Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings One of the most evenly matched contests in Indian Premier League history. The RCB vs PBKS Head to Head record has seen some exhilarating encounters over the years, making it an illustrious tale for cricket lovers worldwide.
RCB vs PBKS Head to Head Records
| Stats | RCB | PBKS |
| Matches Played | 37 | 37 |
| Wins | 19 | 18 |
| Losses | 18 | 19 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Score | 241 | 232 |
| Lowest Score | 84 | 88 |
In IPL history, the RCB vs PBKS head to head is one of the closest. RCB are marginally ahead against Punjab with 19 wins from 37 matches while PBKS have won too in 18. Both sides have been competitive over the years with teams taking one in most seasons. The closest and turning point for RCB came during IPL 2025 where they won most matches including the final taking the overall record in their favour. Having said that PBKS have traditionally been a formidable rival, which makes this rivalry unpredictable and stiff whenever these two teams prowl against each other.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Timeline
2008-2012: The Beginning
This rivalry started in the first season of IPL. RCB was piloted by the likes of Rahul Dravid, and Punjab (then Kings XI Punjab) began announcing their arrival with Shaun Marsh faring well.
2013-2019: Punjab’s Strong Phase
Punjab Kings had a dream run where they had multiple winning streaks too. With their star power in the form of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, RCB remained a threat with critical wins.
2020-2024: Evenly Matched Era
There was no clear more superior outcome with the titles splitting evenly. Regular season games were a series of close finishes and shootouts.
IPL 2025 Final Phase
Rivalry reached its peak during IPL 2025:
- Final IPL 2025: RCB Won by 6 runs
- Qualifier 1: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs PBKS
- PBKS defeated Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2
- A match-winning knock from Shreyas Iyer ensured victory.
It set up an unprecedented final, with both teams chasing their maiden IPL crown.
IPL 2026 Ongoing Season
IPL 2026: Both teams perform strongly continuing the rivalry and adding some young stars with time.
Read More: MI vs CSK Head to Head Record || Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings: Last 6 Matches Summary
- Match 1: RCB Won by 6 runs (IPL Final 2025)
- Match 2: RCB won by 8 wickets (Qualifier 1, IPL 2025)
- Match 3: RCB won by 8 wickets (league stage)
- Match 4: PBKS won by 6 wickets (rain-affected match via DLS)
- Match 5: RCB won by 60 runs
- Match 6: RCB won by 5 wickets
Memorable Matches: RCB vs PBKS
Final, IPL 2025
RCB beat PBKS by 6 runs; 190/9 vs 184/7, and won the IPL 2025 Final.
Qualifier 1, IPL 2025
RCB delivered a clinical performance, bowling out PBKS for a low total and chasing it comfortably to secure a place in the final.
IPL 2011 – Gilchrist’s Iconic Knock
Adam Gilchrist smashed a brilliant century, leading Punjab to a massive total and a dominant win.
IPL 2021 – Last Over Thriller
Harshal Patel held his nerve in the final over, sealing a dramatic victory for RCB.
Top Performers in RCB vs PBKS Matches
Top Run Scorer
- Virat Kohli – 1116 runs
- Chris Gayle – 873 runs
- AB de Villiers – 718 runs
Top Wicket Taker
- Yuzvendra Chahal – 25 wickets
- Harshal Patel – 16 wickets
- Sandeep Sharma – 16 wickets
Who will win? IPL 2026
This prediction is as close as it gets, and after looking through present form, squad composition, and reviewing information from what most of the commentators are saying on most of major cricket sites/their TV shows recently – this one bubbles down to RCB v PBKS in IPL 2026. RCB arrives in the season with some major quality momentum with their IPL 2025 title win, a settled core led by Virat Kohli along with a more balanced bowling unit. PBKS, on the other hand, have vastly turned their fortunes under Shreyas Iyer and it’s gladdening to see them bounce back in pressure high-scoring games and find a better middle-order. Despite a wealth of experience and consistency in these pressure games, cricket analysts reckon that RCB would hold a slight advantage but PBKS will still be an unpredictable danger as always. In the end, history may make no difference when it comes to who wins IPL 2026; match day form, performance under pressure and outstanding displays by individuals will constitute what we see that evening.
Match Details:
- Fixture: RCB vs PBKS
- Date: 17 May 2026
- Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
- Time: 3:30 PM
Conclusion
That unpredictability at RCB vs PBKS Head to Head rivalry, perfectly summarised the nature of IPL. Both teams have pushed each other to the limit, from those early days to this high-pressure IPL 2025 Final to now this ongoing IPL 2026 season of all times.
It shows a rivalry that started not with domination but balance, which makes sachin tendulkar vs warne or RCB vs PBKS a must watch for any cricket fan.
