Bangalore vs Rajasthan Head-to-Head in IPL is one of the most closely followed rivalries in the Indian Premier League. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have faced each other regularly since the inaugural IPL season in 2008.bangalore-vs-rajasthan-head-to-head in ipl
Their matches have produced close finishes, high-scoring contests, memorable individual performances and important playoff encounters. As of the end of IPL 2026, RCB and RR have met 35 times, with RCB winning 17 matches, Rajasthan Royals winning 15, and three matches ending without a result.
RCB vs Rajasthan Royals Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Rajasthan Royals |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 35 | 35 |
| Matches Won | 17 | 15 |
| No Result | 3 | 3 |
| Head-to-Head Advantage | RCB | — |
| First IPL Meeting | 2008 | 2008 |
| Latest Meeting | Lost in 2026 | Won in 2026 |
RCB currently hold a narrow advantage in the overall head-to-head record. The difference is only two wins, which shows how competitive this matchup has been over the years. bangalore-vs-rajasthan-head-to-head in ipl
First Meeting Between RCB and Rajasthan Royals
The first meeting between the two teams took place during the inaugural IPL season in 2008 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Rajasthan Royals won that historic encounter by seven wickets. Shane Watson played a major role for Rajasthan, contributing with both bat and ball. He scored an unbeaten 61 off 41 balls and also took two wickets.
The victory gave Rajasthan an early advantage in the rivalry and established a competitive contest between the two franchises.
RCB’s Head-to-Head Dominance
Although Rajasthan won the first encounter, RCB gradually improved their record against the Royals.
By the end of IPL 2026, RCB had won 17 of the 35 completed-or-decided meetings, compared with 15 victories for Rajasthan. Three matches ended without a result.
RCB have produced some of their most dominant performances against Rajasthan during the modern IPL era. Their 112-run victory in 2023 is one of the biggest wins in this rivalry.
That match was particularly memorable because Rajasthan were bowled out for only 59 after RCB posted a strong total.
Rajasthan Royals’ Strong Performances
Rajasthan Royals have also enjoyed several memorable victories over RCB.
The Royals have historically been dangerous because of their combination of aggressive batting, quality spin bowling and experienced campaigners.
Their ability to chase totals has frequently caused problems for RCB, particularly when their top-order batters have been able to build partnerships during the powerplay.
Rajasthan also defeated RCB in the 2022 Qualifier 2, winning by seven wickets and progressing to the IPL final. That was one of the most important victories in the history of this rivalry.
Recent RCB vs RR Matches
The rivalry has become particularly competitive in recent IPL seasons.
| Season | Result |
| 2022 League Match | RCB won by 4 wickets |
| 2022 Qualifier 2 | RR won by 7 wickets |
| 2023 League Match | RCB won by 7 runs |
| 2023 League Match | RCB won by 112 runs |
| 2024 League Match | RR won by 6 wickets |
| 2024 Eliminator | RR won by 4 wickets |
| 2025 League Match | RCB won by 9 wickets |
| 2025 League Match | RCB won by 11 runs |
| 2026 League Match | RR won by 6 wickets |
The recent record has therefore gone through several swings, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance.
IPL 2022: A Memorable Season
The 2022 season produced two important RCB-RR encounters.
In the league stage, RCB defeated Rajasthan by four wickets. However, the Royals got their revenge in the Qualifier 2.
Rajasthan scored 161/3 and chased down RCB’s 157/8 with seven wickets in hand. The victory sent Rajasthan Royals into the IPL final.
That playoff match remains one of the most significant encounters between the two teams because of its impact on the tournament.
IPL 2023: RCB’s Biggest Win
The 2023 season featured one of RCB’s most dominant performances against Rajasthan.
RCB scored 171/5, before dismissing Rajasthan for only 59. RCB won the match by 112 runs, one of the largest victories in their head-to-head history.
The result demonstrated the difference that a strong bowling performance can make in T20 cricket.
Later in the same season, RCB again defeated Rajasthan, this time by seven runs.
IPL 2024: Rajasthan Strike Back
Rajasthan Royals returned to winning ways in 2024.
They defeated RCB by six wickets during the league stage before meeting them again in the Eliminator.
The Eliminator was a high-pressure match because the losing team would be eliminated from the tournament. Rajasthan handled the pressure better and defeated RCB by four wickets.
That victory ended RCB’s campaign and gave Rajasthan a place in Qualifier 2.
IPL 2025: RCB Take Control
The 2025 season was particularly successful for RCB in this rivalry.
RCB defeated Rajasthan by nine wickets in one meeting and then won another encounter by 11 runs.
These victories demonstrated RCB’s strength in both chasing and defending totals.
The team benefited from strong contributions from its top-order batters and an increasingly effective bowling unit.
IPL 2026: Rajasthan Win the Latest Encounter
The latest RCB vs Rajasthan Royals meeting came on 10 April 2026 in Guwahati.
RCB scored 201/8 after batting first. Rajasthan Royals responded with 202/4 in 18 overs, winning by six wickets with 12 balls remaining.
Dhruv Jurel played an outstanding innings of 81 from 43 balls, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 78 from only 26 deliveries. Their aggressive batting helped Rajasthan complete the chase comfortably.
The result gave Rajasthan another important victory in the head-to-head rivalry.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has been one of the most important players for RCB throughout IPL history. His consistency at the top of the order has made him a central figure whenever RCB face Rajasthan.
His ability to build innings while maintaining a high scoring rate has repeatedly provided RCB with a strong foundation.
Shane Watson
Shane Watson was one of Rajasthan’s earliest stars. His all-round performances played an important role in the Royals’ early success against RCB.
His unbeaten 61 and two wickets in the first-ever RCB-RR meeting remain part of the rivalry’s history.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahal represented both franchises at different stages of his IPL career. His leg-spin has made him one of the most successful Indian spinners in IPL history, and his knowledge of RCB’s players has added another interesting element to the rivalry.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has been one of Rajasthan’s most important batters and captains in the modern era. His ability to score quickly in the middle and top order has made him a major threat to RCB.
Biggest Strengths of RCB
RCB’s major strengths in this rivalry include:
- Experienced top-order batting
- Strong chasing ability
- Match-winning individual performers
- Quality pace options
- Big-match experience
RCB have often performed particularly well when their top order gets a strong start.
Biggest Strengths of Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan’s major strengths include:
- Aggressive young batters
- Quality spin bowling
- Strong all-round options
- Effective middle-order batting
- Ability to perform under pressure
The Royals have frequently demonstrated that they can win matches even when they are not the favorites.
Who Has the Better Head-to-Head Record?
As of the end of IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have the better overall IPL head-to-head record against Rajasthan Royals.
RCB have won 17 matches, while Rajasthan have won 15, with three matches producing no result.
However, the margin is very small. Therefore, this is not a rivalry in which one team has completely dominated the other.
Conclusion
The Bangalore vs Rajasthan head-to-head in IPL has developed into a fascinating contest since the first meeting in 2008.
RCB currently lead the overall record with 17 victories compared with Rajasthan Royals’ 15, while three matches have ended without a result.
Both teams have produced memorable victories. RCB’s 112-run victory in 2023 stands out as one of their most dominant performances, while Rajasthan’s victory in the 2022 Qualifier 2 remains one of their most important wins.
The latest meeting in IPL 2026 once again went Rajasthan’s way, proving that this rivalry remains highly competitive.
With players such as Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson and a new generation of young stars continuing to shape the teams, future RCB vs RR matches are likely to produce many more memorable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times have RCB and Rajasthan Royals played in the IPL?
RCB and Rajasthan Royals have played 35 matches against each other in the IPL as of the end of the 2026 season.
2. Who has won more matches between RCB and RR?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won 17 matches, while Rajasthan Royals have won 15. Three matches have ended without a result.
3. When did RCB and Rajasthan Royals first play each other?
Their first IPL meeting took place on 26 April 2008 in Bengaluru. Rajasthan Royals won by seven wickets.
4. What was RCB’s biggest win over Rajasthan Royals?
One of RCB’s biggest victories came in 2023 when they defeated Rajasthan by 112 runs.
5. Who won the latest RCB vs Rajasthan IPL match?
Rajasthan Royals won the latest meeting in IPL 2026 by six wickets, chasing RCB’s 201/8 with 12 balls remaining.