Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have developed one of the most competitive rivalries in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. RCB, formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore, have been part of the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008, while Rajasthan Royals were also among the original eight franchises.Bangalore vs Rajasthan Head-to-Head in IPL
The rivalry has produced dramatic finishes, dominant bowling performances, high-scoring games and important playoff encounters. RCB have featured some of the biggest names in T20 cricket, including Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, while Rajasthan have built teams around players such as Shane Watson, Rahul Dravid, Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
As of the latest completed meeting in IPL 2026, the teams have faced each other 35 times. RCB have won 17 matches, while Rajasthan Royals have won 15, with 3 matches ending without a result. This gives RCB a narrow overall advantage.
Bangalore vs Rajasthan Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Rajasthan Royals |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 35 | 35 |
| Matches Won | 17 | 15 |
| Matches Lost | 15 | 17 |
| No Result | 3 | 3 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Score | 205/5 | 217 |
| Lowest Score | 70 | 58 |
| Overall Advantage | RCB | — |
The record shows just how closely matched these two teams have been. RCB have a two-win advantage in the completed results, while three encounters produced no result.Bangalore vs Rajasthan Head-to-Head in IPL
Beginning of the Rivalry
The first RCB vs Rajasthan Royals match was played during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Rajasthan won that encounter by seven wickets in Bengaluru, with Shane Watson earning Player of the Match honours.
The early years of the rivalry often favoured Rajasthan. The Royals won the first two meetings in 2008 and also produced several strong performances in subsequent seasons.
Rajasthan’s 2008 championship-winning campaign established the franchise as a dangerous opponent. RCB, meanwhile, were building a reputation for explosive batting and attracting some of the world’s biggest cricketing stars.
Over the years, the balance gradually shifted between the two sides.
RCB’s Strong Head-to-Head Record
RCB have won 17 of their 35 encounters with Rajasthan, giving them a slight advantage in the overall rivalry.
One of RCB’s most impressive victories came in 2010, when they defeated Rajasthan by 10 wickets in Bengaluru. RCB successfully chased the target without losing a wicket.
Another major victory came in 2015. RCB defeated Rajasthan by 71 runs after producing a strong all-round performance.
RCB also enjoyed a particularly strong period against Rajasthan between 2020 and 2021. They won both of their meetings in 2020 and both matches in 2021. In the first meeting of 2021, RCB won by 10 wickets, demonstrating their dominance with both bat and ball.
Rajasthan Royals’ Fightback
Despite RCB’s narrow overall advantage, Rajasthan have delivered several memorable victories.
The Royals won by 65 runs in the second meeting between the teams in the 2008 season. They also defeated RCB by 59 runs in 2012 and produced victories in both meetings during IPL 2018.
Rajasthan’s bowling attack has often been the difference against RCB. The Royals have been able to exploit difficult conditions and put pressure on RCB’s powerful batting line-up.
The 2022 season was another important chapter. Rajasthan defeated RCB by 29 runs during the league stage and later beat them by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 to reach the IPL final.
IPL 2023: RCB’s Dominance
The 2023 season produced two contrasting matches between the sides.
In April 2023, RCB defeated Rajasthan by seven runs in Bengaluru. The match went down to the final overs, with RCB successfully defending their total.
The second meeting was much more one-sided. RCB produced a remarkable 112-run victory in Jaipur. Rajasthan struggled badly while chasing and were bowled out for a low total.
The 112-run victory remains one of the biggest wins in RCB’s IPL history.
Glenn Maxwell was among the key performers during RCB’s seven-run victory in Bengaluru, while the team’s bowling attack dominated the return fixture.
IPL 2024: Rajasthan Dominate RCB
The 2024 season saw Rajasthan Royals turn the tables.
The teams met twice, and Rajasthan won both matches. In the league stage, Rajasthan defeated RCB by six wickets in Jaipur.
The second meeting came in the Eliminator at Ahmedabad. Rajasthan again emerged victorious, this time by four wickets, ending RCB’s playoff campaign.
The Eliminator was especially painful for RCB because the team had recovered brilliantly during the second half of the season to qualify for the playoffs. However, Rajasthan held their nerve and advanced to Qualifier 2.
This was one of the most important knockout victories in the history of the RCB-RR rivalry.
IPL 2025: RCB Regain Control
RCB bounced back strongly in the 2025 season.
The teams met twice, and RCB won both encounters. On April 13, RCB defeated Rajasthan by nine wickets in Jaipur. RCB’s chase was highly efficient, with the batting lineup comfortably reaching the target.
The second match was played in Bengaluru on April 24. RCB won by 11 runs in another closely contested encounter.
Winning both matches in 2025 helped RCB strengthen their overall head-to-head advantage.
Latest Match: Rajasthan Royals vs RCB in IPL 2026
The latest meeting between the two teams took place on April 10, 2026, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Rajasthan Royals won the match by six wickets. The victory reduced the gap slightly in the overall head-to-head battle, although RCB still maintained the advantage.
The match was significant because both teams entered the contest with strong starts to their 2026 campaigns. Rajasthan had won their opening three games, while RCB had also begun the season unbeaten.
The Royals’ young batting talent, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, had been among the talking points surrounding their impressive start to the season.
Highest Team Scores
The RCB vs Rajasthan rivalry has produced several impressive batting displays.
RCB’s highest team total against Rajasthan is 205/5, while Rajasthan’s highest total is 217.
Rajasthan’s 217 demonstrates their ability to produce enormous totals against RCB. Their batting lineups have traditionally included aggressive players capable of scoring rapidly during the powerplay and death overs.
RCB have also produced several strong totals, particularly when Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and other attacking batsmen have been in form.
Lowest Scores
The rivalry has also witnessed some difficult batting performances.
RCB’s lowest total against Rajasthan is 70, while Rajasthan’s lowest is 58.
These low scores demonstrate the impact that bowling has had in this fixture. Although both teams have traditionally been associated with attacking cricket, their matches have sometimes been decided by outstanding spells from fast bowlers and spinners.
Head-to-Head at Major Venues
The RCB-RR rivalry has been played at several venues across India and overseas.
At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the teams have produced a particularly balanced contest. Historical records list 11 meetings at the venue, with RCB and Rajasthan each winning four and three matches ending without a result. RCB’s latest home victory over Rajasthan at the venue came in April 2025, when they won by 11 runs.
At the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, the rivalry has also been closely contested. The two sides have recorded five wins each in their meetings at the venue according to historical venue statistics.
Neutral venues have also played an important role, especially during seasons when IPL matches were moved outside India.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Several legendary cricketers have made significant contributions to RCB vs Rajasthan matches.
For RCB, Virat Kohli has been one of the most important performers. He has scored more runs in this fixture than any other RCB player, while AB de Villiers has also produced several memorable innings.
Other RCB stars who have played important roles include Chris Gayle, Glenn Maxwell, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel.
For Rajasthan Royals, players such as Shane Watson, Sanju Samson, Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag have made significant contributions.
Interestingly, Yuzvendra Chahal has played for both franchises and has been one of the leading wicket-takers in their head-to-head contests. Historical statistics list him as the leading wicket-taker in this fixture, with 24 wickets.
Virat Kohli’s Role in the Rivalry
Virat Kohli has been a central figure in RCB’s rivalry with Rajasthan.
The former RCB captain has consistently contributed runs against the Royals and remains one of the most recognizable players associated with the fixture. Historical head-to-head statistics identify Kohli as the leading run-scorer in RCB vs RR matches.
His ability to anchor an innings while also accelerating during the middle and final overs has made him a key player whenever RCB face Rajasthan.
For Rajasthan, experienced players such as Sanju Samson and younger stars such as Yashasvi Jaiswal have provided the firepower needed to challenge RCB’s bowling attack.
RCB vs RR Playoff Rivalry
The rivalry has become particularly important during the IPL playoffs.
The 2022 Qualifier 2 and 2024 Eliminator stand out as major knockout encounters.
In 2022, Rajasthan defeated RCB by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 and advanced to the final. In 2024, Rajasthan again eliminated RCB, winning the Eliminator by four wickets.
These matches have given the rivalry additional significance because victories against RCB in the playoffs have helped Rajasthan move closer to the IPL final.
Recent Head-to-Head Trend
The recent trend has shifted several times.
RCB dominated the teams’ meetings in 2020 and 2021, while Rajasthan had the advantage in 2022. RCB bounced back in 2023, Rajasthan won both matches in 2024, and RCB won both in 2025.
Rajasthan then won the latest meeting in 2026.
This changing momentum makes the rivalry difficult to predict. Neither team has maintained complete dominance for a long period.
Bangalore vs Rajasthan Head-to-Head: Key Facts
- Total matches: 35
- RCB wins: 17
- Rajasthan Royals wins: 15
- No results: 3
- Ties: 0
- RCB highest score: 205/5
- Rajasthan highest score: 217
- RCB lowest score: 70
- Rajasthan lowest score: 58
- Latest match: April 10, 2026
- Latest winner: Rajasthan Royals
- Latest winning margin: 6 wickets
- Biggest RCB win: 112 runs in 2023
- Important playoff victories for RR: 2022 Qualifier 2 and 2024 Eliminator
Conclusion
The Bangalore vs Rajasthan head-to-head rivalry in the IPL is one of the tournament’s most closely contested matchups. After 35 meetings, RCB hold a narrow advantage with 17 wins, compared with 15 victories for Rajasthan Royals, while three matches ended without a result.
The history of the rivalry has seen momentum move repeatedly between the two sides. Rajasthan enjoyed considerable success during the early years, while RCB produced dominant performances in several seasons, particularly in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
Rajasthan’s victories in the 2022 Qualifier 2 and 2024 Eliminator remain especially important because both came in high-pressure playoff situations. RCB responded in 2025 by winning both league matches, but Rajasthan claimed the latest encounter in 2026 by six wickets.
With only two wins separating the teams, the overall record remains extremely competitive. The combination of Virat Kohli’s batting excellence, Rajasthan’s attacking young talent, strong bowling units and the history of dramatic playoff encounters makes RCB vs RR a fixture that continues to attract enormous attention from IPL fans.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times have RCB and Rajasthan Royals played against each other in the IPL?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals have played 35 IPL matches against each other. RCB have won 17, Rajasthan have won 15, and 3 matches ended without a result.
2. Who has won more matches between RCB and Rajasthan Royals?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have the better overall record, with 17 victories compared with Rajasthan Royals’ 15 wins.
3. What is RCB’s highest score against Rajasthan Royals?
RCB’s highest team total against Rajasthan Royals is 205/5.
4. What is Rajasthan Royals’ highest score against RCB?
Rajasthan Royals’ highest score against RCB is 217/4, achieved during the 2018 IPL season.
5. Who won the latest RCB vs Rajasthan Royals IPL match?
Rajasthan Royals won the latest meeting, defeating RCB by 6 wickets on April 10, 2026. Rajasthan chased RCB’s 201/8 by scoring 202/4 in 18 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Match.