The excitement is building as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) gears up to host their first IPL 2024 match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 25th. Both teams are looking to bounce back after losing their opening encounters, making this clash even more intriguing. Ahead of this highly anticipated match, let’s take a look at the batsmen who have dominated the RCB vs PBKS rivalry over the years in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Also Read: IPL 2024: Playoffs in Ahmedabad and Chennai, CSK’s Home Ground To Host Final
The legendary Chris Gayle, also known as the “Universe Boss,” tops the chart. Although he has played in fewer matches (17), Gayle has amassed a phenomenal 843 runs against PBKS. What truly sets him apart is his breathtaking strike rate of 169.18, showcasing his explosive batting style that left bowlers bewildered. His highest score of 117 runs and his average of 54.56 speaks volumes about his skills.
RCB Vs PBKS head to head:
PBKS won – 17.
RCB Won – 14. pic.twitter.com/GvpqV0Pyrz
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 25, 2024
Virat Kohli, the former RCB captain and batting maestro, isn’t far behind in the run-scoring charts for RCB against PBKS. With a staggering 802 runs from 29 matches, Kohli boasts an impressive average of 30.84 and a modest strike rate of 127.91. His highest score is 113 runs. These numbers speak volumes about his consistent dominance against the Punjab Kings bowlers.
AB de Villiers, another RCB legend, complete the top three run-scorers in this RCB vs PBKS rivalry. With 718 runs from 22 innings, de Villiers displayed his elegant batting prowess, scoring a total of seven half-centuries against the Punjab Kings. He has an average of 47.86 and a mind-boggling strike rate of 159.91. His ability to adapt to any situation and score quickly made him a nightmare for PBKS bowlers.
Top Runs Scorer in RCB vs PBKS IPL Rivalry
| Batter | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
| Chris Gayle (RCB, PBKS) | 17 | 873 | 54.56 | 169.18 | 117 |
| Virat Kohli (RCB) | 29 | 802 | 30.84 | 127.91 | 113 |
| AB de Villiers (RCB) | 22 | 718 | 47.86 | 159.91 | 89* |
While these statistics paint a clear picture of dominance, some individual performances deserve special mention. How can we forget Kohli’s blistering century against PBKS in 2016, or Gayle’s effortless six-hitting spree that left the opposition in awe? De Villiers, too, has produced some magical knocks against PBKS, leaving fans spellbound with his innovative strokeplay.
With some of these legendary figures no longer part of the active playing squads, the upcoming match promises to witness a new generation of batsmen stepping up to the challenge. Will established stars like Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell continue their good form? Or will young guns like Cameron Green and Liam Livingstone steal the show? Only time will tell.
Historically, the RCB vs PBKS encounters have been known for high-scoring matches with thrilling batting displays. This upcoming clash is no exception, and fans can expect a fiery battle between the batsmen of both teams. Whether it’s the experience of established stars or the youthful exuberance of newcomers, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is sure to witness a spectacle of batting brilliance. So, get ready to be entertained by a clash of the titans.
