Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline
Table of Contents
The rivalry between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is one of the most exciting matchups in the Indian Premier League. Both teams have passionate fan bases and a history of thrilling encounters. From record-breaking performances to dramatic finishes, this timeline highlights how their rivalry has evolved into a competitive and entertaining contest.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Result
Series
IPL 2026
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Mar 2026
RCB won by 7 wickets
Indian Premier League
IPL 2025
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
May 2025
Abandoned (No Result)
Indian Premier League
IPL 2025
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
22 Mar 2025
RCB won by 7 wickets
Indian Premier League
IPL 2024
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
21 Apr 2024
KKR won by 1 run
Indian Premier League
IPL 2024
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
29 Mar 2024
KKR won by 7 wickets
Indian Premier League
IPL 2023
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
26 Apr 2023
KKR won by 21 runs
Indian Premier League
IPL 2023
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
6 Apr 2023
KKR won by 81 runs
Indian Premier League
IPL 2022
DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai
2022
RCB won by 3 wickets
Indian Premier League
IPL 2021
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
2021
KKR won by 4 wickets
Indian Premier League
IPL 2021
Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
2021
KKR won by 9 wickets
Indian Premier League
IPL 2021
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
2021
RCB won by 38 runs
Indian Premier League
IPL 2020
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
2020
RCB won by 8 wickets
Indian Premier League
IPL 2020
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
2020
RCB won by 82 runs
Indian Premier League
IPL 2019
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
2019
RCB won by 10 runs
Indian Premier League
IPL 2019
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
2019
KKR won by 5 wickets
Indian Premier League
ICC & Asia Cup Matches Timeline
Tournament
Venue
Date
Afghanistan Score
Bangladesh Score
Result
Asia Cup 2025 (T20)
Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Sep 16, 2025
146 all out (20 overs)
154/5 (20 overs)
Bangladesh won by 8 runs
T20 World Cup 2024 (Super 8)
Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown
Jun 24, 2024
115/5 (20 overs)
105 (17.5 overs)
Afghanistan won by 8 runs (DLS)
Asia Cup 2022 (T20)
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Aug 30, 2022
131/3 (18.3 overs)
127/7 (20 overs)
Afghanistan won by 7 wickets
Top 5 Standout Performances
Rank
Player
Team
Match Details
Performance
Impact / Result
1
Ibrahim Zadran
AFG
ODI Series 2025 (UAE)
95 off 140 balls
Afghanistan won by 81 runs
2
Rashid Khan
AFG
Multiple T20Is
4/18 in 4 overs (best figures)
Key bowling spells in wins
3
Nasum Ahmed
BAN
Asia Cup 2025 T20
Early breakthroughs + economical
Bangladesh won by 8 runs
4
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
AFG
T20I Series 2025
Explosive opening knocks
Strong starts in chases
5
Mustafizur Rahman
BAN
Asia Cup 2025
Death-over brilliance
Sealed tense 8-run victory
Head-to-Head & Key Performers Overview
Format
Matches Played
Afghanistan Wins
Bangladesh Wins
No Result / Draw
Afghanistan’s Edge
Test
2-3
1
1
0
Evenly balanced
ODI
16-19
8
10-11
0
Bangladesh slight lead
T20I
12-16
7
5-9
0
Afghanistan leads (recent form strong)
Early Encounters and Historic Beginnings
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru rivalry began in the very first match of the IPL in 2008. That iconic game set the tone for future encounters, with KKR delivering a dominant performance. In the early years, Kolkata Knight Riders had the upper hand, showcasing strong batting and disciplined bowling. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, however, quickly adapted and improved their squad, making the rivalry more competitive. These initial matches were marked by aggressive gameplay, high scoring innings, and standout individual performances. The foundation built during these seasons played a key role in shaping the intensity of this rivalry.
Season
Venue
Score
Result
Highlight
2008
Bengaluru
KKR 222/3 vs RCB 82/10
KKR won
Historic first match
2009
Cape Town
RCB 110/10 vs KKR 111/4
KKR won
Easy chase
2010
Kolkata
KKR 181/4 vs RCB 137/9
KKR won
Strong bowling
2011
Bengaluru
RCB 140/4 vs KKR 143/6
KKR won
Close finish
Shift in Momentum and Competitive Balance
As the IPL progressed, Royal Challengers Bengaluru improved significantly and started challenging Kolkata Knight Riders more consistently. This phase saw a shift in momentum, with RCB registering important wins and balancing the rivalry. Their batting lineup became one of the strongest in the league, capable of posting and chasing big totals. Meanwhile, KKR focused on building a well rounded team with strength in both batting and bowling. Matches between the two sides became more unpredictable, with results often decided in the final overs. This period established a competitive balance, making every encounter exciting for fans.
Season
Dominant Team
Key Factor
Result Trend
Impact
2012
KKR
Balanced squad
KKR wins
Rise
2013
RCB
Strong batting
RCB wins
Comeback
2014
KKR
Bowling depth
KKR wins
Control
2015
Even
Mixed performance
Shared wins
Balance
High Scoring Matches and Record Breaking Moments
One of the most defining aspects of the KKR vs RCB rivalry has been the number of high scoring matches and record breaking performances. Both teams have produced games featuring massive totals and explosive batting displays. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have often relied on their powerful top order, while Kolkata Knight Riders have responded with aggressive chases and strong middle order contributions. Several matches have witnessed extraordinary individual performances and team efforts that have set new records. These high scoring encounters have added excitement and unpredictability to the rivalry, making it one of the most entertaining matchups in the IPL.
Season
Score
Result
Key Moment
Impact
2016
RCB 185/7 vs KKR 189/5
KKR won
Big chase
Thriller
2017
KKR 131/10 vs RCB 49/10
KKR won
Lowest total
Historic
2019
KKR 203/5 vs RCB 205/3
RCB won
Last over win
Classic
2021
RCB 138/7 vs KKR 139/6
KKR won
Tight finish
Close match
Key Player Performances and Impact
Individual brilliance has played a major role in shaping the KKR vs RCB timeline. Both teams have featured players who consistently deliver match winning performances. Kolkata Knight Riders have relied on all round strength and impactful bowling, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have depended heavily on their batting firepower. These performances often decide the outcome of matches and create memorable moments for fans. Players stepping up under pressure has been a recurring theme in this rivalry, adding to its excitement and unpredictability.
Player Type
Kolkata Knight Riders
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Performance
Impact
Opener
Aggressive
Explosive
Fast runs
Strong start
Middle Order
Stable
Power hitters
Quick runs
Momentum
Bowler
Balanced
Pace focused
Wickets
Control
All rounder
Key role
Support role
Dual impact
Game changer
Head to Head Record and Statistical Insights
The head to head record between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru reflects a competitive rivalry with slight dominance from KKR over the years. Statistics highlight KKR’s strength in both batting and bowling, while RCB’s performances often depend on their batting lineup. The numbers reveal patterns such as KKR’s success in chasing and RCB’s ability to score big totals. These insights help in understanding the dynamics of the rivalry and its evolution over time.
Matches
KKR Wins
RCB Wins
No Result
Win % (KKR)
32
18
14
0
56%
Home KKR
9
5
0
64%
Home RCB
6
8
0
43%
Neutral
3
1
0
75%
Future Outlook of the Rivalry
Looking ahead, the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru rivalry is expected to remain highly competitive. Both teams are focusing on building strong squads and improving consistency. KKR will aim to maintain balance and depth, while RCB will continue to rely on their aggressive batting approach. With the introduction of new players and evolving strategies, future matches promise to deliver even more excitement and thrilling moments for fans.
Factor
Kolkata Knight Riders
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Prediction
Impact
Squad Strength
Balanced
Strong batting
Even
Close games
Batting
Consistent
Explosive
RCB edge
High scores
Bowling
Strong
Improving
KKR edge
Control
Youth Talent
Growing
High
Even
Future growth
Conclusion
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline highlights a rivalry filled with excitement, records, and memorable performances. From the historic opening match of the IPL to recent high scoring thrillers, both teams have contributed to an engaging cricketing narrative. Kolkata Knight Riders bring balance and consistency, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru offer explosive batting and entertainment. This combination ensures that every encounter remains competitive and enjoyable. As the IPL continues to evolve, this rivalry will remain a key part of the league’s success and popularity.