The Indian Premier League (IPL) has given cricket fans so many moments of suspense, heartbreak, and unmatched excitement since its inception in 2008. Of all the rivalries in the league, the battles between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are most recalled as being suspenseful and dramatic. Both the teams have witnessed diametrically opposite trajectories: RR started on a high by clinching the inaugural IPL title in 2008, whereas RCB, though they appeared in the finals three times, have yet to lift their first trophy until May 2025.
In this post, we will walk you through the RCB vs RR rivalry of the past, explore their head-to-head record, discuss some of the high-profile matches between them, and discuss their 2025 matches that have generated fan controversy again.
A Tale of Two Journeys in IPL
Rajasthan Royals (RR): The Fairytale Beginning
Rajasthan Royals created history when they won the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008. Led by Shane Warne, they surprised all and sundry when they beat Chennai Super Kings in the final. They chased down a score of 164 and came home with three wickets in hand, writing themselves into the annals of history.
Since then, RR’s ride has been that of a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. While they have not added another title to their trophy room, they remain one of the most competitive teams in the tournament, often synonymous with young talent. Players like Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Riyan Parag have all been the pivot for their performances over the last few years.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): So Close, Yet So Far
On the other hand, RCB has been one of the most successful franchises in the IPL. With their glittering squad over the years featuring Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, they have provided fireworks season after season. However, their biggest heartache has been the elusive IPL title.
RCB reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but lost each of those times. All that aside, their ardent fans continue to stand by them, and they are one of the most popular teams in the league.
In IPL 2025, there is Rajat Patidar captain of RCB who began the journey on a high note by defeating defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. This has raised the hopes of the fans who are waiting for that very first ever IPL title.
RCB vs RR: The War Unfolds
The encounters between RR and RCB have been anything but predictable. One-sided victories to cliffhanger thrillers, this battle has seen it all. Until now, the two sides have met 34 times in the IPL.
| Matches Played | RCB Wins | RR Wins | No Result |
| 34 | 17 | 14 | 3 |
This close margin is testimony to how closely matched the two teams have been over seasons. Neither side has managed to overpower the other, so every encounter becomes a show.
Hopeful Clashes Over Time
Let us take a look at some of the most memorable RCB vs RR encounters that had fans abuzz for days:
- April 2009 (Cape Town): RCB thrashed RR by 75 runs, one of their biggest victories against the Royals.
- May 2015 (Pune): RCB completed a comprehensive 71-run victory in the playoffs, eliminating RR from contention.
- April 2021 (Mumbai): RCB triumphed by 10 wickets, courtesy of Devdutt Padikkal’s unrun-out century in combination with Virat Kohli.
- May 2023 (Jaipur): RCB bowled out RR for a paltry 59, claiming a 112-run victory – one of the worst losses in RR’s history.
- May 2022 (Ahmedabad): RR took their revenge by winning over RCB in the playoffs and advancing to the final with a 7-wicket victory.
These encounters show how momentum has been swinging between the two teams over the years.
Matches over the Years
Over the years, the RCB vs RR head-to-head encounters have produced some thrilling results. The most recent clash on 24 April 2025 saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure victory by 11 runs at Bengaluru. Just days earlier, on 13 April 2025, RCB had also dominated, defeating Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 9 wickets in Jaipur. In the 2024 season, RR won the 22 May encounter by 4 wickets in Ahmedabad, while earlier on 6 April 2024, they had again triumphed by 6 wickets in Jaipur.
During the 2023 IPL, RCB won both meetings — a massive 112-run victory on 14 May 2023 in Jaipur, followed by a 7-run win on 23 April 2023 in Bengaluru. In 2022, RR and RCB shared one win each; RR defeated RCB by 29 runs in Pune on 26 April, but RCB bounced back on 5 April 2022 in Mumbai, winning by 4 wickets. However, RR later clinched the Qualifier on 27 May 2022 at Ahmedabad with a 7-wicket win.
Going back to 2021, RCB enjoyed a strong run, beating RR twice — by 7 wickets in Dubai on 29 September, and earlier by 10 wickets in Mumbai on 22 April. In 2020, RCB continued their dominance with wins by 7 wickets on 17 October in Dubai and 8 wickets on 3 October in Abu Dhabi.
The 2019 season featured an abandoned game on 30 April in Bengaluru, while RR had earlier won by 7 wickets on 2 April in Jaipur. In 2018, RR emerged victorious in both fixtures — winning by 30 runs in Jaipur on 19 May and by 18 runs on 15 April in Bengaluru.
Back in 2015, RCB claimed a massive 71-run win over RR in Pune on 19 May, and earlier in the same season, they won by 9 wickets in Ahmedabad on 23 April. One game on 28 April 2015 in Bengaluru ended without a result. In 2014, RR won both contests — by 5 wickets on 10 May in Bengaluru, and by 6 wickets earlier on 25 April in Abu Dhabi.
In 2013, RR secured a 4-wicket win on 28 April in Jaipur, while RCB had previously beaten them by 7 wickets on 19 April in Bengaluru. During the 2012 season, RCB won the 22 April game by 46 runs in Jaipur, but RR got their revenge with a 59-run victory on 14 April in Bengaluru.
The 2011 IPL saw RCB win comfortably by 9 wickets in Jaipur on 10 May, while their earlier encounter on 18 April 2011 in Bengaluru was abandoned. In 2010, RCB defeated RR twice — by 5 wickets on 13 April in Jaipur, and by 10 wickets on 17 March in Bengaluru.
In 2009, RR earned a 7-wicket win in Centurion on 6 May, while RCB had earlier won by 75 runs in Cape Town on 17 April. Their earliest IPL meetings date back to 2008, when RR defeated RCB twice — first by 65 runs in Jaipur on 16 May, and earlier by 7 wickets in Bengaluru on 25 April
The 2025 Chapter: RCB Dominates
IPL 2025 has thus far been RCB’s when it involves this matchup. The two teams played twice in April 2025, and RCB emerged victorious in both the matches.
April 13, 2025 – Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Result: RCB won by 9 wickets
Summary: Pursuing a target of 174, RCB overpowered with ease. Their batting order seemed solid as a rock, and the bowlers managed only enough to hold RR in order.
April 24, 2025 – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Result: RCB won by 11 runs
Summary: In a thriller at a high-scoring level, RCB scored 205 runs. In spite of a great performance, RR managed only 194/9, handing over their second win over the Royals to RCB in IPL 2025.
These consecutive victories not only raised the confidence of RCB but also put RR into trouble in the beginning of the season. Without Sanju Samson, RR was commanded by Riyan Parag, but their season had already faltered with two consecutive defeats.
Why Fans Love RCB vs RR Matches
There are some reasons why RCB vs RR matches are irresistible:
1. Clash of Styles: RCB is usually tagged with power-hitting and aggressive cricket, whereas RR is famous for strategy, balance, and discovering young talent.
2. Star Players: Fans have seen the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Jos Buttler, Shane Warne, and Sanju Samson in these matches over the years.
3. Unpredictable Outcomes: Both teams do not have total supremacy, thereby keeping the competition going and thrilling.
4. High Stakes: Many times, RCB vs RR matches have influenced playoff qualifications, adding an extra layer of drama.
Looking Ahead
As IPL 2025 progresses, both RCB and RR will look to strengthen their campaigns. RCB, with momentum on their side, will hope this is finally the year they go all the way. Meanwhile, RR must regroup quickly and find their rhythm, especially with Sanju Samson expected to return to leadership.
Regardless of where the teams stand, fans can be assured that every RCB vs RR clash will deliver entertainment, drama, and unforgettable moments.
Final Thoughts
The RR vs RCB clash is a testament to the fact that the IPL is the most thrilling T20 league in the world. From Rajasthan Royals’ fairytale start in 2008 to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s pursuit of their first title, this match defines the highs and lows of cricket.
As of May 2025, RCB has taken the upper hand in the head-to-head count, but in the IPL, destiny can change within a few balls. Whether it’s a run-fest at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium or a thriller at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, RCB vs RR matches will never go unrewarding.
Cricket fans around the world will continue to watch this battle with bated breath, looking forward to the next installment to take place.
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