Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders represent IPL’s newest rivalry. LSG joined IPL in 2022, immediately creating competitive matches against three-time champions KKR. Despite being the newer franchise, LSG has held their own against experienced opponents.
LSG leads the head-to-head 4-3 from 7 matches. This young rivalry already features playoff drama, last-over thrillers, and standout individual performances. KL Rahul’s captaincy meets Shreyas Iyer’s championship experience in battles that often go down to the wire.
Here’s every chapter of this emerging rivalry. From their first meeting in 2022 to KKR’s 2024 title run and LSG’s consistent playoff pushes.
Quick Overview
| Stat | Details |
| Total Matches | 7 matches (2022-2025) |
| Head-to-Head | LSG won 4, KKR won 3 |
| First Meeting | May 7, 2022 – LSG won by 75 runs |
| Biggest Record | De Kock’s 140* – Highest Opening Stand Ever |
| Closest Finish | LSG won by 1 run (2023) |
| Current Champions | KKR (2024 IPL Winners) |
The Record-Breaking Beginning (2022)
LSG announced their arrival in spectacular fashion during their debut IPL season. Their rivalry with KKR began with two unforgettable matches that set the tone for competitive encounters.
Match 1: May 7, 2022 – LSG’s Dominant Debut
LSG’s first meeting with KKR showcased their potential. After winning the toss and batting first, LSG posted 176/7. Deepak Hooda and Quinton de Kock started strongly with a 71-run partnership before Avesh Khan destroyed KKR’s chase.
KKR collapsed to 101 all out, losing by 75 runs. Avesh Khan took 3/19 in his comeback match, dismantling KKR’s batting order. Andre Russell fought with 45, but lack of support ended KKR’s chase early. This match established LSG as serious contenders in their debut season.
Match 2: May 18, 2022 – Historic Night in Mumbai
The second encounter became an instant IPL classic. According to ESPNCricinfo, this match saw “the highest opening stand in IPL history” as Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul destroyed KKR bowling.
LSG’s 210/0 was built entirely by their opening pair. De Kock smashed 140* off 70 balls with 10 sixes – the most by any batsman that season. Rahul supported perfectly with 68* off 51 balls. They became the first pair to bat through entire 20 overs in IPL history.
KKR nearly pulled off an impossible chase. Shreyas Iyer (50), Nitish Rana (42), and Rinku Singh (40) kept them in hunt. They needed 3 runs off the last ball but Marcus Stoinis bowled Umesh Yadav to win by 2 runs. The thriller knocked KKR out of playoff race while LSG qualified.
2023: Close Encounters
Both teams met twice in 2023, producing nail-biting finishes that highlighted their competitive balance.
May 20, 2023 – Edge-of-Seat Drama at Eden Gardens
The encounter at Eden Gardens produced one of IPL’s most dramatic finishes. LSG posted 176/8 batting first, setting up a competitive chase for KKR.
KKR looked comfortable for most of their innings but LSG’s death bowling created pressure. The match went down to the final over with KKR needing manageable runs. However, LSG’s bowlers held their nerve, restricting KKR to 175/7 – a 1-run victory that showcased both teams’ fighting spirit.
This win extended LSG’s dominance over KKR to 3-0 and proved they could win in any conditions. The match highlighted the competitive balance that makes this rivalry special.
2024: KKR’s Championship Year
The 2024 season marked a turning point. KKR transformed into eventual champions while maintaining their competitive edge against LSG.
April 14, 2024 – Eden Gardens Revenge
KKR hosted LSG with confidence from their improved 2024 form. They chased down LSG’s 161/7 with 8 wickets remaining and 4.2 overs to spare. This dominant performance showed KKR’s championship credentials.
The victory avenged their previous Eden Gardens defeat and proved they had LSG’s measure at home. Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy and team balance were clicking perfectly during this championship run.
May 5, 2024 – Statement Win
KKR’s final regular season meeting with LSG was their most comprehensive victory. They posted a massive 235 before dismissing LSG for just 137 – a 98-run margin that emphasized their title-winning form.
This victory came during KKR’s peak form phase. Their batting depth, bowling variations, and fielding intensity were all clicking together. LSG had no answers to KKR’s all-round excellence during this match.
2025: New Era Begins
Rishabh Pant joined LSG as captain for INR 27 crore while Ajinkya Rahane took over KKR leadership. Both teams entered 2025 with fresh expectations.
April 6, 2025 – High-Scoring Thriller
The first meeting of 2025 at Eden Gardens produced another classic. LSG posted 238/3 with explosive batting from their top order. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh provided fireworks in a batting-friendly encounter.
KKR responded brilliantly, reaching 234/7 before falling just short. Ajinkya Rahane scored a quickfire fifty to keep KKR in the hunt. LSG won by 4 runs in a match that reminded everyone why this rivalry produces such entertaining cricket.
Key Players Who Define the Rivalry
LSG’s Match Winners
Quinton de Kock remains LSG’s biggest weapon against KKR. His 140* in 2022 set the standard for explosive T20 batting. He’s scored consistently across multiple encounters, using his experience to handle pressure moments.
KL Rahul led LSG’s early success before Rishabh Pant took over captaincy. His partnership with de Kock in that record-breaking 210* stand showed perfect opening combination. Rahul’s tactical awareness helped LSG compete with experienced KKR.
Mohsin Khan emerged as LSG’s key bowler against KKR. His pace and death bowling skills have troubled KKR’s batting multiple times. His 6 wickets in this rivalry make him LSG’s leading wicket-taker.
KKR’s Standout Performers
Shreyas Iyer captained KKR to their 2024 title while maintaining competitive record against LSG. His batting and leadership during pressure moments helped KKR win crucial matches in this rivalry.
Andre Russell continues his explosive impact in this matchup. Despite team results, Russell’s individual performances keep KKR competitive. His ability to change games single-handedly adds uncertainty to every encounter.
Harshit Rana developed into KKR’s key pacer during this rivalry period. His pace and control have been crucial in KKR’s recent victories against LSG.
Venue Breakdown: Home vs Away
The rivalry shows interesting venue patterns that reflect both teams’ strengths.
| Venue | Matches | LSG Wins | KKR Wins |
| Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Neutral Venues | 3 | 2 | 1 |
- Eden Gardens surprises: Despite KKR’s home advantage, LSG has won 2 of 3 matches there. Their fearless approach works well against Eden Gardens atmosphere. The ground dimensions suit LSG’s aggressive batting style.
- Lucknow’s lone hosting: KKR won their only visit to Ekana Stadium in 2024, during their championship run. This venue hasn’t hosted enough matches to establish clear patterns yet.
What Makes This Rivalry Special
Despite being only three years old, LSG vs KKR has quickly established itself as must-watch cricket. The competitive balance keeps every match unpredictable.
Record-breaking moments define their encounters. De Kock’s 140* and the 210* opening stand set new benchmarks. These aren’t just statistics – they’re cricket history made in real-time.
Captaincy battles add tactical intrigue. KL Rahul vs Shreyas Iyer, now Rishabh Pant vs Ajinkya Rahane – different leadership styles create compelling strategic contests.
High-scoring entertainment characterizes most meetings. Both teams prefer aggressive cricket that produces thrilling matches. Even defensive totals become competitive due to their fighting spirit.
FAQs
Who has the better record between LSG and KKR?
LSG leads the head-to-head record 4-3 from 7 matches. They dominated the early encounters in 2022-2023, winning 4 of the first 5 matches including the record-breaking 210/0 game. KKR has won 2 of the last 3 matches, coinciding with their 2024 championship run.
What is the highest score in LSG vs KKR matches?
LSG’s 238/3 in April 2025 is the highest team total in this rivalry. However, their 210/0 in 2022 remains more famous due to the record-breaking opening partnership between Quinton de Kock (140*) and KL Rahul (68*) – the highest opening stand in IPL history.
When was the first LSG vs KKR match?
The first LSG vs KKR match was on May 7, 2022, during LSG’s debut IPL season. LSG won by 75 runs at DY Patil Stadium, with Avesh Khan taking 3/19 to dismiss KKR for 101 while chasing 177. This comprehensive victory announced LSG’s arrival in the IPL.
Who scored the highest individual score in LSG vs KKR matches?
Quinton de Kock’s 140* off 70 balls on May 18, 2022, is the highest individual score. This innings included 10 sixes (most that season) and helped create the highest opening partnership in IPL history. His knock remains the third-highest individual score in IPL history.
How many IPL titles have LSG and KKR won?
KKR have won three IPL titles (2012, 2014, 2024), with their most recent coming during this rivalry period. LSG, being formed in 2022, have never won the championship but reached playoffs in their first two seasons (2022, 2023) before missing out in 2024.
Looking Ahead
This rivalry promises to grow stronger. LSG’s aggressive approach under new captain Rishabh Pant will test KKR’s championship experience under Ajinkya Rahane.
The competitive balance makes every future encounter significant. Both teams have proven they can beat each other in different conditions and situations.
With LSG still chasing their first IPL title and KKR defending their latest championship, this rivalry has the ingredients for many more memorable chapters.
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