The Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings timeline has been full of thrilling finishes, powerful performances, and emotional moments. From big-margin wins to nail-biting chases, this rivalry has brought fans to the edge of their seats year after year.
Both teams have always been filled with superstar players and passionate fanbases. But in 2025, RCB finally flipped the script after 18 long years of waiting, they won their first-ever IPL trophy, and they did it against a determined Punjab Kings side.
IPL 2025 Final: RCB’s Long-Awaited Victory
Date: June 3, 2025
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Result: RCB won by 6 runs
Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya
After years of heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bangalore made history in the biggest match of all the IPL 2025 Final. Facing off against Punjab Kings in front of a packed stadium, RCB finally lifted the trophy fans had been waiting to see for nearly two decades.
They batted first and scored 190/9 thanks to steady performances from Virat Kohli (43), Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma. Phil Salt gave them a solid start, and Jitesh Sharma anchored the middle overs brilliantly.
In response, the Punjab Kings fought back hard. Shashank Singh kept the match alive with a heroic 61* off 30 balls, and Marcus Stoinis gave good support. But RCB bowlers especially Krunal Pandya, Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept the pressure on. In the end, Punjab Kings finished at 184/7, just 6 runs short.
Turning Points in the Final Match
Key Performances:
- Virat Kohli: Scored 43 runs and provided calm leadership.
- Krunal Pandya: 2/17 in 4 overs. He slowed down the Punjab run chase and took key wickets.
- Shashank Singh: Nearly pulled off a miracle for PBKS with 61*.
- Josh Hazlewood & Yash Dayal: Bowled accurately in the death overs.
This match wasn’t just about numbers it was about belief, emotion, and finally ending a long-standing wait for RCB fans.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings Timeline: Final Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Mayank Agarwal
- Rajat Patidar (Captain)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Yash Dayal
- Josh Hazlewood
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Josh Inglis (WK)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kyle Jamieson
- Yuzvendra Chahal
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches Won |
| RCB | 19 |
| PBKS | 18 |
After the 2025 final, RCB now leads the head-to-head record. This adds another major milestone to the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings timeline.
Emotions, Celebrations, and Legacy
RCB’s win was more than just a trophy it was a full-circle moment for players and fans. Virat Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise for years, finally got to lift the cup. Bengaluru erupted with celebrations, and the team was welcomed home like heroes.
For PBKS, it was a tough loss but also a sign of their consistent improvement. Reaching the final itself was a strong statement. With young stars like Shashank Singh and experienced heads like Marcus Stoinis and Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings are far from done.
What’s Next?
As we move past this historic season, the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings timeline is only getting richer. Fans will be eagerly waiting for their next battle in IPL 2026.
RCB will now play with the confidence of champions. PBKS, hungry for redemption, will come back harder.
One thing’s for sure every time these two teams meet, cricket wins.
Wrapping Up
The Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings timeline has officially entered its most memorable chapter with RCB’s first-ever IPL title in 2025. After 18 seasons of near misses and heartbreak, the team finally delivered when it mattered most, defeating a strong PBKS side in a thrilling final. This rivalry, already rich with drama and close contests, now holds emotional weight for RCB fans and motivation for Punjab Kings. With rising stars and fierce competition, future encounters promise even more excitement. As the IPL grows, so will this iconic rivalry one that has truly become a highlight of the tournament’s legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many times have RCB and PBKS faced each other in IPL?
As of the 2025 IPL final, RCB and PBKS have played 37 matches. RCB has won 19, while PBKS has won 18.
Q2: Who won the IPL 2025 final?
Royal Challengers Bangalore won the IPL 2025 final, defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs.
Q3: Who was the Player of the Match in the IPL 2025 Final?
Krunal Pandya won the Player of the Match award for his excellent bowling spell of 2/17 in 4 overs.
Q4: Who captained RCB in IPL 2025?
Rajat Patidar was the captain of RCB during the IPL 2025 season and the final match.
Q5: Has RCB won the IPL before 2025?
No, 2025 was RCB’s first-ever IPL title win after 18 seasons of trying.