From Gayle’s six-storms to Kohli’s masterclass chases, RCB vs PBKS remains one of the most entertaining rivalries in IPL history.
Both teams aim for their first ever title; their encounters promise high-voltage drama! Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vs Punjab Kings Timeline highlights how each clash has produced unforgettable moments and thrilling finishes.
A memorable IPL rivalry: RCB bowled Punjab out for just 106 in their qualifier match; Krunal Pandya unleashed his devastating last-over spell in the final. The resultant last-over thriller remains one of the most gripping IPL finishes ever.
| Date | Match | Result | Margin & Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Jun 2025 | IPL 2025 Final | RCB won | by 6 runs @ Ahmedabad (SportsF1) |
| 29 May 2025 | IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 | RCB won | by 8 wickets @ Mullanpur (SportsF1) |
| 20 Apr 2025 | IPL 2025 League | RCB won | by 7 wickets @ Mullanpur (SportsF1) |
| 18 Apr 2025 | IPL 2025 League | PBKS won | by 5 wickets @ Bengaluru (SportsF1) |
| 9 May 2024 | IPL 2024 League | RCB won | by 60 runs @ Dharamsala (Probo) |
Season 1
RCB-PBKS rivalry has produced some of the highest scoring and dramatic encounters in Indian Premier League history.
Over 37 encounters, both teams have taken turns winning 19 of those matches contested between them; both have also appeared in four finals as finalists; this rivalry has become known as “IPL’s Holy Trinity”, though its initial usage had lessened significantly over time.
Jos Buttler and Virat Kohli delivered in IPL 2022’s inaugural match-up between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab-Bangladesh Kings XI Punjab by scoring hundreds to propel RCB to victory.
Meanwhile, Azhar Mahmood took four wickets off Azhar Mahmood with an outstanding three wicket haul against Bengaluru Knight Riders SC (PBKS).
Both matches offered plenty of entertainment with great performances by Jos Buttler (JB), Virat Kohli (VKP), Azhar Mahmood (3 24 wickets), winning by five wickets against Bengaluru Knight Riders against them by five wickets thanks to Mahmoood (3 24 wickets).
Season 2
This season encapsulated the essence of rivalry perfectly; neither side could hold off for too long, and matches were often decided by moments and momentum rather than conditions.
Punjab (then known as Kings XI Punjab) won their initial three head-to-head encounters and established a psychological advantage, with their successful chases showing batting intensity under pressure while RCB’s narrow defenses demonstrated improved bowling execution during crucial times.
But the season would end in drama and electricity-hitting drama, with RCB winning by six runs in an explosive final that featured David Miller’s unforgettable unbeaten 101 not out while chasing 190 was one of IPL history’s great innings, while Chris Gayle continued his reign by turning modest totals into intimidating ones. Yet it was Virat Kohli’s calm leadership and Krunal Pandya’s match-winning bowling in this final that stood out. Their rivalry would thrive through emotion, unpredictability and star power;
Season 3
The RCB-PBKS rivalry has long been one of the most exciting and entertaining clashes in Indian Premier League.
These two sides have met 37 times throughout its history, producing many high-scoring thrillers and dramatic collapses despite RCB holding an 18-19 edge in head-to-head record. Both teams have experienced moments of glory throughout this longstanding rivalry.
PBKS enter the final with two wins under their belts, having held off both KKR and RCB at Chinnaswamy during previous matches. Backed by strong squad depth and proven form, they look set to capture their first IPL title.
RCB will look to defend their top spot against an attacking PBKS side, though they face a tough challenge against their formidable rival.
Given RCB’s form and head-to-head advantage, they appear the favorites to take out the 2025 IPL final; however a strong performance by Shreyas Iyer may determine their fate in this contest of titans.
Season 4
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) quickly bounced back after suffering their second home loss of the week by coming north to Mullanpur and scoring an emphatic win against Punjab Blues Khel Squad (PBKS).
By opting to bowl first, RCB’s spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma proved themselves with outstanding spin bowling performance that limited any chance for PBKS’ breakaway runs.
Romario Shepherd took an excellent catch to dismiss Prabhsimran Singh on nine, but after that wasn’t needed as Royal Challengers Bengal (RCB) scored a solid total of 189/6 thanks to Virat Kohli’s 92 and Rajat Patidar’s 55 to take them comfortably over their opponents.
PBKS will hope Yuzvendra Chahal plays in their two-spinner combination with Priyansh Arya and Nehal Wadhera; Harpreet Brar could provide cover if Chahal cannot.
Season 5
VIRAT KOHLI could finally taste victory at the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru back into a final for the first time since 2016 against Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings on Thursday in Qualifier 1.
RCB must win in Mullanpur while hoping that Tim David, injured against PK on Tuesday, makes his comeback healthy enough to join their side.
Since their stunning victory against Kolkata Knight Riders two nights ago, PBKS have been in fine form. Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer have been impressive, while Yuzvendra Chahal appears to have found his groove again.
Mullanpur’s pitch is expected to facilitate high-scoring games, with teams batting first averaging more than 200 runs on this surface in past years. Punjab pace bowlers Harpreet Brar and Arshdeep Singh will look to exploit conditions at this year’s PCA Stadium and keep up their unblemished record there.
Season 6
Since 2008, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings have played each other 37 times in the Indian Premier League, and each have won 19 times compared to 18 victories by either side.
Chris Gayle’s 57-ball 117 helped RCB post 226/3 and win by 138 runs over PBKS during 2015. KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 132 not out against them for RCB during this same game, becoming their highest individual score against them.
The 2025 IPL final was held between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on 3 June, with Royal Challengers Bangalore coming out victorious by six wickets to claim their maiden IPL championship.
Phil Salt was named Man of the Match after taking an exceptional catch to remove Priyansh Arya from play; Krunal Pandya took two wickets. Meanwhile PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer experienced heartache upon losing his maiden IPL final.
Season 7
Royal Challengers Bangalore have long been one of the most beloved IPL franchises, boasting an acclaimed lineup that includes Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and other world-class cricketers such as Piyush Chawla and Umesh Yadav as bowlers – yet have yet to claim victory in Indian Premier League tournaments.
In 2025 Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bangalore won both league stages to reach their first ever final, defeating Punjab Kings by six wickets to end an 18-year wait for an IPL championship title.
The Indian Premier League 2025 final was played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and broadcast live across India, making history by becoming the inaugural IPL final ever played at this location. It drew huge crowds to witness an unforgettable match which RCB eventually won thanks to their bowlers’ fantastic efforts.
Season 8
On 3 June 2025, the 2025 Indian Premier League final was hosted at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium to crown its winner, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat Punjab Kings by six runs to claim their inaugural IPL title and impress an immense crowd with an emotional song by Shreyas Iyer as tribute to India’s Armed Forces.
Since the inception of IPL 2008, these teams have met 37 times; with RCB winning 19 times and PBKS coming out victorious on 18 occasions. Furthermore, they have also met in four previous IPL finals.
IPL 2011 saw the largest victory by runs against RCB for PBKS; Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh put on an innings-saving partnership of 206 at Dharamsala which helped reach 232/2 and achieve an eight-wicket triumph for them. Conversely, Chris Gayle’s 57-ball 117 marked this innings.
Season 9
Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore have met 33 times in the Indian Premier League, with Punjab holding a slight edge with 17 victories to 16 for RCB. Punjab recently underwent a name change after previously playing as Kings XI Punjab but struggled last season and finished ninth; their new head coach Shreyas Iyer hopes they can turn it around this season under Virat Kohli and claim their maiden championship victory after coming close several times before.
On 3 June 2025, PBKS won the toss and elected to field first against RCB’s allotted 20 overs, restricting them to just 190/9 in 20 overs.
PBKS met their target easily, with Shaun Marsh’s unbeaten 51-ball 74 at the top of their order leading the charge. Chris Gayle scored an unbeaten 117 in his first innings against RCB while Piyush Chawla recorded two 17s as bowling figures against them.
