Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are developing an exciting rivalry in the Indian Premier League. More than a decade of experience, confronting each other several times over the season in close contests, spectacular individual performances and wild finishes have characterized the clash of two of the most supported IPL teams. In our in-depth RCB vs PBKS head to head record analysis blog called “RCB vs PBKS Head to Head in IPL, Records, Stats & Results” we look over both teams RCB and PBKS head-on and record history including hours of conflict, era’s dominating performances, highlights of the series, recent encounters, whilst looking in the numbers to better understand their rivalry.
Head-to-Head Overview
The basic figures in this rivalry are as follows:
| Metric | Value |
| Matches played (till 2025) | 36 – 37 (sources vary) |
| RCB wins | 18 – 19 |
| PBKS wins | 18 – 18 |
| No result / tie | 0 |
So when you search RCB vs PBKS Head to Head IPL, Records, Stats & Results the rivalry is almost neck to neck. The recent seasons have brought both sides neck-and-neck almost.
Historical Timeline & Key Results
Early Years (2008-2015)
- It dates all the way back to IPL 2008 when the first clash between RCB and PBKS (then named Kings XI Punjab) took place.
- PBKS started quickly some early years giving problems for RCB as well.
- For example, PBKS scored 232/2 at Dharamsala in 2011 and beat RCB by 111 runs — the biggest margin between the sides at that stage.
Middle Years (2016-2020)
- RCB started to strike back with a few thumping victories — such as the 138-run win against PBKS in 2015 powered by Chris Gayle’s 117.
- PBKS also had their fillings of domination too, especially at the neutral venues.
- Starting in 2020, the contests got a whole lot closer as neither team was able to distance themselves from the other.
Recent Years & 2025 Season
- The final appearances of these two teams are in the 2025 season.
- In Qualifier 1, RCB bowled PBKS out for a little over 101 to comfortably win the match.
- Last final: RCB vs PBKS, 2025, Ahmedabad, Narendra Modi Stadium (both chasing maiden IPL title)
Records & Stats
Several records stand out when taking into account RCB vs PBKS in IPL Head to Head, Records, Stats & Results.
Highest & Lowest Team Totals
- RCB VS PBKS HIGH SCORE: 241/7 – RCB’s BEST VS PBKS
- PBKS’s highest vs RCB: 232/2.
- RCB vs PBKS Lowest: 84 (or thereabouts) in one report
- PBKS’s lowest vs RCB: 88.
Individual Stand-outs
- Batting: Virat Kohli is the leading run-scorer in RCB vs PBKS fixtures with over 1,100 runs.
- Bowling: Yuzvendra Chahal tops the wicket-takers in this contention.
Venue-Wise Performance
- The numbers are pretty close at home for RCB (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium). RCB defend home ground record vs PBKS: One article comments how RCB have won slightly more over PBKS on home ground [Pokharaiki].
- Abroad grounds neutral (e.g., have succeeded in the PBKS and again, etc., Dharamsala Dubai)
Recent Form & FYI for 2025
For readers who might care about the context:
- Most of the RCB vs PBKS clashes in 2025 saw the teams locking horns with each other multiple times including a couple of high-pressure playoff matches. Of late RCB had an upper hand winning most of those recent encounters.
- High on stakes, because up to that point, neither where able to lay their hands on the coveted IPL title.
Why the Rivalry Matters
So when you speak about RCB vs PBKS Head to Head in IPL, the Numbers & stats & Results; you are also referring to numbers. The reasons as to why this rivalry is significant are numerous:
- Close competition: The similar number of wins indicate that neither team has regularly come out on top.
- The title drought: Neither has won the IPL yet, adding the emotional backdrop to their clashes.
- Star Turns: Head-to-head numbers are always an interesting read, with some big names (Kohli, Chahal, Gayle) lighting the stage on fire in this fixture.
- Storylines in fan interest: Games like RR and PBKS versus RCB are often more about the storytelling: parity, redemption, dominance.
Full Results Snapshot (Selected Matches)
Here are a sample of some of their earlier encounters:
| Date | Match | Winner | Margin |
| 29-May-2025 | IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 | RCB vs PBKS | RCB won by 8 wickets |
| 3-Jun-2025 | IPL 2025 Final | RCB vs PBKS | RCB won by 6 runs |
| 13-May-2022 | RCB vs PBKS | PBKS | PBKS won by 54 runs |
| 9-May-2024 | RCB vs PBKS | RCB | RCB won by 60 runs |
To clarify: This is just a snapshot. And the full list would have every one of the 30+ meetings.
Detailed Analysis
Why RCB often edges it lately
- RCB have improved their batting depth and their power to chase on different surfaces in recent years, more so in 2024-25.
- They have also been a lot more consistent in those crunch games (playoffs) compared to PBKS.
- As an illustration, in the 2025 Qualifier they rolled PBKS for a low total and chased easily.
Why PBKS remain dangerous
- They tend to land hot and cold (big wins in the early years) and at specific venues.
- They possess a lethal death overs bowling attack where they can trouble RCB’s batting.
- PBKS have kept pace too, as the balance of the RCB vs PBKS Head to Head indicates.
An indication of the rivalry walking the tight-rope
- Not a single game has ever ended in a tie or no-purpose for either team, highlighting the no-nonsense nature of this rivalry.
- Hefty hits: one time PBKS thrashed RCB, the next day RCB thrashed PBKS.
- The top totals for either side demonstrate that, when the bat clicks, the runs flow freely.
Cric confidant: What to look forward to RCB v PBKS
If you are tracking future matchups between these squads, watch out for
When a team chases down a target set by their opponent, it adds some context to how the toss goes as well, as we can refer to the toss as chasing and if the batting first defended then the tales at the toss are in favor of the team batting first or second. Chasing has proved more fruitful for one side or the other, in many of the matches.
Venue effect: PBKS have a better record of capitalizing on a neutral venue; RCB, at home, manage better.
Match-winners: It always boils down to a head to head stat when it comes to a player like Kohli or Chahal Watch their form.
Psychology, form and recent meetings: Recent victories give you a tangible psychological edge over the other — 2025- RCB are bolstered on the way to their final by a comfortable win in the qualifier.
Records & stats: Totals, victory margins and low scores are relevant in evaluating the game
Summary
Key Take-aways for RCB vs PBKS Head to Head in IPL, Records, Stats & Results
- It’s nearly even — approx 18 wins each for both sides from 36 + matches.
- A few records of enormous group scores, gigantic triumph arrangements and singular stars.
- The nature of the rivalry has evolved over the years with one-sided scorelines dominating the early years, giving way to the modern era of more balanced and high-stakes meetings.
- Outcomes are still largely determined by venue, form, and key players.
- RCB vs PBKS ahead of the two franchises has given plenty of reasons to make the rivalry a must watch for fans and analysts alike but at times the competition and prospects of some big moments do get somewhat closer.
Now that you have the whole context- H2H and stats and the what if and why of the fixtures, you can plan your RCB vs PBKS fixture hunt ahead.
FAQs About RCB vs PBKS
Q1. How many times have played against each other?
Ans: They have faced each other nearly 36–37 times in IPL till 2025.
Q2: In the RCB vs PBKS rivalry, who has the upper hand over the other team with more wins to their name?
Ans: The rivalry is nearly split down the middle — RCB and PBKS have won roughly 18 games apiece.
Q3: What is the highest team total in RCB vs PBKS matches?
Ans: The highest total is 241/7 set by RCB vs PBKS.
Q4: Who is the highest run scorer in RCB vs PBKS head to head?
Ans: RCB’s Virat Kohli, with more than 1,100 runs in this fixture is the top scorer.
Q5: So what makes this rivalry special?
Ans: History of both clubs, neither has had extended periods of dominance as both have met fierce competitions during their lengthy title droughts, matches played are always certain to provide a moment of brilliance
