by Every cricket fan knows this story. On one side, you have the underdogs who shocked the world in 2008.
On the other hand, you have the star-studded team still chasing its first trophy.
The Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline is one of the IPL’s most fascinating rivalries — not because one team dominates, but because nobody knows who’ll win.
RR built their identity on discovering hidden gems and playing smart cricket.
RCB became famous for having cricket’s biggest names and producing the most entertaining matches. When these two philosophies clash, magic happens.
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline
This isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about contrasting styles, unforgettable moments, and a rivalry that keeps fans on the edge of their seats every single time.
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2008: The First Chapter — When Warne Met Dravid
The IPL’s inaugural season introduced two very different teams.
Rajasthan Royals had the lowest budget. Nobody expected much from them. They had Shane Warne as captain, some unknown Indian youngsters, and a simple game plan — play smart, stay disciplined.
Royal Challengers Bangalore had big money, big names, and big expectations. Rahul Dravid was the captain. Jacques Kallis was their star. They looked strong on paper.
Match 1: April 18, 2008 (Bengaluru)
RCB batted first:
- Score: 222/3 in 20 overs
- Star: Rahul Dravid (66 off 48)
This was a massive total in 2008 standards. RCB looked comfortable.
RR’s chase:
- Target: 223 runs
- Result: 223/5 in 19.5 overs
- Winner: RR by 5 wickets
Match-Winner: Graeme Smith smashed 71 off 45 balls.
What it meant: RR showed they could chase anything. RCB learned that big totals don’t guarantee wins.
Match 2: May 17, 2008 (Jaipur)
RCB Score: 158/8 in 20 overs
RR Score: 161/3 in 17.5 overs
Winner: RR by 7 wickets
Hero: Shane Watson (38 runs, 2 wickets)
The Bigger Picture:
RR swept RCB 2-0 in the league stage. Then RR went on to win the entire tournament — the ultimate Cinderella story.
RCB finished 7th out of 8 teams. They had the stars but not the results.
| Year | Matches | RR Wins | RCB Wins | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 2 | 0 | RR wins maiden IPL championship |
Lesson Learned: Team strategy beats individual talent. This theme would define their rivalry for years.
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2009: RCB Strikes Back in South Africa
The 2009 IPL moved to South Africa because of India’s general elections. The change of venue helped RCB.
Match 1: April 18, 2009 (Cape Town)
RCB’s Score: 133/8
RR’s Score: 92 all out
Winner: RCB by 41 runs
What Changed: RCB’s bowlers — Praveen Kumar and Anil Kumble — finally clicked. They bowled RR out cheaply.
This was RCB’s first-ever win against RR. The monkey was off their back.
Match 2: May 9, 2009 (Cape Town)
RCB Score: 116 all out
RR Score: 117/4
Winner: RR by 6 wickets
Easy Chase: RR hunted down the target without breaking a sweat.
Series Split: 1-1
What We Learned: RCB showed they could compete. They reached the IPL final (losing to Deccan Chargers) while RR had a mediocre season.
Emerging Star: A young Virat Kohli started showing flashes of his future greatness.
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2010: Transition Year for Both Teams
Only Meeting: March 12, 2010 (Mumbai)
RCB Score: 175/5
RR Score: 176/4 in 19.4 overs
Winner: RR by 6 wickets
Close Finish: RR chased it down with 2 balls to spare.
Both teams were rebuilding. RCB was trying different combinations. RR was adjusting to life after their 2008 glory.
Key Takeaway: The rivalry was still tight, with matches going down to the wire.
2011: The Gayle Storm Arrives
RCB made the signing that changed everything — Chris Gayle.
Combined with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, RCB suddenly had cricket’s most dangerous batting lineup.
Match 1: April 19, 2011 (Bengaluru)
RCB Score: 185/4
RR Score: 158 all out
Winner: RCB by 27 runs
Game Changer: Chris Gayle (62 off 38) announced his arrival.
Match 2: May 17, 2011 (Jaipur)
RCB Score: 158/2
RR Score: 133/8
Winner: RCB by 25 runs
RCB Dominance: They swept RR 2-0.
The Big Picture: RCB finished 3rd that season. The balance of power was shifting. RR’s smart cricket was being challenged by RCB’s firepower.
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2012: Rahane’s Masterpiece — Grace Under Pressure
Match 1: April 11, 2012 (Jaipur)
This match produced one of IPL’s most beautiful innings.
- RR Score: 195/2 in 20 overs
- RCB Score: 179/6 in 20 overs
- Winner: RR by 16 runs
The Innings of the Match:
Ajinkya Rahane — 103 not out off 60 balls
While RCB had power hitters, Rahane showed that elegance and timing could be just as deadly. His cover drives were poetry. His placement was perfect.
This wasn’t brutal hitting. This was classical batting at its finest.
Why It Matters: RR proved they didn’t need to copy RCB’s style. They could win their own way.
Match 2: May 12, 2012 (Bengaluru)
- RCB Score: 158/2 (Chris Gayle 81*)
- RR Score: 124/8
- Winner: RCB by 34 runs
Gayle’s Revenge: He reminded everyone why he’s called the Universe Boss.
Series Result: Split 1-1
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2013: Watson Goes Berserk
Match 1: April 21, 2013 (Jaipur)
RR Score: 165/7
RCB Score: 169/7 in 19 overs
Winner: RCB by 3 wickets
Last-Ball Thriller: RCB scraped home with one ball remaining.
Match 2: May 17, 2013 (Bengaluru)
This match became legendary.
RCB Score: 183/4
RR Score: 190/5 in 19.3 overs
Winner: RR by 5 wickets
The Destroyer:
Shane Watson — 101 not out off 61 balls
- 9 fours
- 6 sixes
- Strike rate: 165
Watson single-handedly demolished RCB. It didn’t matter who bowled — pace, spin, variations. Watson smashed everything.
What It Showed: RR had their own match-winners who could take on anyone.
| Year | Memorable Innings | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Classical elegance | Ajinkya Rahane | 103* off 60 |
| 2013 | Brutal power hitting | Shane Watson | 101* off 61 |
2014: AB de Villiers — The Impossible Chase
Only Meeting: May 11, 2014 (Jaipur)
RR Score: 190/9
RCB Score: 191/5 in 19.3 overs
Winner: RCB by 5 wickets
The Situation:
RCB needed 60 runs from 31 balls. Most teams would panic.
The Hero:
AB de Villiers — 66 not out off 38 balls
AB made the impossible look easy. He played shots that shouldn’t be possible. He found gaps that didn’t exist. He turned desperation into dominance.
Quote from teammate: “When AB is at the crease, no target is too big.”
This was pure genius. This was why RCB fans believed anything was possible.
2015: Home Advantage Matters
Match 1: April 17, 2015 (Bengaluru)
RCB Score: 200/7 (Gayle 64, AB 47)
RR Score: 179/6
Winner: RCB by 21 runs
200+ Score: RCB’s batting lineup was unstoppable at home.
Match 2: May 15, 2015 (Jaipur)
RR Score: 201/6
RCB Score: 179/7
Winner: RR by 22 runs
Pattern Emerging: Both teams were almost unbeatable at home.
2016: Kohli’s Record-Breaking Season
2016 was the year Virat Kohli entered another dimension.
Match 1: April 9, 2016 (Bengaluru)
RCB Score: 191/5
RR Score: 179/8
Winner: RCB by 12 runs
Kohli’s Contribution: 75 off 51 balls
Match 2: May 14, 2016 (Jaipur)
RCB Score: 180/6
RR Score: 167/8
Winner: RCB by 13 runs
RCB Clean Sweep: 2-0
The Season:
Kohli scored 973 runs — an IPL record that still stands. He was absolutely unstoppable.
RCB reached the final but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their trophy wait continued.
2017: A Forgettable Year
Only Meeting: April 11, 2017 (Jaipur)
RR Score: 217/4
RCB Score: 198/6
Winner: RR by 19 runs
High-Scoring Affair: Despite RCB’s powerful batting, RR’s 217 was too much.
Reality Check: Both teams finished near the bottom of the table. Neither made the playoffs.
2018: RR Returns After Ban
Rajasthan Royals returned to the IPL after a 2-year suspension. They had rebuilt their squad and were hungry to prove themselves.
Match 1: April 15, 2018 (Bengaluru)
RCB Score: 158/4
RR Score: 164/3 in 19.1 overs
Winner: RR by 7 wickets
Comfortable Win: RR’s new-look team chased it down easily.
Match 2: May 15, 2018 (Jaipur)
RR Score: 164/5
RCB Score: 134 all out
Winner: RR by 30 runs
Clean Sweep: RR won both matches 2-0.
Emerging Stars:
- Jos Buttler was becoming RR’s batting anchor
- Sanju Samson showed his class consistently
2019: The Infamous 49 — Clearing Up the Confusion
Many people search for “RCB vs RR 59 all out scorecard” thinking RCB collapsed against RR.
The Truth: RCB’s infamous collapse was 49 all out against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 23, 2019 — the lowest IPL score ever.
RR never bowled RCB out for 59. This is a common misconception.
Actual RR vs RCB Match (April 30, 2019 – Jaipur)
RR Score: 164/3
RCB Score: 154/6
Winner: RR by 10 runs
Star Bowler: Jofra Archer’s pace troubled RCB throughout.
The Season: Both teams had disappointing seasons. Neither made the playoffs.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| RCB 59 all out vs RR | Never happened |
| RCB 49 all out vs KKR | Happened on April 23, 2019 |
| RCB’s lowest vs RR | 116 all out in 2009 |
2020: UAE Edition — COVID Season
The entire 2020 IPL was played in the UAE due to the pandemic.
Match 1: October 3, 2020 (Abu Dhabi)
- RCB Score: 154/6
- RR Score: 137/9
- Winner: RCB by 17 runs
Defensive Masterclass: RCB defended a modest total brilliantly.
Match 2: October 17, 2020 (Dubai)
- RR Score: 177/6
- RCB Score: 181/5 in 19.4 overs
- Winner: RCB by 5 wickets
AB Magic Again: De Villiers showed his finishing skills once more.
RCB Sweep: 2-0
Season Result: RCB made playoffs (finished 4th). RR finished last (8th position).
2021: New Faces, Same Rivalry
Match 1: April 22, 2021 (Mumbai)
RCB Score: 177/6
RR Score: 143 all out
Winner: RCB by 34 runs
Dominant Display: RCB’s bowling was too good for RR.
Match 2: September 29, 2021 (Dubai)
RCB Score: 149/9
RR Score: 150/3 in 18.3 overs
Winner: RR by 7 wickets
Easy Chase: RR made it look simple.
Split Series: 1-1
Rising Star: Yashasvi Jaiswal started showing his potential.
2022: The Playoff Heartbreak — Buttler’s Finest Hour
This was the most important year in the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline.
Match 1: April 5, 2022 (Mumbai)
- RR Score: 169/3
- RCB Score: 173/6 in 20 overs
- Winner: RCB by 4 wickets
Last-Over Drama: RCB squeezed home with 2 balls left.
Match 2: April 26, 2022 (Pune)
- RCB Score: 181/6
- RR Score: 182/6 in 19.5 overs
- Winner: RR by 4 wickets
Another Thriller: Decided in the final over again.
QUALIFIER 2 — May 27, 2022 (Ahmedabad)
This was the biggest match in their rivalry’s history.
- RCB Score: 157/8 in 20 overs
- RR Score: 161/7 in 18.1 overs
- Winner: RR by 7 wickets
THE MATCH-WINNER:
Jos Buttler — 106 not out off 60 balls
- 10 fours
- 6 sixes
- Strike rate: 176
This was playoff pressure at its peak. One mistake and your season ends. Buttler didn’t make a single mistake.
He played the perfect innings — aggressive when needed, careful when required. He took RR to their second IPL final.
- RCB’s Pain: They were knocked out. Again. Their trophy drought continued. Again.
- RR’s Journey: They lost the final to the Gujarat Titans, but Buttler’s innings became legendary.
2023: Young Guns Take Center Stage
Match 1: April 23, 2023 (Jaipur)
RR Score: 189/9
RCB Score: 172/8
Winner: RR by 17 runs
New Rivalry: Mohammed Siraj vs Yashasvi Jaiswal became a fascinating battle.
Match 2: May 14, 2023 (Bengaluru)
RCB Score: 171/5
RR Score: 175/6 in 20 overs
Winner: RR by 4 wickets
RR Clean Sweep: 2-0
The Season: Both teams made the playoffs but couldn’t reach the final.
2024: The Modern Chapter
Match 1: April 6, 2024 (Jaipur)
RR Score: 183/3
RCB Score: 172/8
Winner: RR by 11 runs
Star Performance: Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a brilliant 84 not out — proving he’s India’s next superstar opener.
Match 2: May 11, 2024 (Bengaluru)
RCB Score: 189/4
RR Score: 174/6
Winner: RCB by 15 runs
Kohli’s Class: Virat scored 72 off 46 balls — showing age is just a number.
Series Split: 1-1
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Head to Head: Complete Statistics
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 31 |
| Rajasthan Royals Wins | 14 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru Wins | 16 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Win Percentage (RR) | 45.2% |
| Win Percentage (RCB) | 51.6% |
Key Insight: This is one of the IPL’s closest rivalries. Just 2 wins separate them after 31 matches!
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Stats: Record Scores
| Category | Score | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest RR Score vs RCB | 217/4 | 2017 | Jaipur |
| Highest RCB Score vs RR | 222/3 | 2008 | Bengaluru |
| Lowest RR Score vs RCB | 92 all out | 2009 | Cape Town |
| Lowest RCB Score vs RR | 116 all out | 2009 | Cape Town |
Most Influential Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Players
Rajasthan Royals Legends:
Shane Warne (2008-2011)
- Role: Captain, leg-spinner
- Impact: Led RR to 2008 title, tactical genius
Shane Watson (2008-2015)
- Role: All-rounder
- Impact: Match-winning performances with bat and ball
- Best vs RCB: 101* off 61 (2013)
Ajinkya Rahane
- Role: Opening batsman
- Impact: Elegant batting, consistent run-scorer
- Best vs RCB: 103* off 60 (2012)
Jos Buttler (2018-present)
- Role: Opening batsman
- Impact: Explosive batting, playoff hero
- Best vs RCB: 106* off 60 (2022 Qualifier)
Sanju Samson (2013-present)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batsman, current captain
- Impact: Consistent middle-order anchor
Yashasvi Jaiswal (2020-present)
- Role: Opening batsman
- Impact: Future India star, fearless batting
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Icons:
Virat Kohli (2008-present)
- Role: Batsman, former captain
- Impact: RCB’s heart and soul
- IPL Record: 973 runs in the 2016 season
- Runs vs RR: 800+
AB de Villiers (2011-2021)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batsman
- Impact: Superman finisher, impossible chases
- Best vs RR: 66* (2014 chase)
Chris Gayle (2011-2017)
- Role: Opening batsman
- Impact: Universe Boss, destructive batting
- Multiple match-winning knocks vs RR
Faf du Plessis (2022-present)
- Role: Opening batsman, current captain
- Impact: Leadership and consistent runs
Glenn Maxwell (2021-present)
- Role: All-rounder
- Impact: Game-changing innings
Mohammed Siraj (2018-present)
- Role: Fast bowler
- Impact: Pace and aggression
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline Today: What Makes It Special?
The Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline today continues to fascinate because:
1. No Clear Dominance
Unlike some IPL rivalries where one team dominates, this is perfectly balanced. RCB leads 16-14, but it could easily flip next season.
2. Contrasting Philosophies
- RR: Team first, discover talent, play smart cricket
- RCB: Star power, entertaining cricket, aggressive approach
When these clash, it creates compelling viewing.
3. Playoff Implications
Many RR vs RCB matches have playoff consequences. The 2022 Qualifier 2 was the biggest example.
4. Young vs Experience
Current battles like Jaiswal vs Siraj represent youth youth-challenging experience.
5. Trophy Hunger
- RR wants another title (last won in 2008)
- RCB desperately wants their first
This hunger makes every match intense.
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Tickets: Hot Property
When these teams face off, Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match tickets become incredibly difficult to find.
Why Tickets Sell Out:
- Star power: Kohli, Buttler, Samson, Maxwell, Jaiswal
- History of close finishes
- Passionate fan bases
- Entertaining cricket guaranteed
Where to Buy:
- BookMyShow (Official IPL partner)
- Paytm Insider
- Official IPL website
- Stadium box offices
Average Prices:
- General Stands: ₹800-₹2,500
- Premium Seats: ₹5,000-₹15,000
- Corporate Boxes: ₹25,000+
Pro Tip: Book tickets the moment they’re released. They often sell out within hours for prime matches.
Most Memorable Moments Timeline
| Year | Moment | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | RR wins maiden IPL | Set the foundation for rivalry |
| 2012 | Rahane’s 103* | Elegance defeats power |
| 2013 | Watson’s 101* | Brutal all-round dominance |
| 2014 | AB’s impossible chase | Superman finishing |
| 2016 | Kohli’s 973-run season | Individual brilliance peak |
| 2019 | RCB 49 all out (vs KKR, not RR) | Lowest IPL score (confusion persists) |
| 2022 | Buttler’s playoff century | Greatest pressure innings in the rivalry |
| 2024 | Jaiswal’s 84* | Next generation star performance |
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline Score: Era-by-Era Breakdown
2008-2010: Foundation Era
- Matches: 5
- RR Wins: 4
- RCB Wins: 1
- Defining Feature: RR’s smart cricket beats RCB’s star power
2011-2015: Power vs Strategy Era
- Matches: 10
- RR Wins: 4
- RCB Wins: 6
- Defining Feature: RCB’s batting dominance emerges
2016-2020: Kohli Dominance Era
- Matches: 7
- RR Wins: 3
- RCB Wins: 4
- Defining Feature: Individual brilliance takes center stage
2021-2024: Modern Balanced Era
- Matches: 9
- RR Wins: 5
- RCB Wins: 4
- Defining Feature: Most competitive phase, playoff drama
Why Fans Love This Rivalry?
- For RR Fans:
Every victory feels like validation. RR proves that team spirit and smart planning can beat bigger budgets and bigger names.
- For RCB Fans:
The passion is unmatched. Win or lose, RCB plays entertaining cricket. Fans believe this is finally “their year” every season.
- For Neutral Fans:
These matches deliver drama, close finishes, and unpredictability. You get your money’s worth.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
The Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline continues to evolve.
Key Battles to Watch:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Mohammed Siraj (youth vs pace)
- Sanju Samson vs RCB spinners
- Virat Kohli vs RR’s new bowlers
- Jos Buttler vs RCB’s powerplay attack
Both Teams’ Goals:
- RR: Add to their 2008 championship
- RCB: Win their first-ever IPL trophy
Prediction: This rivalry will remain perfectly balanced. Home advantage will continue to play a huge role.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who has won more matches between RR and RCB?
RCB leads the head-to-head 16-14 after 31 matches, making it one of the IPL’s closest rivalries.
- What is the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore head to head record?
Out of 31 matches: RCB has won 16, RR has won 14, and 1 match had no result.
- Did RCB really get bowled out for 59 against RR?
No. RCB’s infamous collapse was 49 all out against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019, not RR. There’s no “RCB vs RR 59 all out scorecard” — this is a common misconception.
- Which players have been most influential in this rivalry?
Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle (RCB); Shane Watson, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Ajinkya Rahane (RR) have been the biggest match-winners.
- What was the most important match in this rivalry?
The 2022 Qualifier 2, where Jos Buttler’s 106* helped RR beat RCB and reach the IPL final, is considered the most significant clash.
Final Thoughts: A Rivalry Built on Respect
The Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline is special because neither team has dominated consistently.
It’s a genuine rivalry where anything can happen.
From Shane Warne’s tactical genius to Virat Kohli’s batting mastery, from Rahane’s elegance to AB’s Superman finishes, from Watson’s power to Buttler’s playoff heroics — this rivalry has given cricket fans countless unforgettable moments.
RR has its 2008 title and plays with pride. RCB has its passionate fanbase and keeps chasing glory.
When these two meet, it’s more than just cricket — it’s entertainment, drama, and emotion rolled into one.
Every season adds a new chapter. Every match writes a new story. And fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
The rivalry continues. The drama never ends. And that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.
