The Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline is one of the most entertaining head-to-head stories in IPL history. Since the inaugural 2008 season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have faced each other in several closely fought contests, high-scoring games, dramatic finishes, and memorable individual performances.
Across 31 encounters from 2008 through the 2026 IPL season, Rajasthan Royals have won 18 matches, while Punjab Kings have recorded 13 victories. The rivalry has remained competitive across different IPL eras, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance. Before 2021, Punjab Kings competed under the name Kings XI Punjab, so the historical record includes matches played under that former franchise name.
Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Timeline Overview
The complete Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline from 2008 to 2026 contains 31 matches. Rajasthan Royals have won 18 of these encounters, while Punjab Kings have won 13. This gives RR a clear statistical advantage, although several matches have been decided by very narrow margins.
The teams have also played against each other in several different countries and venues. Apart from their regular Indian venues, the rivalry has included matches in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. These overseas encounters added another dimension to the rivalry because the teams had to adapt to different pitches and playing conditions.
Complete Match History Timeline 2008–2026
| Year | Venue / Location | Match Winner | Margin / Result |
| 2008 | Jaipur | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2008 | Mohali | Punjab Kings | Won by 41 runs |
| 2009 | Cape Town, South Africa | Punjab Kings | Won by 27 runs |
| 2009 | Durban, South Africa | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 78 runs |
| 2010 | Mohali | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 31 runs |
| 2010 | Jaipur | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 9 wickets |
| 2011 | Mohali | Punjab Kings | Won by 48 runs |
| 2012 | Jaipur | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 31 runs |
| 2012 | Mohali | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 43 runs |
| 2013 | Jaipur | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2013 | Mohali | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 8 wickets |
| 2014 | Sharjah, UAE | Punjab Kings | Won by 7 wickets |
| 2014 | Mohali | Punjab Kings | Won by 16 runs |
| 2015 | Pune | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 26 runs |
| 2015 | Ahmedabad | Punjab Kings | Won via Super Over after a tie |
| 2018 | Indore | Punjab Kings | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2018 | Jaipur | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 15 runs |
| 2019 | Jaipur | Punjab Kings | Won by 14 runs |
| 2019 | Mohali | Punjab Kings | Won by 12 runs |
| 2020 | Sharjah, UAE | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 4 wickets |
| 2020 | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 7 wickets |
| 2021 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Punjab Kings | Won by 4 runs |
| 2021 | Dubai, UAE | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 2 runs |
| 2022 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2023 | Guwahati | Punjab Kings | Won by 5 runs |
| 2023 | Dharamshala | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 4 wickets |
| 2024 | Mullanpur, Chandigarh | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 3 wickets |
| 2024 | Guwahati | Punjab Kings | Won by 5 wickets |
| 2025 | Mullanpur, Chandigarh | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 50 runs |
| 2025 | Jaipur | Punjab Kings | Won by 10 runs |
| 2026 | Mullanpur, Chandigarh | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 6 wickets |
The timeline demonstrates how often these teams have been able to bounce back against each other. For example, Punjab Kings won the first match in 2008, but Rajasthan Royals responded with a victory later in the same season. A similar pattern has appeared in several later seasons, showing that one team’s victory does not necessarily guarantee dominance in the next meeting.
Head-to-Head Record
The overall head-to-head record gives Rajasthan Royals the upper hand. RR have won 18 of the 31 matches played against Punjab Kings, while PBKS have won 13. This means Rajasthan have won more than half of their completed encounters against Punjab.
Despite RR’s advantage, the record does not tell the entire story. Punjab have enjoyed strong periods, particularly in certain seasons, and have produced some impressive victories against Rajasthan. The two teams have also frequently exchanged wins within the same season.
Overall Head-to-Head Stats
| Head-to-Head Statistic | Rajasthan Royals | Punjab Kings |
| Total Matches | 31 | 31 |
| Wins | 18 | 13 |
| Highest Team Score | 228/4 | 223/2 |
| Biggest Win | 78 runs | 48 runs |
| Notable Individual Score | Sanju Samson – 119 | – |
| Best Bowling Performance | – | Arshdeep Singh – 5/32 |
| First Meeting | 2008 | 2008 |
| Former Name | Rajasthan Royals | Kings XI Punjab |
The statistics also highlight how productive the rivalry has been with the bat. Rajasthan’s highest score against Punjab is 228/4, while Punjab’s highest total is 223/2. These figures show that both teams have been capable of producing huge totals when their batting units find rhythm.
The bowling side of the rivalry has also produced standout performances. Arshdeep Singh’s 5/32 in 2021 remains one of the most notable bowling efforts for Punjab, while Rajasthan have repeatedly relied on their leading pacers and spinners to defend competitive totals.
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Match-through-Match Detailed Timeline
Looking at the rivalry season by season gives a clearer picture of how the balance between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings has changed. The early years established the rivalry, while the middle period produced some of its most dramatic contests. The recent era has been particularly competitive, with both sides regularly capable of scoring heavily. From Sanju Samson’s brilliant century to the dramatic Super Over and Rajasthan’s six-wicket victory in 2026, every phase has added something different to the story.
2008 Season – The Rivalry Begins
The first-ever meeting between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab took place during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Punjab won the match in Mohali by 41 runs, but Rajasthan quickly responded in Jaipur with a six-wicket victory. With one win each, the opening season established the competitive nature of this rivalry.
2009 Season – Rajasthan’s Big Win
The 2009 season featured two contrasting results between the teams. Punjab Kings won the Cape Town encounter by 27 runs, but Rajasthan Royals bounced back strongly in Durban. RR defeated Punjab by 78 runs, recording their biggest winning margin in the rivalry and showcasing a dominant all-round performance.
2010 Season – RR Takes Control
Rajasthan Royals strengthened their head-to-head advantage in 2010 by winning both matches against Punjab. They first defeated Punjab by 31 runs in Mohali before securing a comfortable nine-wicket victory in Jaipur. The two wins highlighted Rajasthan’s ability to both defend totals and chase targets effectively.
2011 Season – Punjab Strikes Back
Punjab Kings responded strongly in the 2011 season with a convincing 48-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in Mohali. The result showed that Punjab could challenge Rajasthan despite RR’s strong record from the previous season. Their dominant performance helped them regain momentum in the rivalry.
2012 Season – Two More RR Victories
Rajasthan Royals continued their dominance in 2012 by defeating Punjab Kings in both meetings. RR won the Jaipur match by 31 runs and followed it with a 43-run victory in Mohali. Their ability to defend competitive totals comfortably helped them secure another clean sweep over Punjab.
2013 Season – Rajasthan Remains Strong
Rajasthan Royals maintained their strong record in 2013, winning both encounters against Punjab Kings. They secured a six-wicket victory in Jaipur and followed it with an eight-wicket win in Mohali. Both results highlighted RR’s effective chasing ability and their consistency during this period.
2014 Season – Punjab Turns the Tables
Punjab Kings made a strong comeback in 2014 by defeating Rajasthan Royals in both matches. They won the first encounter in Sharjah by seven wickets before securing a 16-run victory in Mohali. These results ended Rajasthan’s winning momentum and showed that Punjab could dominate both while chasing and defending.
2015 Season – The Super Over Thriller
The 2015 season produced one of the most dramatic chapters in the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline. Rajasthan first defeated Punjab by 26 runs in Pune, but the second match in Ahmedabad ended in a tie. The game went to a Super Over, where Punjab Kings eventually secured the victory, making it one of the most memorable contests between the two sides.
2018 Season – IPL Returns After a Break
After Rajasthan Royals returned to the IPL in 2018, the rivalry resumed with another split result. Punjab Kings won the first meeting in Indore by six wickets, putting pressure on Rajasthan. RR responded in Jaipur with a 15-run victory, ensuring that both teams finished the season with one win each.
2019 Season – Punjab’s Double Victory
Punjab Kings enjoyed a strong 2019 season against Rajasthan Royals, winning both of their meetings. Punjab defeated RR by 14 runs in Jaipur and followed it with a 12-run victory in Mohali. Both matches were decided while defending totals, highlighting Punjab’s ability to put pressure on Rajasthan’s batting during the chase.
2020 Season – The Sharjah Classic
The 2020 season produced one of the most memorable matches in the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline. Punjab Kings scored a massive 223/2 in Sharjah, but Rajasthan Royals completed the chase and won by four wickets. RR also defeated Punjab by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi, giving Rajasthan a clean sweep in the season.
2021 Season – Two Extremely Close Games
The 2021 season featured two thrilling encounters between the sides. Punjab Kings won the first match at Wankhede Stadium by just four runs, while Rajasthan Royals secured a dramatic two-run victory in Dubai in the second meeting. Arshdeep Singh also delivered an outstanding performance by taking 5/32 for Punjab.
2022 Season – Rajasthan Continues Its Advantage
Rajasthan Royals continued their strong record against Punjab Kings in 2022 with a six-wicket victory at Wankhede Stadium. RR’s batting unit handled the chase effectively and maintained control during the crucial stages of the match. The result further strengthened Rajasthan’s advantage in the overall head-to-head record.
2023 Season – Split Results
The two teams shared the honors in 2023, with each side recording one victory. Punjab Kings won the Guwahati encounter by five runs in a closely fought finish, while Rajasthan Royals responded in Dharamshala with a four-wicket victory. The results once again showed how evenly matched the teams could be.
2024 Season – Another Split
The 2024 season followed a similar pattern, with Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings winning one match each. RR secured a three-wicket victory at Mullanpur, while Punjab responded in Guwahati with a five-wicket win. Neither team could establish complete dominance during the season.
2025 Season – One Win Each
The rivalry remained competitive in 2025 as both teams recorded a victory. Rajasthan Royals produced a commanding 50-run win at Mullanpur, while Punjab Kings bounced back in Jaipur with a 10-run victory. The contrasting results once again highlighted the unpredictable nature of this IPL fixture.
2026 Season – Rajasthan’s Six-Wicket Victory
The latest chapter in the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline came in 2026 at Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Rajasthan Royals defeated Punjab Kings by six wickets, securing their 18th victory in the head-to-head rivalry. The result further strengthened RR’s overall 18–13 advantage over Punjab.
Key Players in RR vs PBKS Matches
Individual performances have always played an important role in the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings rivalry. Over the years, several players have delivered match-winning batting and bowling performances that have shaped the outcome of important encounters.
Rajasthan Royals
- Sanju Samson
- Jos Buttler
- Shane Watson
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Yuzvendra Chahal
Punjab Kings
- Arshdeep Singh
- KL Rahul
- Chris Gayle
- Shikhar Dhawan
- Mayank Agarwal
- Liam Livingstone
- Sam Curran
Batting & Bowling Comparison
The batting numbers from the rivalry show that both teams have been capable of producing enormous scores. Rajasthan’s highest total is 228/4, while Punjab’s best is 223/2. These totals are especially significant because the rivalry has not simply been about defensive cricket. Several matches have been driven by aggressive batting, rapid run chases and pressure-filled final overs.
Team Performance Table
| Category | Rajasthan Royals | Punjab Kings |
| Total matches | 31 | 31 |
| Wins | 18 | 13 |
| Highest score | 228/4 | 223/2 |
| Biggest win | 78 runs | 48 runs |
| Best individual score | Sanju Samson – 119 | – |
| Best bowling figures | – | Arshdeep Singh – 5/32 |
| Most memorable chase | 2020, Sharjah | – |
| Latest result | Won by 6 wickets | Lost by 6 wickets |
The figures suggest that Rajasthan have had a slight overall edge in both consistency and match management. Their record includes victories while chasing and defending, as well as several narrow wins.
Punjab, however, have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to produce match-winning batting performances. Their 223/2 in Sharjah remains one of the clearest examples of their ability to dominate an RR bowling attack when their top order gets going.
Strengths & Weaknesses
The rivalry is interesting because the two franchises have experienced different strengths during different periods. Rajasthan have often relied on strong leadership, quality top-order batting and disciplined bowling. Punjab, meanwhile, have frequently been associated with aggressive batting and individual brilliance. When their leading players perform together, they can challenge Rajasthan regardless of the historical head-to-head record.
Rajasthan Royals Strengths
Rajasthan Royals’ biggest strength has traditionally been their ability to adapt to different match situations. They have won high-scoring chases, defended totals and survived extremely close finishes. Their 18 victories demonstrate that RR have generally been better at converting competitive situations into wins. The 2020 Sharjah chase and the two-run victory in Dubai in 2021 are excellent examples of their ability to remain composed under pressure.
Rajasthan Royals Weaknesses
Despite their superior record, Rajasthan have not always been consistent against Punjab. The 2014 season, for example, saw Punjab defeat RR twice, while Punjab also won both meetings in 2019. RR can become vulnerable when their top-order batting fails to provide a strong platform. In close matches, losing wickets at the wrong time can put pressure on the middle and lower order.
Punjab Kings Strengths
Punjab Kings possess the ability to produce explosive batting performances. Their 223/2 in the 2020 Sharjah encounter remains a perfect illustration of what their batting unit can achieve. Their bowling attack has also produced match-winning spells. Arshdeep Singh’s 5/32 in 2021 is one of the best examples of a Punjab bowler taking control of the game against Rajasthan.
Punjab Kings Weaknesses
Punjab’s biggest challenge has been consistency. Despite producing several excellent individual performances and winning 13 matches, they have struggled to maintain the same level of performance across different seasons. The head-to-head record of 13 wins compared with Rajasthan’s 18 shows that Punjab have often fallen short in closely contested situations. Turning strong starts and individual performances into complete team victories remains important for PBKS.
Recent Match Analysis
The modern phase of the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings rivalry has been particularly competitive. Since 2020, the teams have produced several close finishes, including Rajasthan’s two-run victory in 2021 and Punjab’s four-run win in the same season. The 2025 season again demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the contest. Rajasthan won by 50 runs at Mullanpur, but Punjab responded by winning the Jaipur encounter by 10 runs.
This pattern of exchanging victories has become common between the two sides. The 2026 match continued Rajasthan’s strong overall record. RR defeated Punjab by six wickets at Mullanpur, giving them their 18th victory in the 31-match head-to-head history.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
Several moments stand out when looking through the complete Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline:
- Punjab won the first-ever meeting in 2008 by 41 runs.
- Rajasthan responded with a six-wicket victory later in 2008.
- RR defeated Punjab by 78 runs in Durban in 2009.
- Rajasthan won both matches against Punjab in 2010.
- Punjab recorded a 48-run victory in 2011.
- RR won both meetings in 2012 and 2013.
- Punjab won both encounters in 2014.
- The 2015 Ahmedabad match was decided by a Super Over.
- Rajasthan won the famous Sharjah chase in 2020.
- Punjab posted 223/2 in that 2020 Sharjah match.
- Sanju Samson scored 119 off 63 balls in 2021.
- Arshdeep Singh took 5/32 in 2021.
- Rajasthan won by only two runs in Dubai in 2021.
- RR defeated PBKS by 50 runs in 2025.
- Punjab responded with a 10-run win in Jaipur.
- Rajasthan Royals won the latest 2026 encounter by six wickets.
These moments explain why this fixture has remained popular among IPL followers. Even when one team has enjoyed a better overall record, individual matches have often produced unexpected results.
Future Outlook
The future of the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings rivalry looks promising because both teams continue to feature talented Indian players, international stars and aggressive T20 specialists. The changing nature of IPL squads means that the balance can shift quickly from one season to another. Rajasthan will enter future meetings with the confidence of having won 18 of the first 31 encounters.
Punjab, however, will have the motivation to reduce that gap and build a stronger record against one of their long-standing opponents. As the IPL continues to evolve, new players will add their own chapters to this rivalry. The next generation of batters, fast bowlers and finishers could create moments that eventually become as memorable as the 2015 Super Over or the 2020 Sharjah run chase.
FAQs
Q1. Who has won more matches between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings?
Rajasthan Royals have won more matches against Punjab Kings in IPL history. Through the 2026 season, RR have recorded 18 victories, while Punjab Kings have won 13 of 31 encounters.
Q2. When did Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings first face each other?
Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings first faced each other during the 2008 IPL season in Mohali. Punjab, then known as Kings XI Punjab, won the match by 41 runs before RR responded with a six-wicket victory in Jaipur.
Q3. What is the highest score in RR vs PBKS matches?
Rajasthan Royals’ highest score against Punjab Kings is 228/4. Punjab Kings have also recorded an impressive 223/2, which came during the famous 2020 match in Sharjah.
Q4. Who scored the highest individual score in RR vs PBKS matches?
Sanju Samson holds one of the most memorable individual batting records in this rivalry. He scored 119 runs from 63 balls against Punjab Kings in 2021, producing a spectacular innings for Rajasthan Royals.
Q5. What are the best bowling figures in RR vs PBKS matches?
Arshdeep Singh recorded one of the best bowling performances in the rivalry by taking 5/32 in 2021. His five-wicket haul put Rajasthan’s batting under significant pressure and remains a standout performance.
Q6. Which team has the better head-to-head record?
Rajasthan Royals have the better head-to-head record against Punjab Kings. RR have won 18 matches, compared with 13 victories for PBKS, giving Rajasthan a five-match advantage in the rivalry.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings timeline stretches from the inaugural IPL season in 2008 to the latest meeting in 2026 and includes 31 memorable encounters. Rajasthan Royals currently hold the upper hand with 18 wins, compared with Punjab Kings’ 13 victories.
From the opening clash in Mohali to the dramatic 2015 Super Over, the unforgettable 2020 Sharjah run chase, Sanju Samson’s 119, Arshdeep Singh’s five-wicket haul and Rajasthan’s six-wicket victory in 2026, the rivalry has delivered plenty of memorable cricket.
Although Rajasthan have the stronger overall record, Punjab Kings remain capable of challenging them whenever the two sides meet. With both franchises continuing to build competitive squads, the next chapters of this long-running IPL rivalry could bring even more high-scoring games, close finishes and individual performances for fans to remember.
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