The RCB vs PBKS clash is one of the foremost engaging ones within the Indian Head Association. Regal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Lords have been a portion of the IPL since its early a long time and their clashes have tossed up high-scoring diversions, near wraps up, extraordinary person exhibitions and a few vital moments.
Customarily, RCB have been one of the foremost taken after groups within the IPL with players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis speaking to the establishment at distinctive stages. In the interim, Punjab Rulers have had their claim set of energizing stars counting KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Glenn Maxwell and Shashank Singh.
The competition escalates as the two groups confronted each other in critical matches amid the 2025 IPL season, counting the ultimate. RCB proceeded their great later record against PBKS in 2026 with another win in Dharamsala.
RCB vs PBKS Head to Head Record
RCB and PBKS have played each other 38 times within the IPL. As per the most recent IPL records, RCB has got 20 wins whereas PBKS has got 18 wins. There have been no draws in these 38 gatherings.
| IPL Group | Tangle | Won | Misplaced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illustrious Challengers Bangalore | 38 | 20 | 18 |
| Punjab Lords | 38 | 18 | 20 |
The numbers don’t lie, the rivalry has been close down the years. RCB hold a slight overall edge but PBKS have enjoyed some notable wins, particularly in high-scoring affairs.
RCB have had the upper hand in the recent head-to-head record. PBKS have won three and RCB have won seven of the last 10 encounters listed on IPL.com.
IPL RCB vs PBKS IPL 2027
The last RCB vs PBKS game was played on May 17, 2026 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.
PBKS won the toss and elected to bat first. RCB replied with a good batting performance making 222/4 in 20 overs. Kohli scored 58 off 37 balls and Padikkal got 45 off 25 balls. Then Venkatesh Iyer produced the standout performance, an unbeaten 73 off 40 deliveries. IPL Tim David gave the late impetus as RCB ended with a huge total of 222 for 4.
PBKS got off to a horror start in their chase and were 19/3 in the first four overs. Cooper Connolly, Suryansh Shedge and Marcus Stoinis tried to put together innings while Shashank Singh provided late attacking effort.
Shashank’s 56 not out off 27 balls wasn’t enough to get them over the line. RCB beat PBKS by 23 runs as PBKS were restricted to 199/8. IPL The win was crucial for RCB as it booked their place in the IPL 2026 play-offs. IPL
RCB vs PBKS 2026 Scorecard
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| RCB | 222/4 in 20 Overs | Won by 23 Runs |
| PBKS | 199/8 in 20 Overs | Lost |
Best Performers
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Venkatesh Iyer | 73 (40 balls)* |
| Virat Kohli | 58 (37) |
| Devdutt Padikkal | 45 off 25 balls |
| Shashank Singh | 56 off 27 balls* |
| Cooper Connolly | 36 off 20 balls |
| Marcus Stoinis | 37 off 25 deliveries |
Final 2025 RCB vs PBKS
The 2025 IPL final was one of the biggest chapters in the RCB vs PBKS rivalry.
RCB batted first and posted 190/9 in their innings. Punjab Kings scored 184/7 in 20 overs. RCB won the final by 6 runs. IPL Virat Kohli scored 43 runs for RCB and Shashank Singh played an important innings of 61 runs for PBKS. RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya was named Player of the Match for his contributions with bat and ball. IPL The six-run win gave RCB a memorable win in a pressure-filled final and added another important chapter in the history of RCB vs PBKS.
RCB vs PBKS Qualifier 1 2025
The two teams also met in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1.
RCB dominated the game to win against Punjab Kings by eight wickets. While PBKS were all out for a paltry 101, RCB chased down the target in style at 106/2. IPL The result was a true reflection of the gulf between the two sides that night, and it sent RCB into the final.
Virat Kohli vs Punjab Kings
RCB’s matches against Punjab Kings are obviously one of the biggest draws because of Virat Kohli.
Kohli has spent his whole IPL career at RCB and has played many match-winning innings against PBKS. He can build an innings as well as score at a good rate and is a key player in this fixture.
RCB had suffered an early setback but his 58 off 37 balls in the 2026 meeting helped them recover and set a strong platform. IPL Kohli’s experience comes handy particularly when RCB are chasing a stiff target or looking to set a competitive score.
Shashank Singh – The Key Man For PBKS
Shashank Singh has emerged as an important middle order batsman for Punjab Kings.
His ability to attack the bowling in the death overs makes him a dangerous batter when PBKS are chasing a big target.
Shashank blasted an unbeaten 56 off just 27 deliveries against RCB in the 2026 encounter. His innings with a quick-fire half-century gave PBKS some hope during the chase. IPL While PBKS couldn’t complete the chase, his performance displayed why he is still an integral part of their batting unit.
RCB vs PBKS: Players to Watch
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is one of the biggest names in the RCB vs PBKS clash. His consistency, experience and ability to handle pressure makes him a big threat for Punjab bowling attack.
Venkatesh Iyer:
Venkatesh Iyer was the difference man in the 2026 encounter. His 73 not out off 40 balls changed the momentum of the RCB innings and helped the side reach 222/4.
Shashank Singh (IPL)
Shashank has become an effective finisher for PBKS. His unbeaten 56 in the 2026 game was a further example of his ability to score quickly under pressure.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has been a crucial cog in Punjab’s bowling attack. His ability to bowl yorkers at the death makes him a key weapon against the formidable batting line-up of RCB.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar .
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a key bowling option for the RCB with his experience with the new ball and ability to control the powerplay overs.
RCB vs PBKS Batting Showdown
The batting battle is one of the biggest attractions when RCB and PBKS meet.
RCB have always had explosive top order hitters. RCB’s batting history has seen stars like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis play big roles but it’s Virat Kohli who’s been the main man for the franchise.
PBKS have also had plenty of firepower with the bat. The franchise has had attacking batsmen like KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Shikhar Dhawan, Glenn Maxwell and others.
The team that gets the powerplay usually gets the early jump. A good start can set up a platform for a total of 200 or more, but early wickets can turn the game on its head.
RCB vs PBKS Bowling Contest
Bowling has also been a big factor in this rivalry.
RCB have relied on a mix of experienced pacers and attacking options, while PBKS have often employed a mix of pace and spin to stifle the middle overs.
Conditions can play a huge role in the contest. Pace bowlers can do well on a fast pitch, and spinners and change of pace bowlers do well on slow pitches.
Death bowling will be a key area as both teams have shown they can put up big scores in the last overs.
Unforgettable RCB Vs PBKS Encounters
Some memorable games have resulted from the rivalry.
RCB vs PBKS 2024.
RCB won both the matches against PBKS in IPL 2024. RCB won the primary encounter by four wickets and after that went on to record a gigantic 60-run win in Bengaluru. IPL The moment diversion saw a good performance from RCB as they scored 241/7 and after that confined PBKS to 181/10. IPL
2025 PBKS vs RCB
And the 2025 season was indeed more important, since the groups met a few times, counting within the playoffs and last.
RCB won 2025 Qualifier 1 by eight wickets and then defeated PBKS by six runs in the final. IPL
PBKS vs RCB 2026
The 2026 meeting went RCB’s way again. Dharamsala: RCB posted 222/4 and defended the total successfully to win by 23 runs. IPL
Why RCB vs PBKS is so Popular
RCB vs PBKS is still an interesting IPL fixture for various reasons.
Both franchises have a history of entertaining cricket and passionate supporters. This is a fixture that will have special interest for fans given the massive following that RCB enjoys and the strong culture of cricket in Punjab.
Another reason is the uncertainty of the games. There are few very powerful batsmen in both the teams who can change the course of a match in few overs.
The rivalry has also featured a number of pressure games. The 2025 Qualifier 1 and final illustrated how much the contest matters when playoff qualification and trophies are on the line.
RCB vs PBKS Head to Head
Overall, the head-to-head record is 38 matches with RCB winning 20 and PBKS 18. IPL The recent record is more encouraging for RCB, who have won seven of the last 10 meetings. In their 2026 encounter, IPL RCB piled on 222 for 4 while PBKS could only manage 199 for 8. IPL
| RCB vs PBKS record | Details |
|---|---|
| 38 total matches | |
| RCB Win | 20 |
| PBKS Won | 18 |
| Tied | 0 |
| Last Match | RCB won by 23 runs 2026 |
Future of the RCB vs PBKS Rivalry
The RCB vs PBKS contest will be a close contest in upcoming editions of IPL.
Both franchises have continued to blend experienced international players with young Indian talent. With the introduction of Impact Player strategies, aggressive batting approaches and specialised bowling roles influencing matches, the modern IPL is also becoming increasingly tactical.
For RCB, the consistency of their batting will continue to matter and they will also need to build a reliable bowling attack.
For PBKS it will be key to build a strong combination between their top order middle order and bowling unit.
Every season of IPL presents an opportunity for the two teams to add another chapter to their head-to-head history.
Conclusion
RCB vs PBKS has become an entertaining IPL rivalry with big scores, close finishes, star players and pressure matches.
RCB hold a slender 20-18 lead in the overall head-to-head record after 38 encounters. IPL The rivalry reached another crucial juncture in 2025 as RCB beat PBKS both in the Qualifier 1 and the IPL final. RCB continued their recent dominance in the 2026 meeting as they beat Punjab Kings by 23 runs after scoring 222/4 in Dharamsala. IPL RCB vs PBKS will continue to be one of those fixtures that IPL fans look forward to every season thanks to the players who can produce explosive batting displays and bowlers who can turn games around in a matter of deliveries.
