by The rcb vs pbks head to head rivalry has emerged as one of the most fascinating matchups in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) share a compelling narrative that has captured cricket fans’ hearts since 2008.
What makes this rivalry particularly intriguing is how both teams, despite boasting star-studded lineups and passionate fan bases, continue their quest for their first IPL trophy.
Over 33 thrilling encounters spanning from 2008 to 2024, these teams have delivered some of cricket’s most memorable moments.
The rivalry stands almost perfectly balanced, with PBKS holding a slight edge of 17 wins compared to RCB’s 16 victories.
RCB vs PBKS Head to Head IPL Stats, Results & Records
From record-breaking batting performances to exceptional bowling spells, their matches consistently provide edge-of-the-seat entertainment.
Head to Head Statistics (2008-2025)
Let’s break down the key numbers that define this rivalry:
- Total Matches: 33 encounters
- RCB Wins: 16 matches
- PBKS Wins: 17 matches
- Success Rates:
- RCB: 48.48%
- PBKS: 51.52%
- No Tied Games: Perfect completion rate
- Average Team Score: 175-180 runs
- Average Run Rate: 8.75 per over
Venue Distribution:
- Home Games:
- Bengaluru: 12 matches
- Punjab: 10 matches
- Neutral Venues: 11 matches
- Overseas Venues: 2 matches (both in Durban)
Comprehensive Match Results (2008-2025)
Here’s a detailed breakdown of their encounters:
| Season | Date | Winner | Margin | Venue | Match-Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 9 | RCB | 60 runs | Dharamsala | V Kohli |
| 2024 | Mar 25 | RCB | 4 wickets | Bengaluru | C Green |
| 2023 | Apr 20 | RCB | 24 runs | Mohali | F du Plessis |
| 2022 | May 13 | PBKS | 54 runs | Mumbai | J Bairstow |
| 2022 | Mar 27 | PBKS | 5 wickets | Mumbai | O Smith |
[Note: Table represents recent matches for brevity]
Record-Breaking Performances
Team Records:
Highest Team Totals:
- RCB’s Notable Scores:
- 241/4 (Dharamsala, 2024) – Highest in the rivalry
- 226/3 (Bengaluru, 2015)
- 218/6 (Mumbai, 2022)
- PBKS’s Best Totals:
- 232/6 (Mumbai, 2022)
- 221/4 (Bengaluru, 2017)
- 214/8 (Durban, 2009)
Lowest Team Totals:
- RCB: 84 all out (Dubai, 2020)
- PBKS: 88 all out (Bengaluru, 2015)
Individual Batting Records
RCB’s Batting Giants:
Virat Kohli:
- Total Runs: 1,030
- Highest Score: 92* (2024)
- Average: 48.52
- Strike Rate: 142.86
- Centuries: 1
- Fifties: 8
- Boundaries: 112 fours, 42 sixes
Chris Gayle:
- Total Runs: 873
- Highest Score: 117 (2015)
- Average: 51.35
- Strike Rate: 156.74
- Centuries: 2
- Fifties: 5
- Boundaries: 64 fours, 72 sixes
AB de Villiers:
- Total Runs: 718
- Highest Score: 89* (2016)
- Average: 44.87
- Strike Rate: 168.93
- Fifties: 6
- Boundaries: 52 fours, 58 sixes
PBKS’s Batting Heroes:
KL Rahul:
- Total Runs: 522
- Highest Score: 132* (2020)
- Average: 65.25
- Strike Rate: 145.83
- Centuries: 1
- Fifties: 4
- Boundaries: 48 fours, 31 sixes
Shaun Marsh:
- Total Runs: 492
- Average: 41.00
- Strike Rate: 134.42
- Fifties: 4
- Boundaries: 46 fours, 22 sixes
Bowling Excellence
RCB’s Leading Wicket-Takers:
Yuzvendra Chahal:
- Wickets: 25
- Best Figures: 4/25
- Economy Rate: 7.84
- Strike Rate: 16.32
- Four-wicket Hauls: 1
Mohammed Siraj:
- Wickets: 15
- Best Figures: 3/22
- Economy Rate: 8.32
- Strike Rate: 17.46
- Three-wicket Hauls: 2
PBKS’s Bowling Stars:
Sandeep Sharma:
- Wickets: 16
- Best Figures: 3/22
- Economy Rate: 7.96
- Strike Rate: 17.88
- Three-wicket Hauls: 2
Piyush Chawla:
- Wickets: 14
- Best Figures: 3/32
- Economy Rate: 7.85
- Strike Rate: 19.57
- Three-wicket Hauls: 1
Era-wise Analysis (2008-2024)
The Foundation Years (2008-2010):
2008 Season:
- PBKS dominated with 4 straight wins
- Key Players: Shaun Marsh, Yuvraj Singh
- Average Score: 165 runs
- Notable Performances:
- Marsh’s consistent batting
- Brett Lee’s fierce bowling
- Praveen Kumar’s swing bowling
2009-2010:
- Matches moved to South Africa (2009)
- RCB’s resurgence begins
- Emergence of new strategies
- Key Moments:
- Anil Kumble’s captaincy impact
- Jacques Kallis’s all-round show
- Kumar Sangakkara’s leadership
The Golden Period (2011-2015):
2011 Season Highlights:
- Record-breaking totals
- Adam Gilchrist’s leadership
- Paul Valthaty’s breakthrough
- Key Achievements:
- Highest team totals
- Most sixes in a match
- Fastest fifties
2012-2015:
- Chris Gayle’s dominance
- AB de Villiers’ innovation
- Mitchell Starc’s pace impact
- Notable Records:
- Gayle’s 117 (highest individual score then)
- RCB’s 138-run victory margin
- Multiple 200+ team totals
The Modern Era (2016-2020):
Tactical Evolution:
- Data-driven decisions
- Power-play innovations
- Death bowling specialization
Key Developments:
- Match-up based selections
- Impact of technology
- Role of analytics
Recent Years (2021-2024):
2021 Season:
- COVID-19 impact
- Split season format
- Emergence of new stars
2022-2024:
- Team rebuilding phases
- Focus on young talent
- Strategic overhauls
Memorable Partnerships
RCB’s Greatest Stands:
- Kohli-de Villiers: 215 runs (2016)
- Gayle-Kohli: 204 runs (2015)
- Du Plessis-Maxwell: 187 runs (2023)
PBKS’s Best Partnerships:
- Rahul-Agarwal: 183 runs (2020)
- Marsh-Sangakkara: 177 runs (2010)
- Gilchrist-Valthaty: 168 runs (2011)
Also Check:
Conclusion: PBKS Has Won More Matches Against RCB In the IPL
The RCB vs PBKS rivalry represents everything that makes IPL cricket special. With PBKS holding a slight advantage of 17-16 in head-to-head encounters, every match between these teams carries immense significance.
The rivalry has evolved beyond mere statistics to become a showcase of cricketing excellence, tactical mastery, and unforgettable moments.
Recent trends show RCB gaining momentum, especially with their 2024 double victory. However, PBKS’s overall record demonstrates their consistent ability to compete at the highest level.
Both teams continue to enhance their strategies, nurture young talent, and strive for their maiden IPL trophy.
Key Observations:
- The rivalry maintains remarkable competitive balance
- Matches consistently produce high scores
- Individual brilliance often determines outcomes
- Tactical evolution continues each season
- Young talent regularly emerges through these encounters
As we look to the future, this rivalry promises more exciting cricket, emerging stars, and memorable moments.
Whether supporting RCB’s batting powerhouse or PBKS’s fighting spirit, fans can expect high-quality cricket whenever these teams meet.
