Introduction
The Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been one of the most fascinating rivalries to follow. Both franchises entered the league in its inaugural season in 2008, and since then, their encounters have produced thrilling matches, high-scoring chases, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable performances. Rajasthan Royals (RR), the first-ever IPL champions in 2008, are known for nurturing young talent and playing fearless cricket. On the other hand, Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, have always been a powerhouse of batting, featuring explosive players who light up the tournament. Fans eagerly anticipate RR vs PBKS clashes every year, making their rivalry one of the most exciting in the IPL.
This article covers the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline, including their head-to-head record, match-by-match results from 2008 to 2025, iconic moments, best batting and bowling performances, and a detailed update of their most recent match in IPL 2025.
Table of Contents
Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Head-to-Head Record (Till IPL 2025)
Here’s a quick overview of the RR vs PBKS head-to-head record in IPL up to the 2025 season.
| Total Matches Played | Wins by Rajasthan Royals | Wins by Punjab Kings | Win Percentage (RR) | Win Percentage (PBKS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 16 | 12 | 57.14% | 42.86% |
Note: Stats updated till IPL 2025.
Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Timeline (2008–2025)
The following table presents the complete Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline, showcasing every match between the two sides, along with results, venues, margins of victory, and standout performers.
| Year | Match No. & Venue | Winner | Margin of Win | Top Performer (Batsman/Bowler) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Match 9, Mohali | RR | 6 wickets | Shane Watson – 76 runs |
| 2008 | Match 31, Jaipur | PBKS | 9 wickets | Shaun Marsh – 84 runs |
| 2009 | Match 5, Cape Town | PBKS | 27 runs | Kumar Sangakkara – 60 runs |
| 2009 | Match 30, Durban | RR | 78 runs | Yusuf Pathan – 62 runs, 3 wkts |
| 2010 | Match 30, Jaipur | RR | 31 runs | Naman Ojha – 68 runs |
| 2010 | Match 48, Mohali | PBKS | 4 wickets | Mahela Jayawardene – 56 runs |
| 2011 | Match 14, Mohali | RR | 6 wickets | Shane Warne – 3/19 |
| 2011 | Match 61, Jaipur | RR | 43 runs | Shane Watson – 89 runs |
| 2012 | Match 4, Jaipur | RR | 31 runs | Ajinkya Rahane – 98 runs |
| 2012 | Match 28, Mohali | PBKS | 6 wickets | Mandeep Singh – 77 runs |
| 2013 | Match 18, Jaipur | RR | 6 wickets | James Faulkner – 3 wkts |
| 2013 | Match 55, Mohali | PBKS | 7 wickets | David Miller – 51* runs |
| 2014 | Match 7, Sharjah | RR | 8 wickets | Sanju Samson – 52 runs |
| 2014 | Match 52, Mohali | PBKS | 16 runs | Glenn Maxwell – 89 runs |
| 2015 | Match 18, Ahmedabad | RR | Super Over | Ajinkya Rahane – 74 runs |
| 2015 | Match 43, Mohali | PBKS | 16 runs | Shaun Marsh – 63 runs |
| 2018 | Match 15, Jaipur | RR | 3 wickets | Jos Buttler – 69 runs |
| 2018 | Match 38, Indore | RR | 15 runs | Jos Buttler – 82 runs |
| 2019 | Match 4, Jaipur | PBKS | 14 runs | Chris Gayle – 79 runs |
| 2019 | Match 32, Mohali | PBKS | 12 runs | KL Rahul – 52 runs |
| 2020 | Match 9, Sharjah | RR | 4 wickets | Rahul Tewatia – 53 runs |
| 2020 | Match 50, Abu Dhabi | RR | 7 wickets | Ben Stokes – 50 runs, 2 wkts |
| 2021 | Match 4, Mumbai | PBKS | 4 runs | KL Rahul – 91 runs |
| 2021 | Match 32, Dubai | RR | 2 runs | Kartik Tyagi – 2 wkts (last over) |
| 2022 | Match 52, Mumbai | RR | 6 wickets | Yashasvi Jaiswal – 68 runs |
| 2023 | Match 8, Guwahati | PBKS | 5 runs | Shikhar Dhawan – 86 runs |
| 2023 | Match 66, Dharamsala | RR | 4 wickets | Devdutt Padikkal – 51 runs |
| 2024 | Match 10, Jaipur | RR | 7 wickets | Jos Buttler – 82* runs |
| 2024 | Match 54, Mohali | PBKS | 8 wickets | Shashank Singh – 65 runs |
| 2025 | Match 17, Jaipur | RR | 5 wickets | Sanju Samson – 72 runs |
| 2025 | Match 46, Mohali | PBKS | 19 runs | Jonny Bairstow – 92 runs |
Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Rivalry History (2008–2025)
The Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings IPL history has been a rollercoaster ride of momentum shifts and incredible contests. In the early years, Rajasthan Royals dominated with consistent wins, especially in Jaipur. Punjab Kings, however, had their share of glory with some high-scoring chases powered by explosive batting performances from Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Gayle, and KL Rahul.
The rivalry gained further intensity after 2014, as both teams began producing last-over thrillers. Notably, the 2015 super over clash in Ahmedabad remains etched in fans’ memories. In recent years, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have turned into Rajasthan’s match-winners, while Punjab’s charge has been led by Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, and Jonny Bairstow.
By 2025, both sides have won nearly equal matches, making this one of the closest rivalries in IPL history.
Iconic Matches & Key Moments in Rivalry
1. The Super Over Thriller (2015)
The 2015 clash in Ahmedabad was decided in a super over where Ajinkya Rahane’s brilliance and RR’s composure sealed the victory.
2. Rahul Tewatia’s Miracle Innings (2020)
Chasing 224 in Sharjah, Tewatia turned the match on its head by smashing five sixes in an over, guiding Rajasthan to one of the greatest chases in IPL history.
3. Kartik Tyagi’s Last Over Heroics (2021)
Defending 4 runs in the final over, Tyagi bowled a sensational spell to snatch victory for Rajasthan, stunning Punjab and their fans.
4. Jonny Bairstow’s Masterclass (2025)
In Mohali, Bairstow’s 92-run blitz powered Punjab to a commanding win, showcasing why he remains one of the most dangerous openers in T20 cricket.
Best Batting Performances in RR vs PBKS Matches
- Jos Buttler (82 in 2024, Jaipur):* A flawless chase that anchored RR’s victory.
- KL Rahul (91 in 2021, Mumbai): Nearly took PBKS to a huge total and secured a close win.
- Rahul Tewatia (53 in 2020, Sharjah): The miracle knock that redefined belief in IPL chases.
- Jonny Bairstow (92 in 2025, Mohali): A dominating innings that crushed RR’s bowling attack.
Best Bowling Performances in RR vs PBKS Matches
- Shane Warne (3/19 in 2011, Mohali): Vintage captaincy and bowling brilliance.
- James Faulkner (3 wickets in 2013, Jaipur): Known for his clever variations in the death overs.
- Kartik Tyagi (2 wickets in 2021, Dubai): A legendary last over, defending the unthinkable.
- Ben Stokes (2/29 in 2020, Abu Dhabi): An all-round show that helped Rajasthan win convincingly.
IPL 2025 Latest Match Update
In Match 46 of IPL 2025 in Mohali, Punjab Kings defeated Rajasthan Royals by 19 runs. Batting first, PBKS posted 198/5, with Jonny Bairstow scoring a match-winning 92 runs. Rajasthan’s chase was led by Sanju Samson’s fighting 64, but they eventually fell short at 179/8. This victory helped Punjab stay alive in the playoff race, while Rajasthan looked to bounce back strongly in their upcoming matches.
Upcoming Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Matches in IPL 2025
The two sides are expected to meet again if they qualify for the playoffs. Given how close their rivalry has been, another RR vs PBKS clash could easily turn into one of the highlights of IPL 2025. Fans will be eagerly watching for standout performances from Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Shikhar Dhawan, and Jonny Bairstow in the upcoming encounters.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline perfectly captures the unpredictability and thrill of IPL cricket. With over 28 matches played till 2025, their rivalry remains evenly matched, producing iconic innings, last-over thrillers, and moments that live long in fans’ memories. Both teams have their strengths—Rajasthan’s ability to back youngsters and Punjab’s explosive batting power.
As IPL 2025 continues, fans are asking one burning question: Who do you think will dominate in the upcoming RR vs PBKS clash in IPL 2025?
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