When it comes to entertaining rivalries in the Indian Premier League, the PBKS vs RR head-to-head contest stands out as one of the most competitive and unpredictable fixtures.
Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been locking horns since the very first season of the IPL in 2008.
Here is a complete breakdown of their head-to-head record, key stats, and memorable moments.
PBKS vs RR Head-to-Head Overall Record in IPL
The two teams have faced each other 30 times in IPL history, making it a well-established rivalry with plenty of data to analyse.
| Stat | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 30 |
| PBKS Wins | 13 |
| RR Wins | 17 |
| PBKS Highest Score vs RR | 223 |
| RR Highest Score vs PBKS | 226 |
| PBKS Lowest Score vs RR | 124 |
| RR Lowest Score vs PBKS | 112 |
Rajasthan Royals hold a clear edge in the RR vs PBKS head-to-head record, having won 17 out of 30 matches. Punjab Kings have managed 13 victories, including a notable Super Over win.
When Did PBKS and RR First Face Each Other in IPL?
The first-ever PBKS vs RR IPL match took place on 21st April 2008 in Jaipur during the sixth game of the inaugural IPL season.
Rajasthan Royals won that match by six wickets, setting the tone for a rivalry that would go on for nearly two decades.
Top Run-Scorers in PBKS vs RR Head to Head Matches
Some of the biggest names in IPL cricket have left their mark in this fixture:
- Sanju Samson (RR) — 632 runs, the highest by any player in PBKS vs RR matches
- KL Rahul (PBKS) — 490 runs across multiple seasons
- Shaun Marsh (PBKS) — 409 runs
- Ajinkya Rahane (RR) — 373 runs
Samson, who is also the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has been the standout performer in this rivalry, consistently delivering match-winning innings against Punjab Kings.
Key Bowling Performers in RR vs PBKS IPL Clashes
On the bowling front, Sandeep Sharma leads the wicket charts for Punjab Kings in their overall IPL campaign.
For Rajasthan Royals, Yuzvendra Chahal has been their most successful bowler throughout the tournament’s history. The death-over battles, particularly in the 18th and 19th overs, have proven decisive in several PBKS vs RR encounters.
Season-by-Season PBKS vs RR Head to Head Highlights
- IPL 2008: RR became the very first IPL champions that year, beating CSK in the final. Their dominance against PBKS started from this inaugural season.
- IPL 2019: PBKS emerged victorious in both league stage fixtures against RR, one of their stronger head-to-head seasons.
- IPL 2020: RR turned the tables by winning both clashes. A highlight was Mayank Agarwal’s brilliant 50-ball 106, though it came in a losing cause.
- IPL 2022: RR qualified for the final, and the teams met once in the league stage.
- IPL 2024: Both teams won one game each in their two meetings, maintaining the competitive balance.
- IPL 2025: The rivalry continued in entertaining fashion. RR won the first fixture by 50 runs after posting 205 in Mullanpur. PBKS took revenge in the reverse fixture at Jaipur, winning by 10 runs while defending 219.
PBKS vs RR IPL Head to Head: Who Has the Better Overall Record?
There is no denying that Rajasthan Royals have the better head-to-head record against Punjab Kings in IPL history. RR lead 17–13, hold the only IPL title between the two franchises (won in 2008), and have a win percentage of approximately 56% in this fixture.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have never won the IPL title and reached just one final in their entire IPL history, though they did make it to the final in IPL 2025. Their aggressive batting approach, led by players like Arshdeep Singh at the death and a rebuilt top order, continues to make them dangerous opponents for any team, including RR.
More Head-to-Head:
PBKS vs RR Head to Head: What to Expect in Future Encounters
With both teams regularly meeting twice per IPL season, once at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur (Punjab’s home) and once at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur (Rajasthan’s home), the rivalry shows no signs of losing its excitement.
RR’s batting spine built around Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja, combined with PBKS’s firepower at the top, guarantees high-scoring and closely contested matches.
Whether you follow it for the PBKS vs RR live score or dig into the historical stats, this is one IPL rivalry that consistently delivers.
