The rivalry between RCB and KKR in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most thrilling and intensely fought matchups in the tournament’s history. Regarding the background of this rivalry, the timeline of Kolkata Knight Riders versus Royal Challengers Bangalore began with the IPL’s launch, as the inaugural match of the Indian Premier League featured Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kolkata Knight Riders. The RCB and KKR matchup is among the fiercest rivalries in IPL. It has delivered numerous unforgettable moments, such as McCullum’s 158* performance in the very first match of this rivalry and the altercation between Virat and Gambhir during the 2013 season.
These two teams are the most intense adversaries in the IPL due to their differing styles and philosophies. KKR, under the dynamic leadership of Shah Rukh Khan, is recognized for its unpredictable performances and strong team spirit. Conversely, RCB, featuring star players like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, often shines with its explosive batting. Their confrontations are characterized by intense rivalry and remarkable moments, transforming each matchup into a display of strategy, talent, and pure excitement for fans.
RCB vs KKR Head to Head Record
In the rivalry between RCB and KKR, the Kolkata Knight Riders lead with 20 victories out of the 35 clashes against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Conversely, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have secured 15 wins from those 35 matches.
| Total Matches | 35 |
| KKR Won | 20 |
| RCB Won | 15 |
| KKR Lost | 15 |
| RCB Lost | 20 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB vs KKR Head to Head Record at Home Ground
KKR Record at Home Ground Against RCB
In the 13 matches contested between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders at KKR’s home ground, KKR emerged victorious in 8 of those, whereas RCB managed to secure wins in just 5 games at Eden Gardens.
| Total Matches | 13 |
| KKR Won | 8 |
| RCB Won | 5 |
| KKR Lost | 5 |
| RCB Lost | 8 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB Record at Home Ground Against KKR
Both on its home pitch and on RCB’s home pitch, KKR performs better than RCB. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has hosted twelve meetings between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR has won eight of those twelve meetings, while RCB has only won four.
| Total Matches | 12 |
| RCB Won | 4 |
| KKR Won | 8 |
| RCB Lost | 8 |
| KKR Lost | 4 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB vs KKR Head to Head Record at Away Ground
KKR Record at Away Ground Against RCB
When the Kolkata Knight Riders travel to play the Royal Challengers Bangalore, they have a strong record. In the 12 games that KKR has played at M. Chinnasway Stadium, they have won eight of them and lost just four.
| Total Matches | 12 |
| KKR Won | 8 |
| RCB Won | 4 |
| KKR Lost | 4 |
| RCB Lost | 8 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB Record at Away Ground Against KKR
Since they have only won five of the thirteen games they have played at Eden Gardens Stadium, RCB’s away record against KKR is dismal. The other eight games that RCB has played at KKR’s home field have ended in defeat.
| Total Matches | 13 |
| RCB Won | 5 |
| KKR Won | 8 |
| RCB Lost | 5 |
| KKR Lost | 8 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB vs KKR Head to Head Record at Neutral Venues
The RCB vs KKR rivalry appears fairly matched when it comes to neutral ground matches; out of the 10 matches that the two teams have played on neutral venues, KKR has won 4 and RCB has won 6.
| Total Matches | 10 |
| KKR Won | 4 |
| RCB Won | 6 |
| KKR Lost | 6 |
| RCB Lost | 4 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB vs KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Records & Stats
Highest Score in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
The Kolkata Knight Riders scored the highest total in the history of the RCB vs. KKR rivalry, 222/3, in the inaugural IPL match played in Bengaluru on April 18, 2008.
Highest Score by KKR Against RCB
At Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru, on April 18, 2008, the KKR defeated the RCB with their highest-ever score of 222/3.
Highest Score by RCB Against KKR
The Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 221 in their game against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 21, 2024, at Kolkata, which was their highest total against KKR to date.
Lowest Score in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
In the RCB vs. KKR match, Royal Challengers Bangalore scored the lowest total at Eden Gardens on April 23, 2017, losing to KKR by just 49 runs.
Lowest Score by KKR Against RCB
KKR’s lowest total against Royal Challengers Bangalore was 84/8 runs, which was held by RCB in Abu Dhabi on October 21, 2020.
Lowest Score by RCB Against KKR
On April 23, 2017, at Kolkata, the Royal Challengers Bangalore were bowled out for just 49 runs, their lowest total against KKR to date.
Individual Records in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
Most runs & Highest Score in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
Gautam Gambhir, the legendary captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, leads the team’s run-scoring tally against Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Brandon McCllum is the KKR batsman with the highest score against RCB. Virat Kohli scored the most runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kolkata Knight Riders, while Chris Gayle had the highest score for RCB against KKR.
| Stats | KKR | RCB |
| Most Runs | Gautam Gambhir (530 runs) | Virat Kohli (1021 runs) |
| Highest scorer | Brendon McCullum (158*) | Chris Gayle (102*) |
Most Wickets & Best Bowling in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
Sunil Narine has taken the most wickets for the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Yuzvendra Chahal has taken the most wickets against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Wanindu Hasaranga bowled the best for RCB against KKR, while Varun Chakaravarthy had the highest bowling numbers for the Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
| Stats | KKR | RCB |
| Most wickets | Sunil Narine (24) | Yuzvendra Chahal (19 wickets) |
| Best Bowling | Varun Chakaravarthy (4/15) | Wanindu Hasaranga (4/20) |
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Timeline
Several memorable events in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have occurred between the RCB and KKR teams. The confrontations began in 2008, with RCB claiming early triumphs. KKR’s 2012 IPL-winning season witnessed a stunning reversal, including a thrilling victory over RCB in a high-scoring match. In the 2015 season, AB de Villiers delivered a standout performance, leading RCB to a record chase against KKR. Sunil Narine of KKR shined with both bat and ball in 2017, securing a key victory.
In 2019, RCB’s Virat Kohli and KKR’s Andre Russell faced off in a tense struggle, with Russell’s spectacular performance turning the game around. The 2021 season showcased KKR’s strategic prowess as they overcame RCB in a crucial match. Since the 2023 season, KKR has gone undefeated against RCB, winning all four meetings over the last two seasons. The most recent meeting between these two sides took place on April 21, 2024, at Eden Gardens.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Standings
| KKR position | IPL Season | RCB Position |
| 6th position | 2008 | 7th position |
| 8th position | 2009 | 3rd position |
| 6th position | 2010 | 4th position |
| 4th position | 2011 | 1st position |
| 2nd position | 2012 | 5th position |
| 7th position | 2013 | 5th position |
| 2nd position | 2014 | 7th position |
| 5th position | 2015 | 3rd position |
| 4th position | 2016 | 2nd position |
| 4th position | 2017 | 8th position |
| 3rd position | 2018 | 6th position |
| 5th position | 2019 | 8th position |
| 5th position | 2020 | 4th position |
| 4th position | 2021 | 3rd position |
| 7th position | 2022 | 4th position |
| 7th position | 2023 | 6th position |
| 1st position | 2024 | 4th position |
| 8th position | 2025 | 2nd position |
