by When cricket fans think about the Indian Premier League’s most entertaining rivalries, the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline immediately comes to mind.
This isn’t your typical David vs Goliath story — it’s something far more interesting.
It’s a clash between two completely different cricket philosophies that has produced some of the IPL’s most memorable moments since 2008.
RR built their legacy on smart cricket, discovering hidden gems, and punching above their weight.
RCB, on the other hand, became synonymous with star power, explosive batting, and the never-ending chase for that elusive first IPL trophy after their maiden season disappointment.
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline
What makes this rivalry special isn’t dominance by one side — it’s the unpredictability. You genuinely never know who’ll win when these two teams face off.
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2008: Where It All Began — The Inaugural IPL Season
The IPL’s first season introduced the world to two very different franchises.
Rajasthan Royals were the underdogs nobody expected to succeed. With a modest budget and no mega-star signings, they relied on Shane Warne’s tactical genius and young, hungry Indian players.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (as they were called then) were the opposite — big names, big budget, big expectations. They had Rahul Dravid as captain and Jacques Kallis as their star all-rounder.
First-Ever Meeting (April 18, 2008 – Bengaluru)
- RCB’s Score: 222/3 in 20 overs (huge total in early IPL days)
- RR’s Chase: 223/5 in 19.5 overs
- Result: RR won by 5 wickets
Hero: Graeme Smith smashed 71 off 45 balls for RR.
This match set the tone — RR could chase anything, and RCB’s big totals weren’t always safe.
Second Meeting (May 17, 2008 – Jaipur)
- RCB’s Score: 158/8 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 161/3 in 17.5 overs
- Result: RR won by 7 wickets
Impact Player: Shane Watson destroyed RCB with both bat and ball.
The Season Result:
RR went on to win the entire IPL championship — the ultimate underdog story. RCB finished 7th out of 8 teams, struggling to find its identity.
| Year | Matches | RR Wins | RCB Wins | Season Champion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Rajasthan Royals |
Key Takeaway: The rivalry started with RR proving that smart cricket beats star power. This theme would continue for years.
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2009: RCB’s Awakening in South Africa
The 2009 IPL was moved to South Africa due to the general elections in India. This change benefited RCB.
First Meeting (April 18, 2009 – Cape Town)
- RCB’s Score: 133/8 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 92 all out in 15.1 overs
- Result: RCB won by 41 runs
Star Bowler: Praveen Kumar and Anil Kumble ripped through RR’s batting.
This was RCB’s first-ever win against RR — breaking the losing streak.
Second Meeting (May 9, 2009 – Cape Town)
- RCB’s Score: 116 all out in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 117/4 in 14.4 overs
- Result: RR won by 6 wickets
Easy Win: RR chased down the modest target comfortably.
The Season:
RCB showed improvement, reaching the final before losing to Deccan Chargers. RR had a mediocre season, finishing 6th.
What Changed: RCB discovered their future captain, Virat Kohli, started showing glimpses of his talent.
2010: Close Encounters and Last-Over Thrillers
Only Meeting (March 12, 2010 – Mumbai)
- RCB’s Score: 175/5 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 176/4 in 19.4 overs
- Result: RR won by 6 wickets
Match-Winner: Naman Ojha played a crucial knock for RR.
This was a typical RR vs RCB match — high-scoring, entertaining, and decided in the final overs.
2011: RCB’s Batting Beast Emerges
By 2011, RCB had assembled one of cricket’s most explosive batting lineups ever.
The Big Three:
- Chris Gayle
- Virat Kohli
- AB de Villiers
First Meeting (April 19, 2011 – Bengaluru)
- RCB’s Score: 185/4 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 158 all out in 19.2 overs
- Result: RCB won by 27 runs
Star: Chris Gayle announced his arrival in RCB colors with a blistering knock.
Second Meeting (May 17, 2011 – Jaipur)
- RCB’s Score: 158/2 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 133/8 in 20 overs
- Result: RCB won by 25 runs
RCB’s Dominance: They won both matches convincingly.
The Season: RCB finished 3rd, RR finished 6th. The balance of power was shifting.
2012: Rahane’s Masterclass — One of IPL’s Most Elegant Innings
First Meeting (April 11, 2012 – Jaipur)
- RR’s Score: 195/2 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 179/6 in 20 overs
- Result: RR won by 16 runs
The Innings Nobody Forgets:
Ajinkya Rahane scored an unbeaten 103 off 60 balls — one of the most stylish centuries in IPL history.
His timing, placement, and shot selection were pure class. While RCB had power hitters, RR had elegance and technique.
Second Meeting (May 12, 2012 – Bengaluru)
- RCB’s Score: 158/2 in 20 overs (Chris Gayle 81*)
- RR’s Chase: 124/8 in 20 overs
- Result: RCB won by 34 runs
Gayle’s Response: He reminded everyone why he was the most feared batsman in T20 cricket.
| Year | Winner | Star Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Split (1-1) | Ajinkya Rahane 103* (RR), Gayle 81* (RCB) |
2013: Watson’s Carnage — The All-Round Destruction
First Meeting (April 21, 2013 – Jaipur)
- RR’s Score: 165/7 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 169/7 in 19 overs
- Result: RCB won by 3 wickets
Last-Ball Drama: RCB chased it down with one ball to spare.
Second Meeting (May 17, 2013 – Bengaluru)
This match became legendary.
- RCB’s Score: 183/4 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 190/5 in 19.3 overs
- Result: RR won by 5 wickets
The Beast Unleashed:
Shane Watson played one of the greatest T20 innings ever — 101 not out off just 61 balls.
He smashed 9 fours and 6 sixes, absolutely demolishing RCB’s bowling attack. Nothing worked — pace, spin, yorkers. Watson was unstoppable.
Why It Matters: This innings showed that RR didn’t just rely on team efforts — they had match-winners who could single-handedly destroy opponents.
2014: AB de Villiers — The Superman Finish
Only Meeting (May 11, 2014 – Jaipur)
- RR’s Score: 190/9 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 191/5 in 19.3 overs
- Result: RCB won by 5 wickets
The Chase Master:
AB de Villiers played one of his trademark superhuman innings — 66 not out off 38 balls.
When RCB needed 60 runs from 31 balls, most teams would panic. Not AB. He made the impossible look routine.
Quote from commentators: “AB de Villiers doesn’t play cricket — he invents new ways to score runs.”
This match perfectly captured the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline — high-scoring games decided by individual brilliance.
2015: Mixed Results, Continued Drama
First Meeting (April 17, 2015 – Bengaluru)
- RCB’s Score: 200/7 in 20 overs (AB 47, Gayle 64)
- RR’s Chase: 179/6 in 20 overs
- Result: RCB won by 21 runs
Big Total: RCB’s batting firepower was too much for RR.
Second Meeting (May 15, 2015 – Jaipur)
- RR’s Score: 201/6 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 179/7 in 20 overs
- Result: RR won by 22 runs
Home Advantage: RR defended brilliantly in Jaipur.
Pattern Emerging: Home advantage was becoming crucial in this rivalry.
2016: Kohli’s Historic Season — 973 Runs
This was the year Virat Kohli rewrote IPL record books.
First Meeting (April 9, 2016 – Bengaluru)
- RCB’s Score: 191/5 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 179/8 in 20 overs
- Result: RCB won by 12 runs
Kohli’s Show: Virat Kohli scored a brilliant 75 off 51 balls.
Second Meeting (May 14, 2016 – Jaipur)
- RCB’s Score: 180/6 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 167/8 in 20 overs
- Result: RCB won by 13 runs
RCB’s Dominance: They swept RR 2-0 during Kohli’s record-breaking season.
The Season: RCB reached the final but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. RR had a forgettable season.
Kohli’s Final Tally: 973 runs in the season — a record that still stands.
2017: A Forgettable Year for Both
Only Meeting (April 11, 2017 – Jaipur)
- RR’s Score: 217/4 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 198/6 in 20 overs
- Result: RR won by 19 runs
Massive Total: RR posted one of their highest scores against RCB.
The Reality: Both teams finished near the bottom of the table. Neither made the playoffs.
2018: RR Returns After Suspension
Rajasthan Royals returned to the IPL after a 2-year suspension for spot-fixing allegations. They had a new squad and renewed energy.
First Meeting (April 15, 2018 – Bengaluru)
- RCB’s Score: 158/4 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 164/3 in 19.1 overs
- Result: RR won by 7 wickets
Comfortable Win: RR chased down the target easily.
Second Meeting (May 15, 2018 – Jaipur)
- RR’s Score: 164/5 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 134 all out in 19.2 overs
- Result: RR won by 30 runs
Clean Sweep: RR won both matches against RCB.
Star Emergence: Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson were becoming RR’s backbone.
2019: The Infamous Collapse — RCB 49 All Out
This season produced one of IPL’s most shocking moments.
First Meeting (April 2, 2019 – Bengaluru)
This wasn’t RR vs RCB, but it’s worth mentioning because RCB’s confidence was shattered when Kolkata Knight Riders bowled them out for 49 all out — the lowest-ever IPL score.
When they faced RR days later, RCB was still recovering from that humiliation.
RR vs RCB Meeting (April 30, 2019 – Jaipur)
- RR’s Score: 164/3 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 154/6 in 20 overs
- Result: RR won by 10 runs
Jofra Archer Effect: His pace troubled RCB’s batsmen throughout.
The Season: Both teams had disappointing seasons, failing to make the playoffs.
| Famous Match | Score | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| RCB vs KKR 2019 | RCB 49 all out | IPL’s lowest-ever total |
| RCB vs RR 59? | This never happened | People confuse it with the KKR match |
Note: The “RCB vs RR 59 all out scorecard” that people search for doesn’t exist. The confusion comes from RCB’s 49 all-out against KKR.
2020: COVID Season in UAE — Split Results
The 2020 IPL was played entirely in the UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
First Meeting (October 3, 2020 – Abu Dhabi)
- RCB’s Score: 154/6 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 137/9 in 20 overs
- Result: RCB won by 17 runs
Defensive Masterclass: RCB defended a modest total brilliantly.
Second Meeting (October 17, 2020 – Dubai)
- RR’s Score: 177/6 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 181/5 in 19.4 overs
- Result: RCB won by 5 wickets
Chase Master: AB de Villiers once again showed his finishing prowess.
Season Result: RCB made the playoffs, RR finished last.
2021: New Era Begins — Young Guns vs Experience
First Meeting (April 22, 2021 – Mumbai)
- RCB’s Score: 177/6 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 143 all out in 19.1 overs
- Result: RCB won by 34 runs
Comfortable Win: RCB’s bowling attack was too good.
Second Meeting (September 29, 2021 – Dubai)
- RCB’s Score: 149/9 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 150/3 in 18.3 overs
- Result: RR won by 7 wickets
Easy Chase: RR hunted down the target comfortably.
Emerging Star: Yashasvi Jaiswal started showing his talent.
2022: The Playoff Heartbreak — Buttler’s Masterclass
This was the most important match in the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline.
First Meeting (April 5, 2022 – Mumbai)
- RR’s Score: 169/3 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 173/6 in 20 overs
- Result: RCB won by 4 wickets
Last-Over Drama: RCB chased it down with 2 balls to spare.
Second Meeting (April 26, 2022 – Pune)
- RCB’s Score: 181/6 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 182/6 in 19.5 overs
- Result: RR won by 4 wickets
Close Contest: Another nail-biter.
QUALIFIER 2 (May 27, 2022 – Ahmedabad)
This was the biggest match between these two franchises.
- RCB’s Score: 157/8 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 161/7 in 18.1 overs
- Result: RR won by 7 wickets (qualified for final)
The Hero: Jos Buttler
Buttler scored 106 not out off 60 balls — one of the greatest playoff innings ever.
When the pressure was highest, when RCB’s season was on the line, Buttler delivered perfection.
RCB’s Heartbreak: They were knocked out. Again. Their trophy drought continued.
RR’s Journey: They reached the final but lost to the Gujarat Titans.
| Match | Date | Winner | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| League Match 1 | April 5, 2022 | RCB | Close finish |
| League Match 2 | April 26, 2022 | RR | Another thriller |
| Qualifier 2 | May 27, 2022 | RR | Buttler’s 106* sends RR to the final |
2023: Siraj vs Jaiswal — The Battle of Young Superstars
First Meeting (April 23, 2023 – Jaipur)
- RR’s Score: 189/9 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 172/8 in 20 overs
- Result: RR won by 17 runs
Emerging Battle: Mohammed Siraj vs Yashasvi Jaiswal became a fascinating sub-plot.
Second Meeting (May 14, 2023 – Bengaluru)
- RCB’s Score: 171/5 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 175/6 in 20 overs
- Result: RR won by 4 wickets
Clean Sweep: RR won both matches in 2023.
The Season: Both teams made the playoffs but couldn’t reach the final.
2024: Jaiswal’s Explosion and Kohli’s Class
First Meeting (April 6, 2024 – Jaipur)
- RR’s Score: 183/3 in 20 overs
- RCB’s Chase: 172/8 in 20 overs
- Result: RR won by 11 runs
Star: Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a brilliant 84 not out.
Second Meeting (May 11, 2024 – Bengaluru)
- RCB’s Score: 189/4 in 20 overs
- RR’s Chase: 174/6 in 20 overs
- Result: RCB won by 15 runs
Virat Kohli’s Masterclass: He scored 72 off 46 balls, showing he’s still got it.
The Season: Both teams remain trophy hunters, continuing their quests.
Head-to-Head: Complete Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 31 |
| RR Wins | 14 |
| RCB Wins | 16 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Highest RR Score vs RCB | 217/4 (2017) |
| Highest RCB Score vs RR | 200/7 (2015) |
| Lowest RR Score vs RCB | 92 all out (2009) |
| Lowest RCB Score vs RR | 116 all out (2009) |
Key Insight: The Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru head to head record is incredibly close — just 2 wins separate them across 17 years!
Most Memorable Performances
🔵 Rajasthan Royals Legends
Ajinkya Rahane (2012):
- 103* off 60 balls — elegance personified
Shane Watson (2013):
- 101* off 61 balls — pure power
Jos Buttler (2022):
- 106* off 60 balls in Qualifier 2 — pressure performance
Yashasvi Jaiswal (2024):
- 84* — the future superstar
🔴 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Icons
Chris Gayle:
- Multiple explosive knocks that terrorized RR
AB de Villiers (2014):
- 66* off 38 balls — impossible chase made possible
Virat Kohli (2016 season):
- Consistent brilliance throughout his 973-run season
Faf du Plessis:
- Leading from the front as the new captain
Players Who Defined This Rivalry
Rajasthan Royals:
- Shane Warne (captain, 2008-2011)
- Shane Watson (all-rounder dominance)
- Ajinkya Rahane (elegant batting)
- Sanju Samson (current captain, consistent run-scorer)
- Jos Buttler (explosive opener)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (emerging superstar)
- Jofra Archer (pace threat)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
- Virat Kohli (run machine, former captain)
- AB de Villiers (Superman finisher)
- Chris Gayle (Universe Boss)
- Faf du Plessis (current captain)
- Glenn Maxwell (all-round impact)
- Mohammed Siraj (pace spearhead)
Why This Rivalry Matters?
- Contrasting Philosophies:
RR believes in team balance, discovering young talent, and smart cricket. They don’t always have the biggest names, but they play as a unit.
RCB believes in star power, explosive batting, and entertaining cricket. They’ve had some of cricket’s greatest players, but haven’t won the trophy yet.
- Unpredictability:
You can’t predict who’ll win. Home advantage helps, but it’s not guaranteed. Both teams have pulled off incredible chases and defended modest totals.
- Entertainment Factor:
These matches are rarely one-sided. They go down to the wire. Fans get their money’s worth.
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Tickets
When these two teams clash, Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match tickets sell out fast.
Why?
- Star power: Kohli, Buttler, Samson, Maxwell
- Unpredictable results
- History of close finishes
- Passionate fan bases
Where to Buy:
- BookMyShow (official IPL ticketing partner)
- Paytm Insider
- Official IPL website
Price Range: ₹800 to ₹25,000 depending on seat location
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Stats
| Category | RR | RCB |
|---|---|---|
| IPL Titles Won | 1 (2008) | 0 |
| Finals Reached | 2 | 3 |
| Playoffs Appearances | 7 | 8 |
| Highest Individual Score | Buttler 124 | Gayle 175 |
| Best Bowling Figures | Archer 3/15 | Siraj 4/21 |
The Players Battle: Kohli vs Buttler vs Samson
Virat Kohli (RCB):
- Runs vs RR: 800+
- Average: 45+
- Strike Rate: 135+
Jos Buttler (RR):
- Runs vs RCB: 650+
- Average: 50+
- Strike Rate: 160+
Sanju Samson (RR):
- Runs vs RCB: 550+
- Average: 42+
- Strike Rate: 145+
What to Expect in Future Clashes?
2025 and Beyond:
The Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline today continues to evolve.
Rising Stars to Watch:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) — future India opener
- Riyan Parag (RR) — all-round talent
- Rajat Patidar (RCB) — aggressive batsman
- Mohammed Siraj (RCB) — India’s pace ace
Both Teams’ Goals:
RR wants another IPL title after 2008. RCB desperately wants their first.
When they meet, it’s not just about points — it’s about pride, legacy, and giving fans unforgettable cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who has won more matches between RR and RCB?
RCB leads the head-to-head 16-14 after 31 matches, making it one of the IPL’s closest rivalries.
- What was the highest score in RR vs RCB matches?
RR scored 217/4 in 2017 — their highest against RCB. RCB’s highest is 200/7 in 2015.
- Did RCB really get bowled out for 59 against RR?
No. RCB’s infamous 49 all-out was against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019, not RR. The “RCB vs RR 59 all out scorecard” people search for doesn’t exist.
- Which players have been most influential in this rivalry?
Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle (RCB); Shane Watson, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (RR) have been the biggest match-winners.
- Why is this rivalry so unpredictable?
Both teams have quality players but different approaches. RR’s team strategy often beats RCB’s individual brilliance, but RCB’s stars can turn games single-handedly.
Final Thoughts: A Rivalry That Keeps Getting Better
The Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline isn’t about domination — it’s about drama.
From Warne’s tactical genius to Kohli’s batting mastery, from Rahane’s elegance to Buttler’s power, from Watson’s all-round dominance to AB’s Superman finishes — this rivalry has given us everything cricket fans could ask for.
RR has one IPL trophy and wants another. RCB has none and is desperate for their first.
Every time they meet, millions of fans watch, hoping for another classic. And more often than not, these teams deliver.
That’s what makes this rivalry special — it’s unpredictable, it’s entertaining, and it’s far from over.
The next chapter is waiting to be written. Will RCB finally break their trophy drought? Will RR add to their 2008 glory?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain — whenever these two teams face off, expect fireworks, expect drama, and expect the unexpected.
