The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have forged one of the most thrilling rivalries in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
Famous for nail-biting finishes and electrifying individual performances, the face-offs between KKR and RCB are consistently among the most anticipated clashes of each season. While KKR holds the edge in overall wins, RCB has often turned the tide with standout efforts from its marquee players.
This timeline highlights the head-to-head results and defining moments in the KKR vs RCB rivalry from 2008 to 2024.
Head-to-Head Record: KKR vs RCB (2008 – 2024)
The rivalry between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore has featured 34 matches in the Indian Premier League to date. KKR leads the head-to-head with 20 wins, while RCB has secured 14 victories. Both teams have had dominant spells, with Kolkata generally having the upper hand in overall results.
| Category | RCB | KKR |
| Matches Played | 34 | 34 |
| Matches Won | 14 | 20 |
| Matches Lost | 20 | 14 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Score | 221 | 222 |
| Lowest Score | 49 | 84 |
KKR vs RCB Timeline From 2008 – 2024
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| Teams | Winner | Margin | Venue | Match Date |
| KKR vs RCB | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 1 run | Kolkata | 21-Apr-2024 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 7 wickets | Bengaluru | 29-Mar-2024 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 21 runs | Bengaluru | 26-Apr-2023 |
| KKR vs RCB | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 81 runs | Kolkata | 06-Apr-2023 |
| RCB vs KKR | Royal Challengers | Won by 3 wickets | Navi Mumbai | 30-Mar-2022 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 4 wickets | Sharjah | 11-Oct-2021 |
| KKR vs RCB | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 9 wickets | Abu Dhabi | 20-Sep-2021 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 38 runs | Chennai | 18-Apr-2021 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 8 wickets | Abu Dhabi | 21-Oct-2020 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 82 runs | Sharjah | 12-Oct-2020 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 10 runs | Kolkata | 19-Apr-2019 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 5 wickets | Bengaluru | 05-Apr-2019 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 6 wickets | Bengaluru | 29-Apr-2018 |
| KKR vs RCB | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 4 wickets | Kolkata | 08-Apr-2018 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 6 wickets | Bengaluru | 07-May-2017 |
| KKR vs RCB | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 82 runs | Kolkata | 23-Apr-2017 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 9 wickets | Kolkata | 16-May-2016 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 5 wickets | Bengaluru | 02-May-2016 |
| RCB vs KKR | Royal Challengers | Won by 7 wickets | Bengaluru | 02-May-2015 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 3 wickets | Kolkata | 11-Apr-2015 |
| KKR vs RCB | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 30 runs | Kolkata | 22-May-2014 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 2 runs | Sharjah | 24-Apr-2014 |
| KKR vs RCB | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 5 wickets | Ranchi | 12-May-2013 |
| RCB vs KKR | Royal Challengers | Won by 8 wickets | Bengaluru | 11-Apr-2013 |
| KKR vs RCB | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 47 runs | Kolkata | 28-Apr-2012 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 42 runs | Bengaluru | 10-Apr-2012 |
| RCB vs KKR | Royal Challengers | Won by 4 wickets | Bengaluru | 14-May-2011 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 9 wickets | Kolkata | 22-Apr-2011 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 7 wickets | Bengaluru | 10-Apr-2010 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 7 wickets | Kolkata | 14-Mar-2010 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 6 wickets | Centurion | 12-May-2009 |
| KKR vs RCB | Royal Challengers | Won by 5 wickets | Durban | 29-Apr-2009 |
| KKR vs RCB | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 5 runs | Kolkata | 08-May-2008 |
| RCB vs KKR | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 140 runs | Bengaluru | 18-Apr-2008 |
Key Highlights and Match Analysis
The Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore have played out some of the most gripping and high-stakes matches in IPL history. Whether it’s tight finishes, commanding wins, or individual heroics, this rivalry consistently delivers memorable cricketing moments.
What Are the Recent Matches of KKR vs RCB?
March 29, 2024 – Match 10, IPL 2024 (Bengaluru)
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KKR displayed excellent composure and control in a run chase under pressure. Chasing 182 on a batting-friendly surface at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, their top order laid a solid foundation.
- Sunil Narine starred with both bat and ball, earning the Player of the Match.
- His economical bowling in the powerplay slowed down RCB’s momentum.
- With the bat, Narine’s quickfire cameo gave KKR early momentum in the chase.
- KKR reached the target with 8 balls to spare, finishing on 186/3.
This match underlined Kolkata’s depth and balance in the squad, with contributions coming from both experienced internationals and domestic talents.
April 21, 2024 – Match 36, IPL 2024 (Kolkata)
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Eden Gardens witnessed one of the most thrilling contests of the season. Batting first, KKR put up a massive total of 222/6, led by a brutal innings from Andre Russell.
- Russell’s explosive hitting in the final overs swung the momentum in Kolkata’s favor.
- RCB, despite a solid start in the chase, lost key wickets in the death overs.
- The match came down to the final delivery, with RCB falling just 1 run short at 221 all out.
- Russell was once again awarded Player of the Match for his match-defining performance.
This contest not only showcased KKR’s firepower but also RCB’s fighting spirit in a high-pressure chase. The match was a classic example of why this rivalry is one of IPL’s most cherished.
IPL 2025 Match Previews – KKR vs RCB
The upcoming 2025 season brings fresh excitement as both teams gear up with renewed strategies and updated squads. With impactful signings and leadership changes, the new season promises to intensify this historic rivalry.
1. March 22, 2025 – Match 1, IPL 2025 (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
The IPL 2025 season opener will set the tone for both franchises.
- KKR enters with a strong core and explosive all-rounders like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine.
- Ajinkya Rahane leads a squad that blends experience with young talent like Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh.
- RCB, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, fields a balanced lineup featuring power-hitters like Tim David and Liam Livingstone.
- With Virat Kohli anchoring the top order and bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the attack, RCB looks to break Kolkata’s recent dominance.
This match will be crucial for both teams to establish early rhythm and assess the form of key players.
2. May 17, 2025 – Match 68, IPL 2025 (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru)
The final clash between these sides in the league stage is likely to carry playoff implications.
- RCB’s home advantage at the Chinnaswamy could be a defining factor, especially for their big-hitting batters.
- KKR, however, has enjoyed recent success over RCB and will be confident heading into this encounter.
- With players like Quinton de Kock and Venkatesh Iyer in form, KKR will look to dominate the powerplays.
- RCB’s key to success will lie in their death bowling and how well they contain KKR’s middle-order power hitters.
This match is expected to be high on intensity, drama, and crowd engagement, as both teams aim for a strong finish to the league stage.
Conclusion
The KKR vs RCB rivalry has been an enduring saga of fierce battles, unforgettable performances, and gripping contests. While KKR holds the upper hand in terms of victories, RCB has delivered some iconic moments of its own. As both teams continue to evolve, this rivalry remains one of the IPL’s most captivating storylines.
FAQs About KKR vs RCB Rivalry
Who has the better record, KKR or RCB?
KKR leads with 20 wins, while RCB has 14 victories in their 34 encounters.
What’s the biggest win margin in this rivalry?
KKR’s 140-run win over RCB in 2008 is the largest margin in their matchups.
When did the two teams last play?
Their most recent clash was on April 21, 2024, where KKR edged out RCB by 1 run.
Which team has dominated recent meetings?
KKR has dominated recently, winning 4 of the last 5 encounters.
What was RCB’s most commanding win?
On October 12, 2020, RCB thrashed KKR by 82 runs in Sharjah.
Where are most of their matches played?
Primarily in Kolkata and Bengaluru, though several were held at neutral venues during IPL’s overseas editions.
Who are the key players in this rivalry?
Key players of KKR are Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Shreyas Iyer and for RCB Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj.
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