royal challengers bengaluru vs rajasthan royals timeline
Introduction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) share one of the most fascinating rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). From the league’s very first season in 2008 to the latest editions, their clashes have seen dramatic turnarounds, individual brilliance, and unforgettable contests.
When fans talk about the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals timeline, they are not just talking about wins and losses—they are remembering Virat Kohli’s fierce knocks, Shane Warne’s tactical genius, Jos Buttler’s destructive hundreds, and even shocking collapses like the 59 all-out in 2023.
This article takes you through their journey year by year, highlighting the key phases, memorable performances, and how the rivalry has evolved.
Table of Contents
How It All Started
Both franchises entered the IPL with different stories to tell. Rajasthan Royals, under the inspirational leadership of Shane Warne, stunned everyone by winning the inaugural trophy in 2008. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, took time to find their identity and struggled early on.
But things soon changed. RCB became one of the most followed teams in cricket thanks to the presence of Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers, while RR earned respect for backing young Indian talent like Ravindra Jadeja, Sanju Samson, and Ajinkya Rahane.
Their meetings over the years have been a clash of philosophies: RCB relying on star power and batting fire, while RR focused on strategy and balance.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
- Total Matches Played: 31 (till 2025)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Wins: 15
- Rajasthan Royals Wins: 13
- No Result: 3
The numbers prove one thing—the rivalry is almost perfectly balanced.
Year-by-Year Timeline of RCB vs RR
Here’s a detailed look at their meetings, presented in a timeline table:
| Year | Matches Played | RCB Wins | RR Wins | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 0 | 2 | RR dominated, powered by Shane Warne’s leadership and Yusuf Pathan’s fireworks. |
| 2009 | 2 | 2 | 0 | RCB bounced back strongly; Anil Kumble and Jacques Kallis starred. |
| 2010 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Even contest; Yusuf Pathan’s quickfire knock made headlines. |
| 2011 | 2 | 1 | 0 | One abandoned; Chris Gayle’s stormy batting carried RCB. |
| 2012 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Dravid led RR with grace; Kohli stood tall for RCB. |
| 2013 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Ajinkya Rahane’s consistency sealed both wins for RR. |
| 2014 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Neck-and-neck season; each team took a game. |
| 2015 | 3 | 2 | 0 | RCB outclassed RR in Eliminator; Gayle and AB dominated. |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | 2 | RR returned from suspension and beat RCB twice; Samson shone. |
| 2019 | 2 | 1 | 0 | One washed out; Kohli & AB guided RCB in the other. |
| 2020 | 2 | 2 | 0 | AB de Villiers played one of his best IPL knocks vs RR. |
| 2021 | 2 | 2 | 0 | RCB swept the season; Maxwell and Harshal Patel impressed. |
| 2022 | 3 | 1 | 2 | RR knocked RCB out in playoffs; Jos Buttler smashed a match-winning hundred. |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | 1 | RCB bowled out RR for just 59 runs—lowest of the season. |
| 2024 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Shared honors; Kohli scored a composed fifty. |
| 2025 | 1 (so far) | TBD | TBD | Awaiting latest results. |
Breaking Down the Rivalry in Phases
2008–2010: Royals Have the Edge
Rajasthan Royals got the early upper hand with their fearless cricket. Shane Warne outsmarted RCB’s experienced lineup, and Yusuf Pathan’s power-hitting added to the misery.
2011–2013: Gayle vs Rahane
This was a period of individual brilliance. Chris Gayle regularly destroyed RR’s bowling with towering sixes, while Ajinkya Rahane countered with consistency at the top. Rahul Dravid’s calm leadership also gave RR stability.
2015: RCB at Their Peak
The trio of Gayle, Kohli, and AB de Villiers was unstoppable. In 2015, they didn’t just beat RR in the group stage—they knocked them out of the playoffs with a crushing win.
2018: RR’s Comeback Story
After being suspended for two years, RR returned and immediately made a statement by beating RCB in both games. Sanju Samson’s century at the Chinnaswamy Stadium still stands out.
2020–2021: Bengaluru’s Turnaround
With Glenn Maxwell’s arrival and Harshal Patel’s emergence, RCB found balance. They dominated RR for two straight seasons, with AB de Villiers producing a special match-winning innings in Dubai.
2022: Jos Buttler’s Heartbreaker
RCB fans will never forget the 2022 playoffs, when Jos Buttler’s stunning hundred knocked them out and propelled RR into the final.
2023: The 59-All-Out Shock
RCB’s bowlers ripped through RR, dismissing them for just 59. Mohammed Siraj and Wayne Parnell led the carnage in what became one of the lowest totals in IPL history.
Iconic Performances
- Virat Kohli – Several classic fifties and hundreds against RR, always leading from the front.
- AB de Villiers (2020) – His breathtaking 55* off 22 balls in Dubai remains unforgettable.
- Shane Warne (2008) – Tactical captaincy and clever bowling gave RR the early edge.
- Jos Buttler (2022) – His playoff century broke RCB hearts.
- RCB’s Bowling (2023) – A combined effort skittled RR for 59, making history.
Why Fans Love This Rivalry
- Balance of Power – Neither team has absolute dominance; results are often unpredictable.
- Star Value – Kohli, Gayle, AB vs Warne, Rahane, Buttler—big names always light up this contest.
- Playoff Drama – Knockout matches in 2015 and 2022 added intensity to the rivalry.
- Different Identities – RCB thrives on star power, while RR backs young talent and strategy.
Conclusion
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals timeline is a tale of twists and turns, legendary innings, and unforgettable drama. From Shane Warne’s tactical brilliance in 2008 to Jos Buttler’s playoff masterclass in 2022, from AB de Villiers’ finishing heroics to RCB bowling out RR for 59—the rivalry has delivered everything fans could hope for.
And as IPL continues to evolve, one thing is certain: every time RCB and RR face off, fans are guaranteed a show.
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