The rcb vs pbks head to head rivalry in the Indian Premier League (IPL) represents one of cricket’s most entertaining matchups.
What makes this rivalry special is how both teams, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), share striking similarities in their IPL journeys.
Despite having star-studded lineups and some of cricket’s biggest names, both teams are still searching for their first IPL trophy, creating a fascinating narrative whenever they meet.
Over the years, their encounters have become synonymous with high-scoring thrillers and nail-biting finishes.
From the bouncy pitches of Bengaluru to the spin-friendly tracks of Punjab, these teams have battled across various venues, each adding its flavor to the rivalry.
RCB vs PBKS Head to Head IPL Stats, Results & Records
With 33 matches played between them since the IPL’s inception in 2008, the competition has remained remarkably close, with PBKS holding a slim lead of 17 wins to RCB’s 16.
This near-equal record perfectly captures the competitive spirit and balanced nature of their encounters.
RCB vs PBKS Head To Head Record (2008-2025)
Let’s dive deep into the numbers that define this rivalry:
- Total Encounters: 33 matches spanning across 17 IPL seasons
- RCB’s Success Rate: 48.48% (16 victories)
- PBKS’s Success Rate: 51.52% (17 victories)
- Match Completion Rate: 100% (No abandoned or tied games)
- Average Run Rate: 8.75 runs per over
- Average Match Score: 175-180 runs
Venue Statistics:
- Matches in Bengaluru: 12 games
- Matches in Punjab: 10 games
- Neutral Venues: 11 games
Match Results (2008-2025)
Here’s a comprehensive table showing all their encounters:
Year | Date | Winner | Margin | Venue | Key Performer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | May 9 | RCB | 60 runs | Dharamsala | Virat Kohli (92) |
2024 | March 25 | RCB | 4 wickets | Bengaluru | Cameron Green (76*) |
2023 | April 20 | RCB | 24 runs | Mohali | Faf du Plessis (84) |
2022 | May 13 | PBKS | 54 runs | Mumbai | Jonny Bairstow (66) |
2022 | March 27 | PBKS | 5 wickets | Mumbai | Odean Smith (25*) |
2021 | October 3 | RCB | 6 runs | Sharjah | Glenn Maxwell (57) |
2021 | April 30 | PBKS | 34 runs | Ahmedabad | KL Rahul (91*) |
RCB vs PBKS: Overall Records
Let’s analyze the detailed statistics that showcase the depth of this rivalry:
Batting Records
Highest Team Totals:
- RCB’s Top Scores:
- 241/4 (Dharamsala, 2024)
- 226/3 (Bengaluru, 2015)
- 218/6 (Mumbai, 2022)
- PBKS’s Top Scores:
- 232/6 (Mumbai, 2022)
- 221/4 (Bengaluru, 2017)
- 214/8 (Durban, 2009)
Individual Batting Achievements:
RCB’s Leading Run-Scorers:
- Virat Kohli:
- Total Runs: 1,030
- Average: 48.52
- Strike Rate: 142.86
- Hundreds: 1
- Fifties: 8
- Chris Gayle:
- Total Runs: 873
- Average: 51.35
- Strike Rate: 156.74
- Hundreds: 2
- Fifties: 5
- AB de Villiers:
- Total Runs: 718
- Average: 44.87
- Strike Rate: 168.93
- Hundreds: 0
- Fifties: 6
PBKS’s Leading Run-Scorers:
- KL Rahul:
- Total Runs: 522
- Average: 65.25
- Strike Rate: 145.83
- Hundreds: 1
- Fifties: 4
- Shaun Marsh:
- Total Runs: 492
- Average: 41.00
- Strike Rate: 134.42
- Hundreds: 0
- Fifties: 4
Bowling Excellence
RCB’s Leading Wicket-Takers:
- Yuzvendra Chahal:
- Wickets: 25
- Average: 21.36
- Economy: 7.84
- Best Figures: 4/25
- Mohammed Siraj:
- Wickets: 15
- Average: 24.13
- Economy: 8.32
- Best Figures: 3/22
PBKS’s Leading Wicket-Takers:
- Sandeep Sharma:
- Wickets: 16
- Average: 23.75
- Economy: 7.96
- Best Figures: 3/22
- Piyush Chawla:
- Wickets: 14
- Average: 25.64
- Economy: 7.85
- Best Figures: 3/32
RCB vs PBKS Over The Years (2008-24)
Let’s explore the evolution of this rivalry through different eras:
Early Years (2008-2010):
- Inaugural Season Impact:
- PBKS dominated early encounters
- Won all four matches in 2008-2009
- Shaun Marsh emerged as a consistent performer
- Key Moments:
- Yuvraj Singh’s all-round performances
- Brett Lee’s fierce bowling spells
- Kumar Sangakkara’s tactical captaincy
Golden Period (2011-2015):
- 2011 Season Highlights:
- Adam Gilchrist’s memorable century
- Paul Valthaty’s breakthrough season
- Record-breaking team totals
- 2014-15 Transformation:
- Chris Gayle’s dominance for RCB
- Glenn Maxwell’s impact for PBKS
- Multiple high-scoring encounters
Modern Era (2016-2020):
- Tactical Evolution:
- Increased focus on match-ups
- Use of data analytics
- Strategic bowling changes
- Notable Performances:
- AB de Villiers’ 82* off 44 balls (2016)
- KL Rahul’s 132* (2020)
- Mohammed Siraj’s economical spells
Recent Years (2021-2024):
- 2021 Season:
- Split results in UAE leg
- Glenn Maxwell’s consistency
- Emergence of young talent
- 2022 Changes:
- New auction dynamics
- Team rebuilding phase
- Focus on local talent
- 2023-24 Developments:
- RCB’s tactical improvements
- Enhanced batting strategies
- Better death bowling execution
Memorable Partnerships:
- RCB’s Best:
- Kohli-de Villiers: 215 runs (2016)
- Gayle-Kohli: 204 runs (2015)
- Du Plessis-Maxwell: 187 runs (2023)
- PBKS’s Best:
- Rahul-Mayank: 183 runs (2020)
- Marsh-Sangakkara: 177 runs (2010)
- Gilchrist-Valthaty: 168 runs (2011)
Also Check: Top 10 Dangerous Batsman of IPL History
Conclusion: PBKS Has Won More Matches Against RCB In the IPL
The RCB vs PBKS rivalry is a testament to the competitive spirit of the IPL.
With PBKS holding a marginal lead of 17-16 in head-to-head encounters, every match between these teams carries the potential to shift the balance.
The rivalry has evolved from being merely about wins and losses to becoming a showcase of tactical battles, individual brilliance, and team strategies.
Recent trends show RCB gaining momentum, especially with their 2024 double victory. However, PBKS’s overall record demonstrates their ability to compete and win crucial encounters.
The rivalry continues to produce exciting cricket, with both teams constantly adapting and evolving their approaches.
Key Takeaways:
- Both teams maintain a competitive head-to-head record
- The rivalry has produced numerous memorable individual performances
- Matches consistently deliver high-scoring entertainment
- Recent years show tactical evolution in team strategies
- Young talent continues to emerge through these encounters
As both teams continue their quest for their maiden IPL trophy, their matches remain highly anticipated in the cricket calendar.
With new players emerging and strategies evolving, this rivalry promises to deliver more exciting cricket in the future.
Whether you support the Royal Challengers Bangalore or the Punjab Kings, this rivalry exemplifies what makes the IPL special – competitive cricket, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments.