The Royals' Quiet Dominance Over the Kings
In 30 meetings across 18 IPL seasons from 2008 to 2025, Rajasthan Royals hold a commanding 17-12 lead over Punjab Kings, with one match producing no result. That 58.6% win rate makes this one of the more lopsided rivalries among mid-table IPL franchises — a fixture where the Royals have historically found a way to come out on top, whether chasing in Jaipur or defending in Mohali.
The very first meeting between these two sides took place on 21 April 2008 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur — Match 6 of the inaugural IPL. Shane Watson was named Player of the Match as the Royals cruised home by 6 wickets. That inaugural-season dominance set the tone for a rivalry that has consistently tilted in Rajasthan's favour across the next 17 years.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
| Metric | Rajasthan Royals | Punjab Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Matches won | 17 | 12 |
| Win percentage | 58.6% | 41.4% |
| Biggest victory margin (runs) | 78 runs (2009, Durban) | 10 runs (2025, Jaipur) |
| Biggest victory margin (wickets) | 9 wickets (2010, Jaipur) | 5 wickets (2024, Guwahati) |
| No result | 1 | — |
The 30-match sample stretches across every IPL era — from the South African editions of 2009 to the UAE bubble of 2020-2021, from the early days of the Jaipur fortress to the new stadium at Mullanpur. Through franchise name changes (Kings XI Punjab became Punjab Kings in 2021) and squad overhauls, the Royals have maintained their edge in this fixture.
Last 5 Meetings
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 May 2025 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | Punjab Kings | 10 runs | Harpreet Brar |
| 5 Apr 2025 | Mullanpur | Rajasthan Royals | 50 runs | Jofra Archer |
| 15 May 2024 | Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati | Punjab Kings | 5 wickets | Sam Curran |
| 13 Apr 2024 | Mullanpur | Rajasthan Royals | 3 wickets | Shimron Hetmyer |
| 19 May 2023 | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala | Rajasthan Royals | 4 wickets | Devdutt Padikkal |
The recent five-match split reads 3-2 in favour of the Royals, though Punjab fought back with a convincing 10-run victory in Jaipur in the return leg of 2025. The 2025 season produced two wildly different results — a 50-run mauling at Mullanpur in April followed by Punjab's clinical 10-run win in May, illustrating how form and conditions can swing this fixture within a single campaign.
Defining Moments
The 78-Run Demolition — Durban, 2009
During the IPL's South African edition in 2009, the Royals produced the single most devastating performance in this fixture's history. On 5 May 2009 at Kingsmead in Durban, Graeme Smith — playing for Rajasthan that season — earned Player of the Match honours as the Royals steamrolled Punjab by 78 runs. It was Match 30 of that season, and the margin remains the largest in any meeting between these two franchises. Punjab had won the toss and chosen to field, a decision that backfired spectacularly.
The Kartik Tyagi Miracle — Dubai, 2021
The closest finish in this rivalry's history came on 21 September 2021 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With Punjab needing just 4 runs off the final over with 5 wickets in hand, the match appeared settled. Then a 20-year-old Kartik Tyagi produced one of the greatest final overs in IPL history, conceding just 1 run and taking a wicket to seal a barely-believable 2-run victory for the Royals. That finish — with Punjab reduced from near-certainty to defeat in 6 deliveries — remains one of the most dramatic conclusions in the 30-match history of this fixture.
Archer's 2025 Masterclass — Mullanpur
In the 2025 season, Jofra Archer reminded both franchises of his match-winning pedigree. On 5 April 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Archer earned Player of the Match as the Royals dismantled Punjab by 50 runs. It was the kind of performance that shifted the narrative of the rivalry back towards Rajasthan after Punjab had shown improved form across 2023 and 2024. The margin was the second-largest in the fixture's history and the biggest since the Durban demolition 16 years earlier.
Venue Split
| Venue | Meetings | RR Wins | PBKS Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| PCA Stadium, Mohali | 7 | 3 | 4 |
| Mullanpur | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Other neutral venues | 8 | 5 | 2 |
The Jaipur fortress has been the defining venue advantage in this rivalry. Across 7 meetings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (including its 2025 variant listing), the Royals have won 5 and lost just 2. Punjab's home record at Mohali is more balanced — they lead 4-3 across 7 meetings at the PCA Stadium, though that edge has narrowed in recent years. The shift to Mullanpur as Punjab's new home ground has so far worked in Rajasthan's favour, with the Royals winning both meetings at the venue in 2024 and 2025. Guwahati stands out as Punjab's strongest neutral venue, with 2 wins from 2 matches there.
The Royals' 2014–2018 Dominance Period
Between 2014 and 2018 — excluding the two suspended seasons of 2016 and 2017 when Rajasthan were banned — the Royals won 4 of 5 meetings against Punjab. This three-season window (2014, 2015, 2018) represented the peak of Rajasthan's dominance in this fixture. Even without marquee T20 superstars in their lineup during those rebuilding years, the Royals consistently found ways to outmanoeuvre Punjab's more expensive squads. The 2018 return season after the ban saw them pick up right where they left off, as though the rivalry's dynamics had been frozen in time.
The Rivalry's Place in IPL History
Neither Rajasthan Royals nor Punjab Kings are among the IPL's most decorated franchises — Rajasthan's sole title came in the inaugural 2008 season, while Punjab have never won the tournament despite reaching the final in 2014. That shared status as perennial hopefuls gives this rivalry a different texture from the MI-CSK megaclash. These are two franchises perpetually chasing a breakthrough, and every head-to-head meeting carries added weight in the points-table arithmetic. The 17-12 ledger in Rajasthan's favour tells a story of one franchise consistently edging the margins in tight situations — none tighter than Kartik Tyagi's impossible final over in Dubai. With 30 meetings already in the books and at least two more added every IPL season, this fixture will continue to produce the kind of swings, upsets, and individual brilliance that define the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the head-to-head record between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in IPL?
In 30 IPL meetings from 2008 to 2025, Rajasthan Royals have won 17 matches while Punjab Kings have won 12. One match ended with no result. The Royals hold a 58.6% win rate in this fixture.
What was the biggest victory in RR vs PBKS IPL history?
The biggest victory by runs was Rajasthan Royals' 78-run demolition of Punjab at Kingsmead, Durban, in IPL 2009. Graeme Smith was named Player of the Match. By wickets, the Royals' 9-wicket win at Jaipur in 2010 (Player of the Match: Michael Lumb) stands as the most dominant chase.
What was the closest finish between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings?
The closest finish came in Dubai on 21 September 2021, when Rajasthan Royals won by just 2 runs. Kartik Tyagi bowled a sensational final over, conceding only 1 run with Punjab needing 4 to win with 5 wickets in hand.
Which venue has hosted the most RR vs PBKS matches?
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur and the PCA Stadium in Mohali have each hosted 7 meetings. Rajasthan lead 5-2 in Jaipur, while Punjab lead 4-3 in Mohali.
How many IPL titles have Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings won?
Rajasthan Royals won their sole IPL title in the inaugural 2008 season under Shane Warne. Punjab Kings have never won the IPL, though they reached the final in 2014 under George Bailey, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders.
Where can fans watch Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings IPL matches?
All IPL matches, including every Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings fixture, are broadcast live on JioStar across all IPL seasons. Streaming is available on the JioHotstar platform.
Who has won the most Player of the Match awards in this fixture?
No single player has dominated the award across all 30 meetings. Notable recipients include Shane Watson (2008 inaugural match), Graeme Smith (2009 Durban blowout), Kartik Tyagi (2021 Dubai thriller), Jofra Archer (2025 Mullanpur), and Harpreet Brar (2025 Jaipur).