Introduction: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Timeline
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS, formerly Kings XI Punjab) rivalry is one of the most thrilling contests in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Since the league’s inception in 2008, clashes between these two franchises have produced electrifying moments, ranging from last-ball finishes to record-breaking batting performances. Over the years, this timeline has reflected the unpredictability of the IPL, showcasing moments of brilliance from established stars and emerging talents alike. Fans eagerly await these matchups, knowing they rarely fail to deliver intense drama and entertainment.
With close finishes, super overs, and consistently high scores, the RR vs PBKS rivalry remains one of the league’s most captivating. This article will provide a complete timeline, detailed head-to-head records, highest and lowest scores, top performers, memorable matches, and a season-wise breakdown, giving readers the ultimate guide to this iconic IPL rivalry.
Table of Contents
Overview: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Rivalry
The rivalry between RR and PBKS represents the essence of T20 cricket — unpredictability, explosive batting, and tactical brilliance. Both teams have fluctuated in form over the years, with Rajasthan Royals often dominating the early encounters and Punjab Kings gaining momentum in later seasons.
Key Facts:
- First Encounter: April 21, 2008
- Total Matches Played: 29
- RR Wins: 17
- PBKS Wins: 12
- Tied Matches: 1 (2015, PBKS won in Super Over)
- Win Percentage: RR ~58%, PBKS ~42%
Despite Rajasthan Royals having a slight edge in wins, Punjab Kings have delivered enough explosive performances to keep the rivalry alive. Fans can always expect high-scoring thrillers and dramatic finishes whenever these teams meet.
Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Timeline
Here is a comprehensive timeline of all RR vs PBKS matches in IPL history, from 2008 to 2025:
| Year | Venue | RR Score | PBKS Score | Winner | Margin | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Jaipur | 168/4 | 166/8 | RR | Won by 6 wickets | Shane Watson 76 |
| 2008 | Mohali | 124/9 | 165/8 | PBKS | Won by 41 runs | Shaun Marsh 58 |
| 2009 | Cape Town | 112/7 | 166/9 | PBKS | Won by 27 runs | Yusuf Abdulla 3/20 |
| 2009 | Durban | 211/4 | 133/8 | RR | Won by 78 runs | Graeme Smith 77 |
| 2010 | Jaipur | 183/5 | 152/10 | RR | Won by 31 runs | Shane Watson 3/10 |
| 2010 | Mohali | 153/1 | 152/10 | RR | Won by 9 wickets | Naman Ojha 68* |
| 2011 | Mohali | 195/7 | 147/7 | PBKS | Won by 48 runs | Paul Valthaty 75 |
| 2012 | Jaipur | 177/6 | 145/8 | RR | Won by 31 runs | Ajinkya Rahane 61 |
| 2012 | Mohali | 191/6 | 148/8 | RR | Won by 43 runs | Rahul Dravid 77 |
| 2013 | Jaipur | 147/3 | 145/6 | RR | Won by 6 wickets | James Faulkner 3/16 |
| 2013 | Mohali | 145/2 | 124/9 | RR | Won by 8 wickets | Ajinkya Rahane 59* |
| 2014 | Sharjah | 191/5 | 193/3 | PBKS | Won by 7 wickets | Glenn Maxwell 89 |
| 2014 | Mohali | 191/5 | 207/4 | PBKS | Won by 16 runs | David Miller 51* |
| 2015 | Pune | 162/7 | 136/8 | RR | Won by 26 runs | Ajinkya Rahane 74 |
| 2015 | Ahmedabad | 191/6 | 191/6 | PBKS | Won Super Over | Miller & Marsh |
| 2018 | Indore | 152/9 | 155/4 | PBKS | Won by 6 wickets | Lokesh Rahul 84* |
| 2018 | Jaipur | 158/8 | 143/7 | RR | Won by 15 runs | Jos Buttler 82 |
| 2019 | Jaipur | 170/9 | 184/4 | PBKS | Won by 14 runs | Chris Gayle 79 |
| 2019 | Mohali | 170/7 | 182/6 | PBKS | Won by 12 runs | Lokesh Rahul 52 |
| 2020 | Sharjah | 226/6 | 223/2 | RR | Won by 4 wickets | Rahul Tewatia 53 (31) |
| 2020 | Abu Dhabi | 186/3 | 185/4 | RR | Won by 7 wickets | Ben Stokes 50 (26) |
| 2021 | Mumbai | 217/7 | 221/6 | PBKS | Won by 4 runs | KL Rahul 91 |
| 2021 | Dubai | 185/10 | 183/4 | RR | Won by 2 runs | Kartik Tyagi 2/29 |
| 2022 | Mumbai | 190/4 | 189/5 | RR | Won by 6 wickets | Jos Buttler 54 |
| 2023 | Guwahati | 192/7 | 197/4 | PBKS | Won by 5 runs | Shikhar Dhawan 86* |
| 2023 | Dharamsala | 187/6 | 189/6 | RR | Won by 4 wickets | Yashasvi Jaiswal 50 |
| 2024 | Mullanpur | 152/7 | 147/8 | RR | Won by 3 wickets | Trent Boult 3/28 |
| 2024 | Guwahati | 146/10 | 151/5 | PBKS | Won by 5 wickets | Kagiso Rabada 3/19 |
| 2025 | Mullanpur | 210/6 | 160/9 | RR | Won by 50 runs | Yashasvi Jaiswal 92 |
This timeline demonstrates the ebb and flow of dominance between both teams. RR started strong in the early years, while PBKS often came back with significant performances in later seasons.
Head-to-Head Records
- Total Matches Played: 29
- Rajasthan Royals Wins: 17
- Punjab Kings Wins: 12
- Tied Matches: 1 (2015, PBKS won Super Over)
- No Results: 0
Win Percentages:
- Rajasthan Royals – ~58%
- Punjab Kings – ~42%
RR holds a slight edge, but PBKS has often matched them with big batting performances and strategic wins.
Highest and Lowest Scores
Highest Scores:
- RR Highest Team Total: 226/6 (Sharjah, 2020)
- PBKS Highest Team Total: 223/2 (Sharjah, 2020)
- Highest Individual Score for RR: Sanju Samson – 119 (2021, Mumbai)
- Highest Individual Score for PBKS: Shaun Marsh – 115 (2008, Mohali)
Lowest Scores:
- RR Lowest Score: 112/7 (2009, Cape Town)
- PBKS Lowest Score: 124/9 (2013, Mohali)
These high and low scores illustrate the extreme unpredictability and excitement in this rivalry.
Top Run Scorers in RR vs PBKS Rivalry
| Player | Team | Runs Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | RR | 632 |
| KL Rahul | PBKS | 490 |
| Shaun Marsh | PBKS | 409 |
| Ajinkya Rahane | RR | 373 |
| Jos Buttler | RR | 350+ |
Sanju Samson has been a standout performer, consistently dominating PBKS with his aggressive batting.
Top Wicket-Takers
| Bowler | Team | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | 17 |
| Siddharth Trivedi | RR | 11 |
| Kevon Cooper | RR | 9 |
| Piyush Chawla | PBKS | 8 |
| Trent Boult | RR | 7 |
Arshdeep Singh has been particularly effective in death overs, often swinging matches in PBKS’s favor.
Memorable Matches
2015 Super Over Thriller
One of the most iconic matches occurred in 2015, when both teams scored 191 runs each. The game went into a Super Over, where PBKS held their nerve to secure a thrilling victory.
Rahul Tewatia’s Heroics (2020)
In Sharjah 2020, PBKS set a target of 224. RR chased it down with Rahul Tewatia smashing five sixes in one over, creating one of the greatest IPL chases.
Sanju Samson’s 119 (2021)
Despite scoring a brilliant 119 against PBKS in 2021, RR narrowly lost by 4 runs. This innings remains one of the standout performances in the rivalry.
Last-Over Drama (2021, Dubai)
In a tense encounter, PBKS needed 4 runs from 6 balls. Kartik Tyagi bowled a remarkable over, conceding just 1 run and handing RR a dramatic win.
Season-wise Breakdown
2008–2010: Early Dominance by RR
RR started the rivalry strongly, using tactical bowling and explosive batting to overpower PBKS. Shane Watson, Graeme Smith, and Ajinkya Rahane were key contributors.
2011–2014: PBKS Fightback
PBKS regained momentum with power hitters like Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, and David Miller. Matches were closely contested and often high-scoring.
2015–2019: Nail-Biting Contests
This period featured several close finishes, including the 2015 Super Over thriller. PBKS began edging ahead in wins during the latter years.
2020–2021: High-Scoring Thrillers
The rivalry entered a new era with extraordinary batting feats, including Rahul Tewatia’s six-hitting and Sanju Samson’s century.
2022–2025: Balanced Results
RR maintained consistency with Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, while PBKS relied on players like Shikhar Dhawan and Arshdeep Singh to remain competitive.
Future of the Rivalry
With young talents emerging on both sides — Yashasvi Jaiswal for RR and new openers for PBKS — this rivalry is poised for more fireworks. RR’s depth in bowling combined with PBKS’s explosive batting ensures unpredictable contests in the coming IPL seasons.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline is filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable cricketing moments. While RR holds a historical edge, PBKS has delivered enough spectacular performances to keep the rivalry alive. From last-over finishes to record-breaking chases, this contest embodies the thrill of the IPL. As the league evolves, RR vs PBKS will continue to be one of the most anticipated matchups, guaranteeing fans high-octane entertainment season after season.
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