The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings has evolved into a premier IPL spectacle. From high-scoring shootouts to last-ball heartstoppers, this matchup blends tactical genius with raw power. With RCB entering as defending champions, every encounter is now a battle for legacy, dominance, and ultimate bragging rights in cricket.
Recent Match History: Last 7 Encounters
The following table highlights the intense competition between these two franchises over their most recent seven meetings, including the high-stakes 2025 playoffs.
Date
Competition
Winner
Result Margin
Key Performers
03 Jun 2025
IPL Final
RCB
Won by 6 runs
Virat Kohli (43), Krunal Pandya (2/17)
29 May 2025
Qualifier 1
RCB
Won by 8 wickets
Phil Salt (56), RCB Bowlers (PBKS all out 101)
20 Apr 2025
League Stage
RCB
Won by 7 wickets
Rajat Patidar (Form), RCB Top Order
18 Apr 2025
League Stage
PBKS
Won by 5 wickets
Tim David (50*), Arshdeep Singh (Key Wickets)
09 May 2024
League Stage
RCB
Won by 60 runs
Virat Kohli (92), Mohammed Siraj (3/23)
25 Mar 2024
League Stage
RCB
Won by 4 wickets
Virat Kohli (77), Mahipal Lomror (Finisher)
20 Apr 2023
League Stage
RCB
Won by 24 runs
Faf du Plessis (84), Mohammed Siraj (4/21)
Upcoming Series: Venues & Details (2026)
Series/Phase
Date
Venue
Match Type
Match Status
IPL 2026 Return Leg
May 05, 2026
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
T20
Scheduled
IPL 2026 Playoff
May 24, 2026
Narendra Modi Stadium
T20
Potential Clash
CLT20 Exhibition
Sep 12, 2026
Dubai Intl. Stadium
T20
Proposed
ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings (April 2026)
Rank
Team
Matches
Points
Rating
1
India
45
12,015
267
2
Australia
38
9,804
258
3
England
41
10,332
252
4
South Africa
34
8,500
250
5
Pakistan
42
10,248
244
Head-to-Head Summary
Category
Total Played
RCB Won
PBKS Won
No Result
Overall IPL
38
20
18
0
Last 5 Games
5
4
1
0
Playoffs
2
2
0
0
Chinnaswamy
14
8
6
0
Most Memorable Match – The Epic Thriller!
Season
Venue
Scorecard
Result
The “X” Factor
2025 Final
Ahmedabad
RCB: 188/6; PBKS: 182/9
RCB won by 6 runs
Krunal Pandya’s 2-wicket 19th over
Major Tournament Matches
Tournament
Match Stage
Year
Winner
Impact
IPL
Final
2025
RCB
RCB won maiden title
IPL
Qualifier 1
2025
RCB
Direct entry to final
IPL
League Stage
2024
RCB
PBKS knocked out
Key Performance: The Star Performers
Player
Role
Stats (2025-26)
Impact
Virat Kohli
Batsman
740 Runs
Consistent Anchor
Arshdeep Singh
Bowler
24 Wickets
Death Over Specialist
Phil Salt
Opener
512 Runs
Aggressive Powerplay
Mohammed Siraj
Bowler
19 Wickets
Early Breakthroughs
The Battlefield: Tactical Power-Plays & Record Breakers
Metric
Record Holder
Value
Season
Powerplay Strike Rate
Phil Salt (RCB)
168.4
2025
Most Dot Balls (PP)
Mohammed Siraj (RCB)
142
2025-26
Fastest 50 in PP
Prabhsimran (PBKS)
17 Balls
2025
The Tactical Edge: Strategic Matchups
Matchup
Tactical Insight
Edge
Arshdeep vs. Kohli
Left-arm swing vs. Cover drive
Even
Siraj vs. Tim David
Short ball barrage vs. Raw power
Siraj
RCB Spin vs. PBKS Middle Order
Targeting the slog sweep
RCB
History Re-Written: 2025/26 Record Smashers
Record Description
New Record
Set By
Highest Team Total
278/3
RCB vs PBKS
Most Sixes in a Season
58
Tim David
Most Dismissals (WK)
22
Phil Salt
Pace vs. Power: World’s Fastest Bowlers
Bowler
Team
Max Speed
Avg. Wicket Pace
Mohammed Siraj
RCB
149.2 km/h
141.5 km/h
Arshdeep Singh
PBKS
146.8 km/h
138.2 km/h
Kagiso Rabada
PBKS
152.4 km/h
144.1 km/h
The Captain’s Gambit: Strategic Genius
Captain
Move
Outcome
Faf du Plessis
Promoting Krunal Pandya
Match-winning cameo
Sam Curran
Defensive field for Kohli
Slowed run rate by 20%
Faf du Plessis
Siraj for the 20th over
Defended 8 runs
The “Fortress” Chronicles: Stadium Dominance
Stadium
Home Team
Win % (2025-26)
Crowd Noise Peak
M. Chinnaswamy
RCB
82%
126 dB
Mullanpur
PBKS
60%
118 dB
Narendra Modi
Neutral
50%
130 dB
Conclusion
The final verdict confirms that while Punjab Kings possess the explosive firepower to dismantle any lineup, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has developed a tactical discipline that wins championships. RCB’s ability to handle high-pressure playoff moments currently gives them the upper hand in this fierce, legendary, and highly entertaining Northern-Southern rivalry.
