RCB vs KKR Head to Head in IPL: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Timeline, Records & Stats

When it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL), few rivalries stir up as much excitement as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This isn’t just about cricket—it’s about drama, history, fierce competition, and unforgettable performances. From Brendon McCullum’s iconic innings in the very first IPL match to Virat Kohli’s fiery duels with Gautam Gambhir, this rivalry has given fans a rollercoaster of emotions.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the full story of RCB vs KKR head-to-head records, iconic matches, individual stats, and jaw-dropping performances. If you’re an IPL fan—or just someone who loves thrilling sports rivalries—you’ll enjoy every bit of this.

How the Rivalry Began

The very first IPL match ever played in 2008 set the tone for this rivalry. On that night in Bengaluru, Brendon McCullum smashed an unbelievable 158 off 73 balls* for KKR, leaving RCB stunned. That innings didn’t just light up the stadium—it set the standard for the entertainment IPL would deliver for years to come.

Since then, whenever RCB and KKR face each other, fans expect fireworks. Whether it’s a high-scoring chase, a nail-biting collapse, or a star-studded showdown, this fixture never disappoints.

RCB vs KKR Head-to-Head Record

Over the years, these two teams have clashed 35 times in the IPL. Here’s how things stand:

• Total Matches Played: 35

• KKR Wins: 20

• RCB Wins: 15

• Draw/Tied/No Result: 0

Clearly, KKR has the upper hand overall, but RCB has managed to shine in key games—especially in recent seasons.

Records at Home Grounds

At Eden Gardens (KKR’s Fortress)

• Matches Played: 13

• KKR Wins: 8

• RCB Wins: 5

KKR enjoys strong home dominance at Eden Gardens. The Kolkata crowd, known for its energy, often pushes the team to deliver their best.

At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (RCB’s Fortress)

• Matches Played: 12

• KKR Wins: 8

• RCB Wins: 4

Surprisingly, even at RCB’s home ground, KKR has had the upper hand, winning twice as many matches. This stat makes the rivalry even more intense.

At Neutral Venues

• Matches Played: 10

• RCB Wins: 6

• KKR Wins: 4

On neutral grounds, things look more balanced, with RCB holding a slight edge.

Highest and Lowest Totals in the Rivalry

Cricket is a game of highs and lows, and this rivalry has delivered plenty.

• Highest Total (Overall): KKR’s 222/3 in the inaugural IPL game (2008).

• RCB’s Highest Score vs KKR: 221 at Eden Gardens (2024).

• Lowest Total (Overall): RCB’s shocking 49 all-out at Eden Gardens (2017).

• KKR’s Lowest Score vs RCB: 84/8 in Abu Dhabi (2020).

That infamous 49 all-out by RCB is still one of the darkest days in their history—and KKR fans never let them forget it!

Star Performers in RCB vs KKR Matches

Every rivalry has its heroes, and this one is no different.

Most Runs

• For KKR: Gautam Gambhir (530 runs)

• For RCB: Virat Kohli (1021 runs)

No surprises here—Kohli leads from the front for RCB, while Gambhir’s leadership and consistency made him KKR’s go-to man.

Highest Individual Score

• For KKR: Brendon McCullum (158*)

• For RCB: Chris Gayle (102*)

Both of these knocks are etched in IPL history—McCullum’s for starting it all, and Gayle’s for pure T20 power-hitting.

Most Wickets

• For KKR: Sunil Narine (24 wickets)

• For RCB: Yuzvendra Chahal (19 wickets)

Both spinners have been game-changers in this rivalry, often tilting matches with key breakthroughs.

Best Bowling Figures

• KKR: Varun Chakravarthy (4/15)

• RCB: Wanindu Hasaranga (4/20)

Whenever these two sides clash, mystery spinners and clever bowlers often steal the show.

Iconic Moments That Defined the Rivalry

Let’s look back at some of the most unforgettable clashes between RCB and KKR:

1. 2008 – McCullum’s 158*: The innings that launched IPL and immortalized the KKR-RCB rivalry.

2. 2012 – KKR’s Title Run: Gambhir’s captaincy saw KKR dominate RCB, building momentum for their championship win.

3. 2013 – Virat vs Gambhir Altercation: Tempers flared as two fiery captains clashed, giving fans a spicy off-the-ball memory.

4. 2015 – AB de Villiers’ Masterclass: RCB chased down a huge total with AB at his magical best.

5. 2017 – RCB All Out for 49: KKR humiliated RCB in one of the lowest totals in IPL history.

6. 2019 – Andre Russell Storm: A 13-ball 48 stunned RCB and snatched victory for KKR.

7. 2020 – Abu Dhabi Collapse: RCB bundled KKR for just 84, proving they could dish out humiliation too.

8. 2021 – Playoff Heartbreak: KKR knocked RCB out, ending Kohli’s captaincy era without a title.

9. 2023 – KKR Dominance: KKR went unbeaten against RCB, winning all four encounters across two seasons.

10. 2024 – RCB’s Revenge: RCB finally hit back with a record 221 at Eden Gardens, reigniting the rivalry.

Each of these moments added a new chapter to the story, making the RCB vs KKR clash one of the must-watch fixtures every IPL season.

Also Read : India vs Belgium Hockey Head to Head Record

RCB vs KKR: Season-by-Season Standings

Here’s a quick snapshot of how the two sides have fared over the years:

This table shows how unpredictable both teams have been—RCB often strong with star power, while KKR relies on collective performances and strategy.

Why Fans Love RCB vs KKR

So, what makes this rivalry so special?

• Star Power: Kohli, Gayle, AB de Villiers vs Gambhir, Russell, Narine.

• Unpredictability: No matter the stats, either team can pull off a surprise.

• Drama & Emotions: Heated arguments, close games, and last-over finishes.

• History: From the very first IPL match, this rivalry has had drama written all over it.

For fans, an RCB vs KKR clash is never just another game—it’s an event you can’t afford to miss.

Final Thoughts

The RCB vs KKR rivalry perfectly captures what the IPL is all about—star-studded lineups, unforgettable moments, unpredictable outcomes, and passionate fans. While KKR holds the edge in head-to-head records, RCB continues to fight back with explosive performances.

As both teams look ahead to future seasons, one thing is certain: whenever RCB and KKR meet, the cricketing world stops to watch.

So, the next time these two giants collide, grab your popcorn—it’s going to be fireworks all over again!