Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings, recently rebranded from Kings XI Punjab in 2021, have faced off 33 times since the beginning of the Indian Premier League, with RCB having secured 19 victories to 18 wins for PBKS. This long-standing rivalry has shaped the royal challengers bengaluru vs punjab kings timeline, showcasing thrilling encounters and close finishes over the years.
Early this season, Royal Challengers Bangalore won their inaugural IPL title after an 18-year drought – marking a huge momentous achievement for both the franchise and its fans alike.
| No. | Date | Winner | Margin / Result | Venue (if available) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 June 2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Won by 6 runs (IPL Final) | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (Reuters, Indiatimes, OnCricket, Wikipedia) |
| 2 | 29 May 2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Won by 8 wickets (Qualifier 1) | Chandigarh (New/Muhanpur) (OnCricket, The Times of India) |
| 3 | 20 April 2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Won by 7 wickets | Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) (Jagranjosh.com, OnCricket, Probo) |
| 4 | 18 April 2025 | Punjab Kings | Won by 5 wickets | Bengaluru (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium) (Jagranjosh.com, SportsF1, NDTV Sports) |
| 5 | 9 May 2024 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Won by 60 runs | Dharamsala (Sportskeeda, myKhel, SportsF1) |
RCB vs PBKS
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have faced off in 36 matches against each other since 2003; each side winning 18 times. These two sides have competed since the formation of the Indian Premier League but neither team has managed to take home its inaugural trophy; therefore this match may determine who becomes first champions.
RCB and PBKS have had an intense rivalry that has produced plenty of excitement among IPL fans. Both IPL teams met twice this season during playoff stages, each hoping for their chance at glory at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Whoever wins this match will make history at Narendra Modi Stadium.
Both RCB and PBKS have shown great promise this year, yet only one will emerge victorious from the epic final matchup. RCB have been dominant from the outset of this tournament; winning Qualifier 1 by an overwhelming margin. They possess several strengths that will enable them to dominate PBKS such as fearless batting approach and sharp bowling capabilities.
Rajat Patidar has been at his best this season as captain of RCB. With an excellent track record against PBKS and an excellent bowling unit comprising Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma and Yash Dayal under his wing, Patidar can lead his side to victory at any point in any match situation.
All RCB fans have been waiting patiently, and today marks a truly momentous event: fans are excited and players are beaming, while the city chants of “Ee sala cup namdu”. Celebrations will continue long into the night; and soon enough a new champion will emerge!
Venue
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings have faced each other 37 times since the inaugural IPL tournament began in 2008. Their fierce rivalry is known for thrilling batting battles and nail-biting finishes; Punjab holds an edge over RCB with 18 victories against 19 victories; however, this remains one of the highest-octane IPL rivalries.
Punjab Kings last faced off against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, New Chandigarh during Qualifier One of IPL 2025 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, where RCB bowled them out for 101 and chased the target down with eight wickets to spare to reach final and claim their maiden trophy win.
Both teams will surely provide an exhilarating contest, as both are seeking their first title of IPL 2018. PBKS started their campaign off well by defeating Gujarat Titans while RCB defeated Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. Additionally, both have some big-name players who have yet to bring home an IPL trophy before.
RCB have seen their season – which had started out poorly – turn around considerably since starting the campaign poorly, and are currently in contention for a top four finish. A loss against Punjab could prove fatal to their chances of making the playoffs.
Punjab, on the other hand, have struggled in their opening games and are falling short in reaching the final. If they want to beat RCB and vie for one of four places in the top four bracket, their batting and bowling performances must improve to make an impressionful statement of intent.
The final match between these two teams will take place at Maharaja Yadavindra Stadium in Mullanpur and begin at 8:00 pm IST. There are several key statistics which can help predict its outcome and help shape this high-stakes contest.
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya have been predicted as RCB’s final 11 players for this IPL final. Some of these players previously played for RCB; hence their eagerness to beat a former team in IPL Final is high.
Predictions
Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore will square off in an intense final match of the 2025 Indian Premier League playoffs for an unprecedented chance at victory – both teams having never previously won an IPL title themselves. Expect this match to deliver non-stop action and tight finishes as we anticipate its dramatic conclusion!
RCB’s batting has been its strength this season, with Virat Kohli emerging as one of the competition’s premier batsmen. The Universe Boss has notched two centuries and eight half-centuries in 14 matches this year with his fearless stroke play making him near impossible to bowl against. Phil Salt also stands out, hitting an important 56 not out against Punjab during Qualifier one.
On the bowling front, RCB boasts one of the strongest bowling attacks in the competition with some of the best spinners such as Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep consistently producing wickets while Bhuvneshwar Kumar brings balance to their side. Josh Hazlewood’s addition has proven crucial; as an Australian with an aptitude for taking wickets in crucial situations.
At this match, several players from both sides will face their former franchises head-on. Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marcus Stoinis wore Royal Challengers Bengalurians jerseys at one point – they’ll all be keen to score against them on an international stage!
Royal Challengers have won five out of their past six meetings against Punjab and enter the final in excellent form, having defeated Punjab Kings 5-0 in Qualifier 1 and with Kohli on top form they look likely to capture their first trophy after such a lengthy wait.
Though they failed to win the league championship this year, PBKS have made the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Led by Shreyas Iyer’s excellence with both bat and ball this season, The Punjab Kings could use their fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure to give them an edge in this final match – they boast 859 runs scored so far!
Betting odds
RCB and PBKS matches have always provided riveting matches, featuring thrilling finishes and decisive moments that have altered the course of a season. From power-packed batting displays to nerve-wracking chases, these two sides have provided some of the most intense and captivating IPL action ever seen – no doubt this year will be no different! 2025 will no doubt bring more drama with both teams still seeking their first IPL crown; therefore the stakes have never been higher!
No team from either RCB or PBKS has won an IPL title yet, making this matchup an must-see event for cricket fans worldwide. The winner will advance to the June 3 final while those who lose will play Eliminator winner in Qualifier 2 with another chance of reaching final.
RCB have been in superb form this season, winning six out of their last seven matches and remaining unbeaten at home – making them strong contenders against PBKS in the final. Their squad boasts firepower from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal up top, depth from Krunal Pandya and Jitesh Sharma in the middle, as well as variety in bowling from Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal for variety in bowling department.
Punjab Kings face an uphill struggle when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), playing three back-to-back days without much rest between matches. But after suffering heavy defeat in qualifier 1, Punjab Kings have done well to recover and will present an intense test to RCB in match two.
Though they lost in Qualifier 1 against Mumbai Indians, PBKS managed to make amends with an outstanding performance against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 against them. If PBKS want to win their inaugural IPL title, they must play to their strengths while improving on any weaknesses; Yuzvendra Chahal may play a vital role if he remains fit, otherwise Harpreet Brat should step up and contribute wickets as needed for them.