The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is one of the most memorable rivalries in Indian Premier League (IPL) records. From Brendon McCullum’s legendary 158 within the first actual IPL match to last-ball thrillers, record-breaking totals, and Virat Kohli’s milestones, RCB and KKR have added unforgettable cricket moments.
RCB vs KKR Head-to-Head Record
As of the most recent completed meetings, KKR lead the competition with 21 wins, while RCB have won 16 matches, and one undertaking ended without a result.
| Record | RCB | KKR |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 38 | 38 |
| Wins | 16 | 21 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Score | 221 | 222 |
| Lowest Score | 49 | 84 |
The competition has featured both batting masterclasses and dramatic collapses, making it one of the IPL’s most outstanding — acquired through a hundred and forty
RCB vs KKR Timeline (2008–2026)
| Season | Result | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | KKR won by 140 runs | McCullum’s historic 158* |
| 2009 | KKR won | Low-scoring battle |
| 2010 | RCB won | Kohli begins making impact |
| 2011 | Mixed results | Gayle dominates |
| 2012 | KKR wins season rivalry | KKR wins IPL |
| 2013 | Split victories | Close contests |
| 2014 | KKR dominates | Eventual champions |
| 2015 | Mixed | Balanced season |
| 2016 | RCB wins key game | Kohli’s record season |
| 2017 | KKR wins | RCB all out for 49 |
| 2018 | Split | Russell shines |
| 2019 | Mixed | Super Over excitement |
| 2020 | KKR edges rivalry | UAE season |
| 2021 | KKR wins eliminator | Knockout heartbreak |
| 2022 | RCB wins | Hasaranga stars |
| 2023 | KKR wins both | Shardul & Rinku impact |
| 2024 | KKR wins both | 1-run thriller |
| 2025 | RCB win opener | Rain washes second game |
| 2026 | RCB win by 6 wickets | Kohli scores 105* |
Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 158 off 73 balls became one of the greatest IPL innings ever finished. KKR posted 222, even as RCB had been bowled out for simply eighty two.
Why It Was Historic
- First-ever IPL match.
- First IPL century.
- Largest victory margin at that point.
- Brendon McCullum hhas emergedas an immediate IPL legend.
2009–2011: The Rivalry Starts Growing
During those seasons, RCB improved significantly with Chris Gayle transforming their batting lineup, whilst Virat Kohli started establishing himself as a future star. KKR remained competitive regardless of inconsistent performances, and numerous close to suits within the direction of this era helped enhance the competition.
2012–2014: KKR’s Championship Years
These seasons in huge detail belonged to Kolkata as Gautam Gambhir, Sunil Narine, Jacques Kallis, and Robin Uthappa fashioned a powerful core. KKR won the IPL in each 2012 and 2014, and their disciplined bowling attack frequently troubled RCB’s explosive batting lineup.
2016: Virat Kohli’s Peak Season
IPL 2016 became Virat Kohli’s best batting season. Although RCB finally finished runners-up, Kohli’s terrific run-scoring included memorable performances against KKR.
2017: The Lowest Point for RCB
One of the most lovable fits in IPL statistics got here — received thru 80
RCB were dismissed for most effective 40 nine runs, one of the lowest totals in IPL statistics.
KKR Bowling Heroes
- Nathan Coulter-Nile
- Chris Woakes
- Colin de Grandhomme
The fall apart became one of the defining moments of this competition.
2018–2021: Russell’s Power and Knockout Drama
Andre Russell repeatedly changed video games in opposition to RCB with explosive hitting and all-around performances.
2022: RCB Bounce Back
RCB defeated KKR by three wickets after restricting them to 128 all out before chasing 132/7. Wanindu Hasaranga produced a wholesome-prevailing bowling spell that helped Bengaluru return to prevailing processes.
First Match
- Shardul Thakur played a sensational innings.
- KKR posted a huge total.
Second Match
- Rinku Singh and KKR’s bowlers completed the heist.
Neither organization reached the final, but KKR really ruled the rivalry that season.
nearly completed an exceptional chase. The match ended with a dramatic run-out on the final ball.
2025: RCB Finally Break the Streak
RCB defeated KKR with the useful resource of 7 wickets within the season opener.
Match Highlights
- Virat Kohli: 59*
- Phil Salt: 56
- Kohli crossed 1,000 IPL runs against KKR.
The cross-town fixture in Bengaluru ended without a result due to rain.
Players Who Have Defined the Rivalry
| Player | Team | Major Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | Most runs and multiple match-winning innings |
| Brendon McCullum | KKR | Historic 158* in the first IPL match |
| Andre Russell | KKR | Explosive batting and all-round performances |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | Match-winning bowling spells |
| Chris Gayle | RCB | Powerful batting against KKR |
| AB de Villiers | RCB | Game-changing finishes |
| Gautam Gambhir | KKR | Successful leadership |
| Rinku Singh | KKR | Important finishing performances |
FAQ
Who leads the RCB vs KKR head-to-head record?
KKR lead the rivalry with 21 wins, while RCB have 16 victories, and one match ended without a result.
What is RCB’s lowest score against KKR?
RCB were bowled out for 49 runs in IPL 2017, one of the lowest totals in IPL history.
Who scored the first IPL century in this rivalry?
Brendon McCullum scored 158 not out for KKR in the first-ever IPL match in 2008.
What was the closest RCB vs KKR match?
The IPL 2024 clash at Eden Gardens ended with KKR winning by just 1 run after a dramatic final-ball run-out.
Has RCB ever defeated KKR in a season opener?
Yes. RCB defeated KKR by 7 wickets in the opening match of IPL 2025, with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt leading the chase.
