Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Timeline: A Timeline of the IPL Rivalry

The RCB vs PBKS rivalry has been one of the most unpredictable and entertaining matchups in the IPL’s history. Both teams; Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), have faced off 37 times in the Indian Premier League, producing high-scoring thrillers, dramatic collapses, and unforgettable performances. While RCB have the upper hand with 19 wins to PBKS’s 18, the narrow margin reflects how balanced and intense this contest has been over the years.

From the early days of the Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore era to the modern RCB vs PBKS timeline, every season has added a new chapter to this ever-evolving rivalry.

RCB vs PBKS IPL Rivalry Timeline (2008–2025)

IPL 2008- The First Chapter

Both teams clashed for the first time on May 5, 2008, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru when its known as Kings XI Punjab(KXIP). KXIP bowled RCB out and chased down 127/4 in 18.2 overs, winning by 6 wickets. Sreesanth (2/12) and Piyush Chawla (3/25) starred with the ball, while Shaun Marsh’s 74 (51) in the return match secured another 9-wicket victory for Punjab.

IPL 2009 – Tied

At Kingsmead, Durban, KXIP again triumphed by 7 wickets, led by Ravi Bopara’s brilliant 84 (59). RCB struck back in the second clash, winning by 8 runs despite Yuvraj Singh’s valiant 50.

IPL 2010- RCB Domination

In a high-scoring thriller at Bengaluru, RCB chased down 204/2 in 18.5 overs, courtesy of Jacques Kallis (89*) and Robin Uthappa (51). RCB won again in Cuttack by 6 wickets, asserting dominance that year.

IPL 2011- Tied Battle

RCB crushed Punjab by 85 runs at home as Chris Gayle blazed to 107 (49). However, Adam Gilchrist’s century (106 off 55) helped Punjab avenge the loss later that season with a record 111-run victory, one of the biggest wins in RCB vs PBKS history.

 IPL 2012- Again Tied

RCB won the first game by 5 wickets, powered by Gayle’s 87 (56). Punjab hit back in Bengaluru, chasing 159 with a ball to spare, as Azhar Mahmood’s 3/20 earned him the Player of the Match.

IPL 2013- Kings Made Comeback

David Miller’s sensational 101* (38) powered Punjab to a stunning 6-wicket win after chasing 190. In the second clash, Adam Gilchrist and Azhar Mahmood guided PBKS to another 7-wicket victory.

 IPL 2014- Back to Back Dominance by Kings

Punjab continued their dominance, winning both matches, by 5 wickets and 32 runs respectively; with Glenn Maxwell’s explosive form defining the season.

IPL 2015- Tied

RCB unleashed one of their most devastating performances, thrashing Punjab by 138 runs at home. Chris Gayle’s 117 (57) led the onslaught as PBKS collapsed for just 88, their lowest total in the rivalry.

2016 to 2025: A Rivalry Redefined

IPL 2016- RCB’s Dominance back

In a nail-biting finish, RCB edged Punjab by just 1 run thanks to AB de Villiers’ 64 (35) and Shane Watson’s all-round brilliance (2/22). RCB also won the second encounter by 82 runs (D/L method), with Virat Kohli smashing 113 (50).

IPL 2017- Kings Dominance Back

KXIP defeated RCB twice, by 8 wickets and 19 runs. Sandeep Sharma’s 3-wicket spell in Bengaluru earned him Player of the Match honors as Punjab dominated the season series.

IPL 2018- RCB Again

RCB regained control, winning both matches comfortably. At Chinnaswamy, they chased 156 with ease, and later crushed Punjab by 10 wickets in Indore, with Kohli (48 off 28) and Parthiv Patel (40 off 22) finishing unbeaten.

IPL 2019- Back to back Dominance by RCB

RCB secured back-to-back wins again by 8 wickets and 17 runs. Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Umesh Yadav were instrumental, while Chris Gayle’s 99 for Punjab was the lone highlight for the losing side.

IPL 2020- Kings were on revenge mode

Under KL Rahul’s captaincy, Punjab dominated RCB twice, winning by 97 runs and 8 wickets. Rahul’s unbeaten 132 (69) in Dubai was a masterclass; one of the finest individual innings in the RCB vs PBKS IPL rivalry timeline.

IPL 2021- Tied after 6 six years

Punjab took the first encounter by 34 runs, courtesy of KL Rahul (91 off 57) and Harpreet Brar (3 wickets). RCB bounced back later, winning by 6 runs at Sharjah.

IPL 2022- PBKS era started

Punjab’s batting brilliance shone as they chased 206 to win by 5 wickets in Navi Mumbai. In the reverse fixture, Jonny Bairstow’s 66 (29) and Liam Livingstone’s power hitting led PBKS to a 54-run victory, one of their biggest wins over RCB.

IPL 2023- Only Battle

RCB defeated PBKS by 24 runs, powered by Faf du Plessis (84 off 56) and Virat Kohli (59 off 47). Mohammed Siraj’s fiery 4-wicket haul sealed the win for Bengaluru.

IPL 2024- RCB’s Dominance Returns

At Dharamsala, RCB beat Punjab by 60 runs in one of the highlights of the season. Virat Kohli’s 92 and Rajat Patidar’s 55 guided Bengaluru to a commanding win.

IPL 2025- RCB’s Year

In the IPL 2025 Qualifier, RCB outclassed PBKS by 8 wickets after bowling them out for 106. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma took 3 wickets each, with Suyash winning Player of the Match. RCB later edged Punjab by just 6 runs in the final; a fitting climax to their RCB vs PBKS IPL history.

Top Player Performances: RCB vs PBKS Rivalry

These performances have defined the RCB vs PBKS IPL rivalry timeline, with standout duels like Kohli vs Rabada and Maxwell vs Arshdeep Singh becoming fan favorites.

Venue Analysis: RCB vs PBKS Stadium Records

The RCB vs PBKS Chinnaswamy Stadium stats favor Bengaluru with shorter boundaries and chasing advantage, while RCB vs PBKS Mohali record shows PBKS dominating home turf.

RCB vs PBKS Rivalry Analysis

The RCB vs PBKS rivalry encapsulates everything IPL fans cherish — explosive batting, narrow finishes, and individual brilliance. Both sides have struggled to clinch an IPL title but continue to attract huge fanbases due to their star power and entertainment quotient.

For RCB, Virat Kohli’s consistency and Siraj’s death bowling define their edge, while PBKS banks on Dhawan’s reliability and Rabada’s pace. The rivalry remains one of the most competitive in IPL history, with neither team holding dominance for long.

• Chris Gayle’s 117 (2015) – The foundation of RCB’s record 138-run win.
• KL Rahul’s 132 (2020)* – A century that defined Punjab’s dominance.
• Kohli’s 113 (2016) – A captain’s knock that sealed an emphatic RCB win.
• David Miller’s 101 (2013)* – One of the most iconic chases in IPL history.
• Suyash Sharma’s 3/16 (2025) – The spell that helped RCB reach the IPL final.

FAQs

1. How many times has RCB beaten PBKS in the IPL?
   RCB have defeated PBKS 15 times in 32 IPL meetings.
2. What is RCB vs PBKS overall record?
   PBKS leads the rivalry with 17 wins, while RCB has 15.
3. Who has scored the most runs in RCB vs PBKS matches?
   Virat Kohli tops the list with 802 runs.
4. Which player has taken the most wickets in RCB vs PBKS rivalry?
   Mohammed Siraj leads with 17 wickets across seasons.
5. Which is the highest score in RCB vs PBKS history?
   Punjab Kings’ 232/2 in 2011 at Mohali remains the highest.

From Gayle’s six-storms to Kohli’s centuries and Dhawan’s masterclass chases, the RCB vs PBKS IPL rivalry continues to evolve into one of the league’s most entertaining matchups. As both teams aim for their maiden IPL title, their encounters promise to remain high-voltage affairs, reminding fans why the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings timeline stands as a true testament to the spirit and spectacle of the IPL.

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