Royal Challengers Bengaluru VS Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline 2008

The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is one of the most thrilling in IPL history. From the very first match in 2008, when Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158* stunned fans, to RCB’s long-awaited IPL title in 2025, every clash has been packed with drama, high scores, and unforgettable performances. This Royal Challengers Bengaluru VS Kolkata Knight Riders timeline traces the journey of two contrasting teams RCB’s star-studded batting power versus KKR’s tactical depth and all-round brilliance through iconic matches, standout players, and pivotal moments that have shaped one of cricket’s most exciting rivalries.

Table of Contents

RCB vs KKR Head-to-Head Overview: Who Has the Upper Hand?

When it comes to RCB vs KKR, the numbers tell part of the story, but the drama tells the rest. As of IPL 2025:

Matches Played: ~36
KKR Wins: 20
RCB Wins: 15
No Result / Tie: 1

KKR has a slight edge in wins, often proving clutch in critical games, while RCB has often dazzled with individual brilliance, especially from legends like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers.

Here’s a quick look at some standout statistics from the rivalry:

Stat	KKR	RCB
Matches Played	36	36
Wins	15	20
No Result / Tie	1	1
Highest Total vs Opponent	213	222
Lowest Total vs Opponent	49	84
Highest Individual Score	Brendon McCullum 158*	Chris Gayle 102*
Most Runs (Player)	Gautam Gambhir ~530	Virat Kohli ~962
Most Wickets (Player)	Sunil Narine ~26	Yuzvendra Chahal ~19

Royal Challengers Bengaluru VS Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline: Season‑Wise Breakdown

2008 — The IPL Begins with a Bang

The very first IPL match ever, on April 18, 2008, was RCB vs KKR at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Fans expected a competitive game, but what they witnessed was history in the making.

Brendon McCullum walked out and played one of the most unforgettable T20 innings of all time, scoring 158 off just 73 balls*.
KKR chased a big total with ease, defeating RCB by a huge margin.
That single innings not only set the tone for KKR’s dominance in this rivalry but also put the IPL on the global map.

From that day, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru VS Kolkata Knight Riders timeline began, with fans eagerly waiting to see who would win the next chapter.

2009–2011 — Growing Rivalry and Emerging Heroes

In the early years, both teams began establishing their identities.

RCB leaned heavily on Virat Kohli, who was starting to make a name for himself as a consistent T20 scorer, and Chris Gayle, whose big-hitting ability could single-handedly turn games.
KKR relied on Gautam Gambhir’s steady leadership and the spin wizardry of Sunil Narine, which often caused RCB’s batsmen problems.

These seasons were full of thrilling chases, tense finishes, and a rivalry that was growing in intensity. Matches were close, and often the victor was decided in the final overs. Fans were seeing not just cricket, but drama unfold at every ball.

2012–2016 — Strategy Over Power

By this time, both teams were mature franchises. The matches were no longer just about power hitting; strategy began to take center stage.

KKR became known for their smart bowling lineups and all-round strength, often defending totals with precision.
RCB, meanwhile, continued to rely on their batting stars, using aggressive chases to turn games around.
This period produced numerous memorable finishes, including last-ball victories and tense matches where every run mattered.

These seasons helped build the narrative that this rivalry was about more than individual performances—it was about teams rising to the occasion under pressure.

2017 — RCB’s Historic Collapse

If there was one game that everyone remembers, it was RCB being bowled out for just 49 runs at Eden Gardens.

KKR’s bowlers, led by Andre Russell, dominated completely.
It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement of intent and a moment that still resonates when people talk about RCB vs KKR.

For RCB, it was a humbling defeat, but it also set the stage for future redemption, proving that in this rivalry, anything can happen.

2018–2020 — Thrills Continue

The rivalry during these seasons was defined by strategic battles and superstar performances:

KKR relied on the likes of Narine and Russell to win critical matches.
RCB’s Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and AB de Villiers consistently tried to keep RCB in contention, often producing incredible chases.

Matches became tightly contested, with momentum swinging multiple times in a single game, making this era a fan favorite in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru VS Kolkata Knight Riders timeline.

2021–2022 — Neutral Venues, Same Drama

During these years, matches were played in neutral venues due to the pandemic. Despite this, the rivalry remained as fierce as ever:

KKR adapted well, using spin-friendly pitches and tactical depth to their advantage.
RCB’s lineup continued to be strong, with Kohli, Maxwell, and Faf du Plessis leading the charge.

The 2022 encounters added fresh chapters to the timeline, showing that the rivalry was resilient and evolving, no matter where it was played.

2023 — Edge-of-Your-Seat Battles

IPL 2023 brought back packed stadiums, and with it, some of the closest matches in the rivalry’s history:

A match at Eden Gardens was decided by just one run, highlighting how fine the margins could be.
Glenn Maxwell, Shivam Mavi, and Andre Russell became key figures, showing that individual brilliance could still decide games.

Fans saw the perfect mix of high scoring and last-over tension, cementing the rivalry as one of IPL’s most thrilling.

2024 — High Scores and Spectacular Chases

In 2024, the matches between RCB and KKR were explosive:

KKR posted 222 runs, one of the highest totals in this fixture.
RCB came close in other matches, thanks to Patidar, Faf du Plessis, and Kohli, keeping the tension alive until the last ball.

This season further highlighted the Royal Challengers Bengaluru VS Kolkata Knight Riders timeline as a story of power, skill, and unpredictability.

2025 — Redemption and Triumph

IPL 2025 was a landmark for RCB:

They opened the season with a 7-wicket victory over KKR, showcasing maturity and tactical brilliance.
Later, one of their matches was abandoned due to rain, a frustrating twist in an otherwise exciting season.
Most importantly, RCB won their first IPL title, ending years of heartbreak and adding a historic milestone to the rivalry.

Fans celebrated long-awaited success, and this victory added a feel-good chapter to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru VS Kolkata Knight Riders timeline, showing that persistence pays off.

Top Performers in the Rivalry

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru VS Kolkata Knight Riders timeline wouldn’t be complete without celebrating the stars:

Batting Legends

Brendon McCullum (KKR): 158* in IPL’s opening match remains the stuff of legend.
Virat Kohli (RCB): Over 950 runs in head-to-head matches, a symbol of consistency.
Chris Gayle (RCB): Power-hitter par excellence, changing games with massive innings.
Gautam Gambhir (KKR): A reliable run-scorer and steady leader during KKR’s early

IPL Titles Won: RCB vs KKR

The IPL rivalry between RCB and KKR is not just about thrilling matches but also their fight for supremacy. While KKR have won three titles, RCB finally claimed their maiden championship in 2025, adding a new chapter to this classic contest.

Team	IPL Titles Won	Years Won
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)	1	2025
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)	3	2012, 2014, 2024

What the RCB vs KKR Rivalry Will Bring in IPL 2026

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry is set to enter another thrilling chapter in IPL 2026. After decades of intense encounters, RCB come into the season with renewed confidence as defending champions, blending experienced stars like Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with emerging talent such as Venkatesh Iyer and Jordan Cox. KKR, on the other hand, have reshaped their squad after releasing several veterans, bringing in new players to strengthen their batting and bowling balance.

Fans can expect high-scoring, edge-of-the-seat encounters where last-over finishes and tactical decisions will be crucial. The venues will also play a role, with Chinnaswamy favouring batters and Eden Gardens testing teams with spin and swing. Beyond statistics, this rivalry thrives on drama, momentum shifts, and star performances, making every clash unpredictable. With fresh talent, seasoned campaigners, and high stakes in play, RCB vs KKR matches in 2026 are expected to deliver explosive cricket, memorable moments, and strategic masterclasses, continuing a legacy that has entertained fans since 2008.

RCB Vs KKR Squad IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) 2026 Squad

Retained Players: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Philip Salt, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Swapnil Singh
New Auction Signings: Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Jacob Duffy, Satvik Deswal, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) 2026 Squad

Retained Players: Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Varun Chakravarthy, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy
New Auction Signings: Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman, Finn Allen, Tejasvi Singh, Tim Seifert, Rahul Tripathi, Prashant Solanki, Daksh Kamra, Sarthak Ranjan, Kartik Tyagi

Conclusion

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru VS Kolkata Knight Riders timeline enters a thrilling new phase in IPL 2026. RCB, as defending champions, combines experienced stars like Kohli, Bhuvneshwar, and Hazlewood with new talent like Venkatesh Iyer and Jordan Cox, giving them balance and flexibility. KKR strengthened aggressively, adding Cameron Green and Matheesha Pathirana to their proven core of Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, and Manish Pandey, making them a formidable side. Fans can expect high-intensity matches, explosive batting, and strategic bowling, adding fresh chapters to this iconic rivalry that has captivated audiences since 2008.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the head-to-head record between RCB and KKR in the IPL?

As of IPL 2025, RCB and KKR have faced each other around 36 times. KKR have won 20 matches, while RCB have won 15, with 1 match ending as a no-result.

2. When did RCB and KKR first play each other in the IPL?

The first-ever IPL match in 2008 was between RCB and KKR at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Brendon McCullum’s unforgettable 158* led KKR to a big win.

3. Who are the top performers in RCB vs KKR matches?

Key performers include Virat Kohli (~962 runs) and Chris Gayle for RCB, and Brendon McCullum (158*) and Gautam Gambhir (~530 runs) for KKR. Sunil Narine (26 wickets) and Yuzvendra Chahal (19 wickets) have been the leading wicket-takers in this rivalry.