The Indian Premier League has always produced stunning match-ups and finishes and mega rivalries. One emerging rivalry over the last few seasons is that between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their newer foe, Gujarat Titans (GT). Even though the Gujarat Titans came into the IPL in 2022, they have already played the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a series of spectacular contests that have showcased the intensity, glam and random unpredictability of modern day T20 cricket. In six match-ups between 2022 and 2025, they played essentially random two sided flipping victories on many an occasion, leaving both teams sometimes with fangs bared and jaws dropped. Let us have a look back at the lineage of the rivalry and take it in match- by-match review – and see how it alternately evolved into one of the more enjoyable encounters in the IPL in recent years.
The First Match – April 30, 2022: The Start of Titans Supremacy
When Royal Challengers Bengaluru played Gujarat Titans for the first time at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on April 30, 2022, GT had already established themselves as contenders in their maiden season whilst RCB, as always, had notable contesters in the likes of Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell among them.
However, Gujarat Titans, led by Hardik Pandya, showed plenty of composure and tactics. They managed to chase down the total set by RCB and won by six wickets, and at that point, their head-to-head rivalry began with GT’s first meeting with the RCB. This match set the tone of how sports rivalry would show up in coming editions of the IPL.
Redemption in Mumbai – May 19, 2022: RCB Strikes Back
After a few weeks of their first match up, both teams met again in the 67th match of IPL 2022 at Wankhede Stadium. This was no ordinary match for the RCB as it had to win the match or their playoff hopes would go up in smoke. RCB wanted to step up in what would be high-pressure match- stepped up with both bat and ball. Their calm batting and clinical bowling was exactly what they needed to chase down GT’s score and claim an emphatic eight-wicket victory. It not only made the head to head 1-1, but it gave RCB a very important victory in their campaign.
This was also the match where it seemed Virat Kohli was finding his form, leading the chase and constructing an exquisite innings in his typical vein. His reaction and emotion following his half-century was palpable and reflected what the match meant to him and the associated team.
Chinnaswamy Heartbreak – May 21, 2023: Titans Striking Again
A year later in the IPL 2023 final league match we saw RCB vs GT at the amazing M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. There was great context to this match as RCB were once again in a must-win situation to remain in the tournament. RCB batted first and set a competitive score spearheaded by the scoreboard master class of the RCB top order. The Gujarat Titans reflected a fair amount of composure in the chase that had few hiccups. In typical chase style, the Titans relaxed their way to another chase period victory, winning by six wickets and once again breaking the RCB hearts and, in all likelihood, their playoff qualification hopes.
This game will be remembered for Shubman Gill’s incredible century that ultimately swung the game to Gujarat. The Chinnaswamy faithful were just as loyal. But, how could you not admire greatness like Shubman’s, and the young guns of Gujarat Titans? The Titans opened a 2-1 lead in the direct head-to-head.
Ahmedabad Rampage – April 28, 2024: RCB with a bang
Fast forward to IPL 2024, and this rivalry had a major twist. On April 28 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB came to say something, and they did just that. The all-around attack proved too much for the Gujarat Titans, and RCB walked away victors by an emphatic nine wicket victory. For RCB, this match would be a high point in their rivalry. Not only did RCB win big, but they also predominated in every facet of the game.
Mohammed Siraj led the attack and initially put the Titans on the back foot through fast and aggressive pace. With Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli comfortable in the chase, RCB had fired a punch into the fight for dominance.
What made this win even sweeter for RCB fans was the reason for having to play at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Winning here at GT’s home stadium showed for the first time, perhaps, since the franchise was founded, that RCB had a possible power position (at least for that moment). It had pangs of past years but in time breathed a flicker of belief, however fleeting.
Bengaluru Brilliance – May 4, 2024
RCB wins again – 2-in-a-row. We witnessed these two teams match up again one week later, once again at RCB’s home stadium – M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB matched eh great start from Ahmedabad with another match-winning performance against the Titans in an intense contest. The Titans were valiant but RCB prevailed, marching to victory by four wickets. The match was very tight and while not quite as high as their previous match, both teams were exchanging blows throughout the evening. However, it was RCB’s temperament to chase which again impressed me. Dinesh Karthik was heroic end, accounting for the victory in the last couple of overs and RCB gained a 3-2 win in our head-head series.
The 2024 double over the Gujarat Titans was a turning point in this rivalry. It was no longer just about RCB winning – it was about RCB getting one back against one of the most consistent franchises in the IPL, since the league began.
The Latest Encounter – April 2, 2025:
Titans’ Resurgence The most recent encounter was on April 2, 2025. Again, the rivalry was at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB fans then were truly hoping their team could match the form of its two victories a season before last. The Titans had other ideas. As Shubman Gill continued to exercise power over RCB and the Titans bowlers had improved their bowling accuracy, the Gujarat Titans turned the tables and marked a convincing eight-wicket victory. Their chase was immaculate, their fielding scintillating, while their intentions were beyond doubt. This match also reminded everybody of GT’s emergence, with the head-to-head record moving to 3-3. Both IPL and momentum are fleeting.
The Evolution of a Rivalry
Despite the limited history available (only six matches), the RCB vs GT rivalry is already starting to show the signs of developing into one of the most watchable rivalries in the IPL – every fixture has its own storyline – RCB’s playoff run, Gill’s foundation, Kohli’s demise, youth vs experience, etc. The differences in team philosophies also create intrigue in the fixture – RCB tend to be identified, collectively, as star power and aggressive top order scoring while GT are building their reputation based around team-first ethos, calm in the moment, positive game-management, tactical awareness.
This combination ensures an exciting and unpredictable scene every time these teams clash. What makes this timeline unique, is the back and forth of superiority. Gujarat Titans got out to a hot start, RCB responded with fortitude and tenacity, and right when it looked like RCB had the advantage, GT countered. The rivalry is no longer match in an ongoing series; it is a story that stretches across seasons.
Moving Forward
As the IPL develops, so too will the rivalry. Both franchises are developing new players, readjusting plans, and always searching for the same trophy, and when RCB plays GT, there will be more fireworks to come. Whether it be in league formats or early high-pressure knockout playoff matches, there will be stress, stories, and drama in each match to come.
With the head-to-head now level at 3-3, we look forward to a new chapter. Will, RCB seize the opportunity to gain some long-term ascendancy, or will Gujarat Titans one-up RCB again? The only certainty is that cricket fans will be paying close attention. Although this timeline is still in its infancy, if the first six matches are anything to go by, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans rivalry is primed to become one of the prominent storylines of modern IPL cricket.
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