The rcb vs pbks head to head rivalry represents one of the most exciting matchups in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
Since 2008, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have created numerous memorable moments that cricket fans cherish.
What makes this rivalry special is how both teams share similar stories – they both have amazing players, loyal fans, and are still chasing their first IPL trophy.
Their journey spans 33 matches filled with high-scoring thrillers, last-over finishes, and outstanding individual performances.
RCB vs PBKS Head to Head IPL Stats, Results & Records
The rivalry stands nearly perfectly balanced, with PBKS having 17 wins and RCB claiming 16 victories.
From Chris Gayle’s powerful centuries to KL Rahul’s elegant batting displays, these matches have given cricket fans countless reasons to celebrate.
Complete Head to Head Analysis (2008-2025)
Let’s dive deep into the numbers that tell the story of this rivalry:
Overall Statistics:
- Total Encounters: 33 matches
- RCB Victories: 16 (48.48% success rate)
- PBKS Victories: 17 (51.52% success rate)
- No Result/Ties: 0 (100% completion rate)
- Average Match Score: 175-180 runs
- Run Rate: 8.75 runs per over
Venue-wise Distribution:
- Matches in Bengaluru: 12
- RCB Wins: 7
- PBKS Wins: 5
- Average First Innings Score: 182
- Matches in Punjab: 10
- RCB Wins: 4
- PBKS Wins: 6
- Average First Innings Score: 176
- Neutral Venues: 11
- RCB Wins: 5
- PBKS Wins: 6
- Average First Innings Score: 171
Season-by-Season Match Results (2008-2025)
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of every encounter:
Season | Date | Winner | Margin | Venue | Player of Match | Key Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | May 9 | RCB | 60 runs | Dharamsala | Virat Kohli | 92 runs (58 balls) |
2024 | Mar 25 | RCB | 4 wickets | Bengaluru | Cameron Green | 76* (not out) |
2023 | Apr 20 | RCB | 24 runs | Mohali | Faf du Plessis | 84 runs (56 balls) |
2022 | May 13 | PBKS | 54 runs | Mumbai | Jonny Bairstow | 66 runs (29 balls) |
2022 | Mar 27 | PBKS | 5 wickets | Mumbai | Odean Smith | 25* & 2 wickets |
Comprehensive Records and Achievements
Team Records:
Highest Team Totals:
- RCB’s Top Scores:
- 241/4 (Dharamsala, 2024)
- Key Contributors: Kohli (92), Maxwell (78*)
- Run Rate: 12.05
- Boundaries: 22 fours, 14 sixes
- 226/3 (Bengaluru, 2015)
- Key Contributors: Gayle (117), Kohli (56)
- Run Rate: 11.30
- Boundaries: 18 fours, 16 sixes
- 218/6 (Mumbai, 2022)
- Key Contributors: Maxwell (88), Du Plessis (73)
- Run Rate: 10.90
- Boundaries: 20 fours, 12 sixes
- PBKS’s Highest Scores:
- 232/6 (Mumbai, 2022)
- Key Contributors: Bairstow (66), Livingstone (70)
- Run Rate: 11.60
- Boundaries: 24 fours, 13 sixes
- 221/4 (Bengaluru, 2017)
- Key Contributors: Maxwell (90*), Amla (89)
- Run Rate: 11.05
- Boundaries: 19 fours, 15 sixes
Individual Batting Excellence
RCB’s Leading Run-Scorers:
1. Virat Kohli:
- Total Runs: 1,030
- Innings: 24
- Average: 48.52
- Strike Rate: 142.86
- Centuries: 1
- Fifties: 8
- Highest Score: 92* (2024)
- Boundaries:
- Fours: 112
- Sixes: 42
- Key Partnerships:
- With De Villiers: 215 runs (2016)
- With Gayle: 204 runs (2015)
2. Chris Gayle:
- Total Runs: 873
- Innings: 18
- Average: 51.35
- Strike Rate: 156.74
- Centuries: 2
- Fifties: 5
- Highest Score: 117 (2015)
- Boundaries:
- Fours: 64
- Sixes: 72
- Notable Achievements:
- Fastest Century vs PBKS (46 balls)
- Most Sixes in an Innings (12)
Bowling Masterclass
RCB’s Leading Wicket-Takers:
1. Yuzvendra Chahal:
- Wickets: 25
- Matches: 16
- Average: 21.36
- Economy: 7.84
- Best Figures: 4/25
- Wickets by Phase:
- Powerplay: 5
- Middle Overs: 15
- Death Overs: 5
- Key Dismissals:
- vs KL Rahul: 3 times
- vs Maxwell: 2 times
2. Mohammed Siraj:
- Wickets: 15
- Matches: 9
- Average: 24.13
- Economy: 8.32
- Best Figures: 3/22
- Wickets by Phase:
- Powerplay: 8
- Middle Overs: 4
- Death Overs: 3
Strategic Evolution Through the Years
Early Years (2008-2010):
2008 Season:
- PBKS’s Dominance:
- Won all matches
- Strong bowling unit
- Effective use of home conditions
- Key Players:
- Shaun Marsh (PBKS)
- Brett Lee (PBKS)
- Rahul Dravid (RCB)
- Strategic Focus:
- Traditional cricket approach
- Emphasis on stability
- Limited use of power-hitting
2009-2010 Period:
- Shift to South Africa (2009):
- Different playing conditions
- Adaptation challenges
- New tactical approaches
- RCB’s Transformation:
- More aggressive batting
- Introduction of spin strategy
- improved field placements
Modern Era Analysis (2020-2024)
2020 Season:
- Impact of UAE Conditions:
- Slower pitches
- Larger boundaries
- Different tactical approach
- Notable Changes:
- More emphasis on spin
- Power-hitting adaptation
- New bowling strategies
2021-2022:
- Post-Pandemic Cricket:
- Bio-bubble impact
- Split season challenges
- Team dynamics
- Tactical Evolution:
- Data-driven decisions
- Match-up based selection
- Power-play innovation
2023-2024:
- Recent Developments:
- RCB’s improved record
- New player impact
- Strategic shifts
- Future Outlook:
- Emerging talents
- Tactical trends
- Rivalry potential
Venue Analysis and Impact
Bengaluru (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium):
- Total Matches: 12
- Average First Innings Score: 182
- Winning Record:
- Batting First: 7 wins
- Chasing: 5 wins
- Key Factors:
- Short boundaries
- Good batting surface
- Evening dew impact
Punjab Venues (Mohali & Dharamsala):
- Total Matches: 10
- Average First Innings Score: 176
- Winning Record:
- Batting First: 6 wins
- Chasing: 4 wins
- Ground Characteristics:
- Bigger boundaries
- Variable bounce
- Weather conditions
Fan Experience and Memorable Moments
Most Thrilling Matches:
- 2016 Mohali Thriller:
- RCB won by 1 run
- Last ball finish
- AB de Villiers’ 82* off 42
- Fan reactions and atmosphere
- 2020 Dubai Classic:
- KL Rahul’s 132*
- Record-breaking innings
- PBKS’s biggest win
- Social media impact
Also Check: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline
Conclusion: PBKS Has Won More Matches Against RCB In the IPL
The RCB vs PBKS rivalry exemplifies what makes the IPL special.
With PBKS holding a slight lead of 17-16 in head-to-head encounters, every match adds a new chapter to this exciting story.
The rivalry has evolved from simple cricket matches to becoming a showcase of tactical brilliance, individual excellence, and team strategy.
Recent trends suggest RCB’s growing strength, especially with their 2024 double victory. However, PBKS’s overall record demonstrates their consistent competitive spirit.
As both teams continue their quest for a maiden IPL trophy, their matches remain highly anticipated in the cricket calendar.
Key Takeaways:
- Remarkably balanced head-to-head record
- Consistent high-scoring encounters
- Evolution of tactical approaches
- Strong individual performances
- Growing importance of data analytics
- Emergence of young talent
- Passionate fan engagement
Looking ahead, this rivalry promises more exciting cricket, emerging stars, and unforgettable moments.
Whether you support RCB’s batting prowess or PBKS’s fighting spirit, these matches continue to deliver world-class entertainment.