RR vs PBKS Head to Head IPL History
Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings share one of the IPL’s most explosive rivalries, a series loaded with runs, nerves, and seesaw drama. Their meetings can stand shoulder to shoulder with the celebrated El Clasico battles of Mumbai Indians against Punjab Kings because pink versus red rarely disappoints. Both squads usually carry underdog tags and swing between brilliance and misfire, yet their clashes keep yielding classics. Think of 2021 at Wankhede when Rajasthan almost chased 222 as Sanju Samson blazed 119, only to fall five runs shy. Recall 2020 in Sharjah when the Royals hunted down 224 thanks to Rahul Tewatia’s five late sixes, or 2023 in Guwahati when Punjab’s 197 survived by a whisker against Hetmyer’s and Jurel’s charge. The script flips in 2025. Punjab Kings are soaring toward the playoffs while Rajasthan have already bowed out, but history insists that whenever these two collide, fireworks remain inevitable.
Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings: Numbers at a Glance
Head to Head
- Matches Played: 29
- Punjab Kings Wins: 12
- Rajasthan Royals Wins: 17
Royals lead with 17 victories while the Kings own 12, translating to win percentages of 58.6 for Rajasthan and 41.4 for Punjab.
Recent Trend
Momentum now sits firmly in Rajasthan’s camp. Since 2020, Rajasthan have captured seven of the last ten meetings, repeatedly holding their nerve in nail-biters that once swung Punjab’s way. That surge has flipped the rivalry’s long-standing narrative of early-season Kings supremacy and stamped the Royals as present-day favourites.
2025 Snapshot and Venue Impact
The lone 2025 clash fit the new pattern: Royals piled up 205 and thrashed Punjab by 50 runs. Home conditions generally amplify Rajasthan’s edge, yet their adaptability is clear. When fixtures moved to neutral sites in 2020 and 2021, the pink brigade still bagged three wins from four, proving they can impose their style whether in Jaipur, Guwahati or unfamiliar surroundings.
Most Memorable RR vs PBKS Matches in IPL
1. Kartik Tyagi’s last over miracle stuns Punjab in 2021, Dubai
With Punjab needing just 8 runs off 12 balls and eight wickets in hand, victory seemed inevitable. But Rajasthan Royals pulled off one of the greatest heists in IPL history. Mustafizur Rahman bowled a superb penultimate over, giving away just four runs. The pressure was then on Kartik Tyagi, a young pacer with ice in his veins, who was asked to defend four runs in the final over. He delivered a stunning sequence that included two wickets and just one run. Punjab collapsed under pressure, and Rajasthan snatched a 2-run win that left fans and pundits stunned.
2. Rahul Tewatia’s incredible comeback knock in 2020, Sharjah
In one of the most iconic chases in IPL history, Rajasthan Royals hunted down 224 with three balls to spare. Sanju Samson and Steve Smith gave a flying start, but it was Rahul Tewatia who turned the match around. Struggling early with just 8 off 19 balls, he suddenly erupted, smashing five sixes in a single Sheldon Cottrell over. His eventual 53 off 31 and Jofra Archer’s late cameos sealed the highest successful chase in IPL history. The match redefined Tewatia’s career and remains etched in fans’ memories as a game of belief and madness.
3. Mitchell Johnson’s Super Over heroics sink the Royals, 2015
This clash went the distance and beyond. Punjab were almost down and out before Axar Patel’s late heroics forced a Super Over. Shaun Marsh then stepped up and smashed three crisp boundaries to set Rajasthan a target of 16. Despite boasting a powerful Australian core of Shane Watson, James Faulkner, and Steve Smith, Rajasthan stumbled. Mitchell Johnson bowled with fire and precision, conceding just five runs and taking a crucial wicket. Punjab clinched a dramatic win in one of the rarest low-scoring Super Over thrillers of that season.
4. Ashwin’s mankad sparks chaos as Punjab turn the tables in Jaipur, 2019
This match is often remembered not for the result but for the controversy. Punjab posted 184, and Rajasthan were cruising in response. Jos Buttler was playing fluently when Ravichandran Ashwin ran him out at the non-striker’s end in a rare ‘Mankad’ dismissal. The dismissal triggered a collapse. From 108 for 2, the Royals spiralled to 164 for 9, handing Punjab a 14-run win. The match reignited debates around the spirit of the game and left a sour taste despite the quality of cricket on offer in the earlier phases of the chase.
5. Hetmyer’s calm finish edges out Punjab in a tense chase, 2024
On a tricky surface, Punjab managed just 147, setting up what looked like a comfortable chase. With Jos Buttler missing due to injury, Rajasthan promoted Tanush Kotian as an opener. However, his 24 off 31 balls slowed down the innings. From 80 for 2, the Royals lost momentum and were suddenly staring at defeat at 138 for 7. With 10 needed off the final over, Shimron Hetmyer stood tall. He targeted Arshdeep Singh, hitting two boundaries and running smartly between the wickets to seal a tense win. A low-scoring classic that tested nerves till the last ball.
RR vs PBKS: Top Player Battles Over the Years
Individual matchups have often tilted games between the Rajasthan Royals and the Punjab Kings. These player battles, especially during the powerplay, have influenced momentum and set the tone for several high-scoring thrillers. Here are a few key duels to watch out for:
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Arshdeep Singh
Innings: 6
Runs: 36
Strike Rate: 124
Dismissals: 2
Arshdeep Singh has managed to keep Jaiswal quiet in the powerplay by denying him width and pace. The left arm angle has cramped his strokeplay and given Punjab early breakthroughs in a few games.
Prabhsimran Singh vs Trent Boult
Innings: 4
Runs: 24
Strike Rate: 114
Dismissals: 2
Boult’s swing upfront has troubled Prabhsimran, often forcing false shots. His early strikes have helped RR control the first six overs and slow down Punjab’s starts.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Kagiso Rabada
Innings: 4
Runs: 14
Strike Rate: 85
Dismissals: 1
Rabada’s pace has pinned Jaiswal down, restricting scoring options. This pressure early on has often disrupted RR’s flow and forced them to play catch-up later.
IPL Playoff Clashes Between RR and PBKS: Have They Ever Met?
Despite having some exciting battles in the league stage, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings have never faced each other in an IPL playoff match. However, there have been instances where a clash looked likely but never materialised.
In 2008, RR topped the table and PBKS finished second. A dream final was on the cards, but Punjab lost their semi-final to Chennai Super Kings, denying fans the first-ever RR vs PBKS final. In 2014, Punjab had its best season and finished at the top of the table. Rajasthan were close to qualifying but missed out dramatically when Mumbai Indians chased down 195 in just 14.3 overs, edging RR out on net run rate.
RR’s best season came in 2008 when they were crowned champions under Shane Warne. PBKS had their finest campaign in 2014, finishing as runners-up. Yet, their paths have never crossed in the knockouts, only in thrilling league stage classics.
What can you expect in the next RR vs. PBKS clash?
As Rajasthan Royals host Punjab Kings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium tomorrow, the dynamics could not be more contrasting. RR are reeling without skipper Sanju Samson and are a struggling overseas unit. The side now led by Riyan Parag will look to spoil PBKS’ momentum and playoff ambitions. Punjab, on the other hand, are chasing a top-two finish with a settled lineup and sky-high confidence. Expect them to target RR’s middle-order fragility and misfiring bowling attack.
Eyes will be on Prabhsimran Singh, who has smashed 437 runs at a strike rate of 170, including three fifties in his last four games. Yashasvi Jaiswal, with 288 runs in 7 innings against PBKS, remains a threat up top.
Fantasy Picks: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Riyan Parag, both PBKS openers, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Prediction: A dominant performance from Punjab Kings, who should seal the two points with ease.
FAQs – RR vs PBKS Head to Head
How many times have RR and PBKS played each other in the IPL?
Ans: Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings have faced each other 29 times in the IPL.
Which team has the better head-to-head record, RR or PBKS?
Ans: Rajasthan Royals hold the edge with 17 wins, while Punjab Kings have won 12.
What is the highest-scoring match between RR and PBKS?
Ans: The highest scoring thriller came in 2020 at Sharjah, where RR successfully chased 224 in a record-breaking match.
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