive. Given the history of close finishes, explosive batting and changing fortunes, PBKS vs RCB remains one of the IPL’s most interesting long-term matchups.
FAQs
1. When did Punjab Kings and RCB first play each other?
Punjab Kings, then known as Kings XI Punjab, first played Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 5, 2008, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Punjab won by six wickets.
2. What was Punjab Kings formerly called?
Punjab Kings were formerly known as Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) from 2008 through the 2020 IPL season.
3. What was RCB formerly called?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru were formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The franchise adopted the Bengaluru name in 2024.
4. Who has won more matches between PBKS and RCB?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won more matches. After the 2026 meeting, RCB had 21 wins, compared with 18 wins for Punjab Kings.
5. How many times have Punjab Kings and RCB played each other?
Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have played 39 IPL matches through the 2026 season.
6. Who has scored the most runs in PBKS vs RCB matches?
Virat Kohli is RCB’s leading run-scorer in the matchup, while Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers have also produced outstanding records. Earlier official PBKS records listed Shaun Marsh as Punjab’s leading scorer, while later databases show the historical totals changing as more matches are added.
7. Who has taken the most wickets in PBKS vs RCB matches?
Yuzvendra Chahal is among the leading wicket-takers in the rivalry and has the distinction of having represented both franchises. Earlier official PBKS records listed Chahal with 25 wickets in the matchup.
8. What is the highest score in PBKS vs RCB history?
RCB’s highest score is 241/7, made in Dharamsala in 2024. Punjab’s highest score is 232/2, made in Dharamsala in 2011.
9. What is the lowest score in PBKS vs RCB history?
Punjab’s lowest completed innings in the matchup is 88 all out, while RCB’s lowest is 84/6 in the rain-shortened 2015 match.
10. When did PBKS and RCB play the IPL final?
Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru played their first IPL final against each other on June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
12. Who won the PBKS vs RCB 2025 IPL Final?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the 2025 IPL final by six runs. RCB scored 190/9 and Punjab finished on 184/7. Krunal Pandya was named Player of the Match.
13. Who won the latest PBKS vs RCB match?
RCB won the latest meeting on May 17, 2026, defeating Punjab Kings by 23 runs at Dharamsala. RCB scored 222/4 and PBKS replied with 199/8.
14. Where can fans check the latest PBKS vs RCB scorecard?
Fans can check the official IPL match page and scorecard for the latest Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru result and detailed innings information.
