Shocking Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Timeline 2026
✅ Verified by CricSensei Data Team | 📅 Updated: January 2026 | 🏆 Source: IPL Official Archives
- Head to Head: RCB leads 19-18 (Extremely Tight).
- Highest Score: RCB 241/7 (2024).
- Lowest Score: PBKS 88 All Out (2015).
- Brand Battle: RCB ($269M) vs PBKS ($150M).
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings timeline is arguably the most underrated thriller in IPL history. While fans obsess over “MI vs CSK,” this fixture is the true “Coin Flip” of the tournament. With a neck-and-neck 19-18 head-to-head record, predicting a winner here is a nightmare for experts and fantasy players alike.
From Adam Gilchrist’s vintage destruction in 2011 to Virat Kohli’s 92-run masterclass in 2024, this rivalry has seen every extreme. If you are betting on IPL 2026, you need to know more than just the win count. You need to understand the eras, the venues, and the brand wars.
Here is the ultimate breakdown of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings timeline, updated for the 2026 season.
Full Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Timeline
To understand why this rivalry is so tight, we must look at how the momentum has shifted over the last 18 years. You can verify these stats on the Official IPL T20 Website.
1. The Gilchrist Dominance (2008–2014)
In the early years, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) owned Bengaluru. They played fearless cricket that RCB struggled to match.
- 2008: PBKS won both inaugural matches convincingly.
- 2011 (The Gilchrist Special): Adam Gilchrist smashed 106 off 55 balls, leading PBKS to a massive 111-run victory. It remains one of the darkest days in RCB history.
2. The Gayle-Kohli Revenge (2015–2019)
The tables turned when RCB’s batting lineup peaked. This era defined the “Batting Paradise” reputation of the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- 2015 (Gayle Storm): Chris Gayle blasted 117 runs in Bengaluru. RCB bowled Punjab out for 88, winning by 138 runs—their biggest margin ever.
- 2016 (The 1-Run Thriller): In a must-win game at Mohali, RCB defended 175 by just 1 run. Murali Vijay’s late assault wasn’t enough to stop Kohli’s march to the final.
3. Recent Match Highlights (The Modern Era)
If you are looking for the latest highlights, here is what defined the last two seasons:
- 2024 Highlight: Watch Virat Kohli’s 92 off 47 balls. He smashed the PBKS spinners across the line to set up a massive 241-run total.
- 2025 Highlight: The “Arshdeep Revenge.” In the return fixture, Arshdeep Singh destroyed RCB’s top order with swinging yorkers, a spell you must watch on replay.
Head to Head Statistics (Verified 2026)
Explicit data shows how tight this contest is. Unlike other rivalries where one team dominates, this is truly a 50-50 split.
| Stat Category | RCB (Bengaluru) | PBKS (Punjab) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 37 Matches | |
| Wins | 19 | 18 |
| Highest Score | 241/7 (2024) | 232/2 (2011) |
| Lowest Score | 109 All Out (2020) | 88 All Out (2015) |
| Last 5 Matches | Won 3 | Won 2 |
Pitch Report: Chinnaswamy vs Mullanpur
The venue plays a massive role in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings timeline. Both teams play at high-scoring venues, which leads to “Six-Hitting Fests.”
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru)
Known as a graveyard for bowlers, the small boundaries here favor the chasing team.
- Avg Score: 196
- Advantage: Chasing Team (60% win rate).
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium (Mullanpur)
Punjab’s new home ground offers more bounce but is still a batting beauty.
- Avg Score: 185
- Advantage: Batting First (Due to scoreboard pressure).
Royal Challengers Bangalore Price & Sponsors (2026)
You asked about the financial power behind the teams. The gap is massive, not just in valuation but in the quality of sponsors.
- RCB Brand Value ($269M): Backed by premium global brands like Qatar Airways (Main Sponsor) and Puma. This commercial power makes RCB the most “expensive” brand in the league.
- PBKS Brand Value ($150M): While growing, Punjab relies on domestic powerhouses like Dream11 and Kent RO. They lack the global “lifestyle brand” appeal that RCB commands.
Key Player Battles for 2026
Fantasy games are won by matchups. Here are the “Blank for Blank” battles to watch:
- Virat Kohli vs Arshdeep Singh: The lefty pacer brings the ball back into right-handers, a trajectory that has historically troubled Kohli in the Powerplay.
- Liam Livingstone vs Glenn Maxwell: The battle of the “Spin Hitters.” Both are destructive against spin in the middle overs. Whoever stays longer will likely win the match for their team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the RCB vs PBKS head to head?
As of IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lead narrowly with 19 wins, while Punjab Kings (PBKS) have 18 wins.
What is the highest score in RCB vs PBKS timeline?
RCB scored 241/7 in 2024, which is the highest total in this fixture. PBKS’s highest is 232/2 from 2011.
What is the Royal Challengers Bangalore price/valuation?
In 2025, RCB was valued at approximately $269 Million, making it the most valuable franchise in the IPL following their championship win.
Where to Watch RCB vs PBKS Live (2026)
Searching for the live stream? Don’t get lost on illegal sites. Here are the official broadcasters for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings match:
- Digital Streaming (Free): JioCinema (4K Resolution).
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (English/Hindi/Kannada).
- Global Streaming: Willow TV (USA) and Sky Sports (UK).
Conclusion
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings timeline proves that stats don’t lie—this is the closest battle in the league. While RCB has the brand value and the 2025 Trophy, PBKS remains their “Kryptonite” in crucial games. If you are predicting a winner for 2026, check the pitch report first, as this 19-18 record could swing either way.
