Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru share the most historic rivalry in IPL. Their first meeting was IPL’s very first match on April 18, 2008. Brendon McCullum’s record-breaking 158* launched both IPL and this incredible rivalry.
KKR leads the head-to-head 20-15 from 36 matches. This rivalry has everything – the highest T20 score ever, the lowest IPL total, Andre Russell’s impossible chases, and Chris Gayle’s explosive centuries. From Eden Gardens to Chinnaswamy Stadium, these teams have created IPL’s most memorable moments.
Here’s every chapter of this epic rivalry. From McCullum’s historic first to Russell’s miracles to RCB’s darkest hour of 49 all out. Plus all the records, controversies, and unforgettable moments that define modern T20 cricket.
Quick Overview
| Stat | Details |
| Total Matches | 36 matches (2008-2025) |
| Head-to-Head | KKR won 20, RCB won 15, 1 No Result |
| Biggest Moment | McCullum’s 158* – IPL’s First Match |
| Most Shocking | RCB 49 all out – Lowest IPL Total |
| Best Chase | Russell’s 48* off 13 balls |
| Current Status | KKR 3x Champions, RCB 0 Titles |
The Historic Beginning: IPL’s First Match
Cricket history changed on April 18, 2008, at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The very first IPL match featured KKR vs RCB, and what a start it was. According to ESPNCricinfo, this match “settled all myths” about whether IPL would work.
Brendon McCullum destroyed RCB with an unbeaten 158 off just 73 balls. He smashed 10 fours and 13 sixes – then the most in any T20 innings.
His knock included the first six in IPL history, a mishit flick that sailed over third man off Zaheer Khan. From 0 off 6 balls, McCullum exploded to 158* in what became T20 cricket’s most famous innings.
Shah Rukh Khan danced in the stands as KKR posted 222/3. RCB collapsed to 82 all out, losing by 140 runs. Ajit Agarkar took 3/25 to complete KKR’s dominance.
Only Praveen Kumar (18) reached double figures for RCB. The margin remains one of IPL’s biggest defeats.
This match set the template for their rivalry: explosive batting, dramatic collapses, and unforgettable individual performances. McCullum’s 158* was the highest T20 score at the time and gave IPL the perfect launch pad.
The Darkest Hour: RCB’s 49 All Out
April 23, 2017, at Eden Gardens became RCB’s nightmare. Chasing just 132, RCB suffered the most embarrassing collapse in IPL history. They were bowled out for 49 – still the lowest total in IPL after 18 years.
The pitch had some help after rain, but RCB’s batting was “reckless” according to captain Virat Kohli.
Nathan Coulter-Nile (3/21), Chris Woakes (3/6), and Colin de Grandhomme (3/4) shared nine wickets between them. Not a single RCB batsman reached double figures – Kedar Jadhav’s 9 was the highest score.
Gautam Gambhir masterminded the demolition. He kept slip fielders, positioned himself at short leg, and used relentless pace. The plan was simple – hit the deck hard and use the tacky surface. KKR’s pace quartet executed it perfectly, dismissing RCB in just 9.4 overs.
The collapse stunned cricket. RCB had Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers – arguably T20’s best batting lineup. But cricket’s unpredictability struck hard. This match remains a case study in how bowling intensity can overcome any batting strength.
Andre Russell’s Miracles
No player has tortured RCB quite like Andre Russell. His record against them reads like fantasy: 395 runs at a strike rate of 207.89. But one innings stands above all others – his 48* off 13 balls at Chinnaswamy on April 5, 2019.
KKR needed 66 runs off 24 balls chasing 206. Impossible for most players, but Russell isn’t most players.
From the 18th over onwards, his sequence read: dot, dot, 6, 6, 6, 1, 6, 6, 6, 4, 6. He faced 13 balls and hit seven sixes. According to reports, he needed “only eight scoring shots to score 46 of the 53 required.”
Mohammed Siraj bowled a beamer that was slapped for six, then got suspended mid-over. Marcus Stoinis completed the over and conceded more sixes.
Tim Southee tried everything – around the wicket, slower balls, yorkers – and Russell carved him for 28 off one over. The carnage was complete.
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers had scored 84 and 63 respectively, taking RCB to 205/3. It should have been enough. Russell made it look like a practice session, finishing the chase with five balls to spare. “No ground is big enough for me,” he said afterwards.
Head-to-Head Breakdown by Venue
The rivalry has different flavors at different venues. Eden Gardens and Chinnaswamy Stadium have hosted the most memorable encounters.
| Venue | Matches | KKR Wins | RCB Wins | Notable Moments |
| Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 13 | 8 | 5 | McCullum’s 158*, RCB’s 49 all out |
| M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 12 | 8 | 4 | Russell’s 48* miracle, Gayle’s centuries |
| Neutral Venues | 11 | 4 | 6 | IPL in UAE, South Africa |
- Eden Gardens dominance: KKR’s fortress has seen their most clinical performances. The 2008 opener and 2017’s 49 all out showcase home advantage. The crowd noise and familiar conditions give KKR psychological edge.
- Chinnaswamy surprises: Despite being RCB’s home, KKR leads 8-4 here. Russell’s heroics and several close finishes prove ground size doesn’t guarantee home wins. The small boundaries work for both teams.
- Neutral ground balance: RCB performs better away from traditional venues. UAE matches during COVID showed different dynamics. Weather and pitch conditions matter more than crowd support.
Championship Contrasts: 3 vs 0
The biggest difference between these teams is silverware. KKR have three IPL titles (2012, 2014, 2024). RCB have reached three finals (2009, 2011, 2016) but never won.
- KKR’s title runs: Each championship had different heroes. 2012 was Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy masterclass. 2014 featured clinical bowling and smart tactics. 2024 saw Shreyas Iyer leading a balanced squad to victory.
- RCB’s title heartbreak: They’ve come painfully close multiple times. Lost to Deccan Chargers in 2009, Chennai Super Kings in 2011, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. Each time, they had the talent but couldn’t execute under pressure.
The psychological impact shows in their head-to-head. KKR players have winning mentality from title experience. They’ve closed out big games before. RCB carries the weight of repeated near-misses, sometimes affecting crucial moments.
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
KKR’s Match Winners
Brendon McCullum set the tone with his historic 158*. He revolutionized T20 batting and made KKR fans believe in miracles. His knock wasn’t just about runs – it was about showing what T20 cricket could become.
Andre Russell became RCB’s biggest nightmare. His 48* off 13 balls defied physics. Beyond that innings, he’s consistently punished RCB bowling. His record shows 395 runs at a strike rate over 200 against them.
Sunil Narine mastered RCB’s big names. His mystery spin troubled Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle consistently. In the 2021 Eliminator, he took 4/21 to knock RCB out of playoffs.
Gautam Gambhir captained KKR to two titles and outsmarted RCB tactically. His field placements during the 49 all out game showed masterful cricket understanding.
RCB’s Standout Performers
Virat Kohli leads all run-scorers in this rivalry with over 900 runs. His 84 in the Russell miracle game and several other fifties kept RCB competitive. He’s RCB’s most consistent performer against KKR.
AB de Villiers provided magic moments with his 360-degree batting. His partnerships with Kohli gave RCB many winning totals, though Russell and others often chased them down.
Chris Gayle scored heavily against KKR in his peak years. His power hitting at Chinnaswamy created several 200+ totals that should have been match-winning.
Yuzvendra Chahal was RCB’s most successful bowler, consistently troubling KKR’s middle order. His leg-spin worked well on both Eden Gardens and Chinnaswamy surfaces.
Records That Define the Rivalry
Some cricket records tell stories. These numbers capture the essence of KKR vs RCB battles.
- Highest Individual Score: Brendon McCullum’s 158* (2008) – First IPL innings, highest T20 score at the time, 13 sixes record
- Lowest Team Total: RCB’s 49 all out (2017) – Still IPL’s lowest total, all pace bowling demolition
- Best Chase: Andre Russell’s 48* off 13 balls (2019) – From 66 needed off 24 to victory with 5 balls spare
- Biggest Victory Margin: KKR by 140 runs (2008) – The inaugural match margin that announced IPL’s arrival
- Most Recent Drama: KKR won by 1 run (2024) – Last-ball thriller where Karn Sharma nearly pulled off another miracle
- Career Dominance: Russell averages 207.89 strike rate vs RCB across 13 matches – unprecedented sustained destruction
These aren’t just statistics. Each number represents a moment that defined the rivalry and shaped IPL history.
The 2021 Eliminator: RCB’s Title Dreams Crushed
October 11, 2021, at Sharjah became a crucial chapter. RCB faced KKR in the Eliminator with Virat Kohli captaining his final game. The stakes couldn’t be higher – knockout cricket with title aspirations.
RCB batted first and struggled to 138/7. Kohli top-scored with 39 but couldn’t accelerate. Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers fell cheaply. The total looked 20-30 runs short on a good surface.
Sunil Narine dismantled RCB’s chase for a championship. He took 4/21, removing Kohli, de Villiers, Maxwell, and Bharat. His mystery spin worked perfectly under pressure. Then with bat in hand, he smashed 26 off 15 balls to seal victory.
KKR chased down 139 with two balls to spare. The win ended RCB’s season and Kohli’s captaincy tenure. KKR advanced to Qualifier 2, eventually reaching the final. It highlighted their knockout experience versus RCB’s title anxiety.
Recent Years: KKR’s Continued Edge
Since 2020, KKR have dominated with six wins from eight matches. This recent superiority coincides with their 2024 title win and shows sustained excellence over RCB’s inconsistency.
2024 was particularly brutal for RCB. They lost both matches, including a heart-breaking 1-run defeat in Kolkata. Karn Sharma smashed three sixes in the final over but fell just short. The margin was cruel – so close yet so far for RCB.
2025 brought hope for RCB. They won the season opener by 7 wickets, ending a four-match losing streak to KKR. The second match was washed out in Bangalore. Finally, RCB had something to cheer about in this rivalry.
The pattern shows KKR’s championship mindset. They know how to win big moments, having claimed titles in 2012, 2014, and 2024. RCB still searches for that elusive first championship, and their record against KKR reflects this broader struggle.
What Makes This Rivalry Special
Beyond wins and losses, KKR vs RCB represents IPL’s soul. Shah Rukh Khan’s passionate ownership meets Virat Kohli’s never-say-die spirit. Bollywood glamour clashes with cricket intensity.
The venues add drama. Eden Gardens’ atmospheric crowd support versus Chinnaswamy’s electric energy. Both grounds have witnessed cricket’s greatest T20 moments, many featuring these two teams.
Individual brilliance defines every encounter. McCullum’s 158*, Russell’s 48*, RCB’s 49 all out – these aren’t just numbers. They’re cricket folklore that fans retell for generations.
The psychological element runs deep. KKR players know they can win anywhere, anytime. Three title wins create that confidence. RCB carries title heartbreak that sometimes shows in pressure moments.
FAQs
Who has the better record between KKR and RCB in IPL?
KKR leads the head-to-head record 20-15 from 36 matches, with one no-result. They’ve dominated since 2020, winning six of the last eight completed games. KKR also holds advantage at both teams’ home venues – 8-5 at Eden Gardens and 8-4 at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
What was the first ever IPL match between KKR and RCB?
The first KKR vs RCB match was also IPL’s inaugural game on April 18, 2008, at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Brendon McCullum scored an unbeaten 158 off 73 balls with 13 sixes, leading KKR to 222/3. RCB were bowled out for 82, losing by 140 runs in cricket history’s most famous debut.
What is RCB’s lowest score against KKR?
RCB’s lowest score against KKR is 49 all out on April 23, 2017, at Eden Gardens. This remains the lowest team total in IPL history. Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Woakes, and Colin de Grandhomme took three wickets each. Not a single RCB batsman reached double figures while chasing just 132.
What is Andre Russell’s best performance against RCB?
Andre Russell’s best performance was his unbeaten 48 off 13 balls on April 5, 2019, at Chinnaswamy Stadium. KKR needed 66 runs off 24 balls chasing 206. Russell hit seven sixes out of 13 deliveries, including three consecutive sixes off Tim Southee in one over, leading KKR to victory with five balls remaining.
How many IPL titles have KKR and RCB won?
KKR have won three IPL titles (2012, 2014, 2024), while RCB have never won the championship. RCB reached three finals (2009, 2011, 2016) but lost each time. This title difference often shows in their head-to-head meetings, with KKR’s championship experience providing psychological advantage in crucial moments.
Who scored the most runs in KKR vs RCB matches?
Virat Kohli leads all run-scorers in KKR vs RCB matches with over 900 runs. His consistency against KKR includes several half-centuries and crucial innings. Among KKR players, Gautam Gambhir scored the most runs during his tenure, while Andre Russell has the highest strike rate (207.89) against RCB.
When was the last KKR vs RCB match?
The most recent completed KKR vs RCB match was on March 22, 2025, when RCB won by 7 wickets in the IPL season opener. Their second scheduled match on May 17, 2025, at Chinnaswamy Stadium was abandoned due to rain with no result declared.
Which venue has hosted the most KKR vs RCB matches?
Eden Gardens in Kolkata has hosted 13 KKR vs RCB matches, with KKR winning 8. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has hosted 12 matches, with KKR leading 8-4. The remaining 11 matches were played at neutral venues during IPL seasons held outside India due to various reasons.
The Final Word
KKR vs RCB isn’t just cricket – it’s cricket entertainment. From McCullum’s historic 158* that launched IPL to Russell’s physics-defying chases to RCB’s heartbreaking collapses, this rivalry captures T20 cricket’s essence.
The numbers tell one story: KKR leads 20-15 with three titles to RCB’s zero. But the real story lives in memories. Shah Rukh Khan dancing in 2008. Russell’s impossible mathematics in 2019. The stunned silence when RCB collapsed to 49.
Every match between these teams promises something special. Whether it’s individual brilliance, collective failure, or last-ball drama, KKR vs RCB delivers cricket’s ultimate entertainment package.
One thing remains constant: in this rivalry, expect the unexpected.
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