Two IPL teams have been competing for the tournament's full 18-year history, while two have never won. It seems like it is about time that either the Punjab Kings or the Royal Challengers Bengaluru win an IPL title, and it can only be one of them. Here's a peek at their journey thus far in this competition and what may be anticipated in this high-profile match as they get ready to face off at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, for Qualifier 1 to kick off the IPL playoffs.

The route to the playoffs

In reality, the IPL playoffs were rather simple to clinch in a top-heavy year. There was none of the drama and fireworks of RCB's streak last year, when they had to win six games in a row. With eight points after seven games, RCB were in a good position, and they went on to win four games in a row, securing their spot in the tournament.

Punjab had a little bit more of a difficult time because they were in a bit of a conflict with Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians as they joined the IPL after its hiatus. The games against those two clubs, which had previously appeared to be season-defining matchups, became more of a footnote as a result of Delhi's poor performance in the late season, which also allowed them to qualify with a few games to spare. In their last match, Punjab defeated MI to move to the top of the standings.

The first six games of their season, PBKS and RCB, were identical—WWLWLW—which is intriguing. They never had a difference of more than two points between them, and that was only in one game. They ended with 17 points apiece, with PBKS' net run rate just 0.071 points higher. Arm in arm, locked.

Head-to-head matchup between PBKS and RCB

Did you think that was close? Look at their head-to-head comparison. With just a few exceptions, the 35 games between 2008 and today are identical. RCB have won 17 times, while Punjab have won 18. The rivalry between these two teams has been like that.

The clubs competed twice this year, first in Bangalore and then in Mullanpur, in the span of three days. The first game was a rain-shortened match that Punjab won, but less than 40 hours later, they would succumb to RCB's persistent away attack, joining their list of seven victims in their flawless road record.

Who, then, are the front runners?

Given everything, there is not much that distinguishes these two red-clad teams, even when it comes to the lions in their symbols. They are, without a doubt, the best team in the tournament based on their head-to-head record and performance throughout the season, and they are also capable of defeating one another. The home advantage in Mullanpur has made very little difference to RCB. Although the Bengaluru team has more postseason experience than their opponents, who last competed in this round in 2014, they haven't participated in Qualifier 1 since 2016. Additionally, the competing captain is the IPL's reigning champion.

Perhaps that is the essential component in all of this. These two teams have a solid understanding of their strengths and weaknesses on both offense and defense, so don't be fooled. How their captains act and think when under pressure may determine whether they make a difference. Although Rajat Patidar is in his first year in his position, Shreyas Iyer has already guided two separate clubs to the IPL finals and won the tournament last year.

He is now the only man to have led two distinct IPL teams to the championship game. Would you bet against him in an attempt to win all three of his games? The major distinction between these two teams—indeed, the only difference—is that Punjab may have a very slight edge.

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