Introduction
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals timeline represents one of the most captivating rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, both franchises have showcased electrifying cricket and intense competition, making their encounters a highlight of every season. With multiple IPL titles between them and several nail-biting finishes, the rivalry holds immense importance for cricket enthusiasts. Examining the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals timeline reveals thrilling moments, standout performances, and dramatic finishes that have defined their rivalry over the years.
Table of Contents
About Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Founded in 2008, Kolkata Knight Riders is co-owned by Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan along with Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta. Their home ground, the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, is one of the most iconic stadiums in cricket, known for its passionate crowd. KKR has won the IPL championship three times (2012, 2014, 2024), marking their presence as a dominant force in the league.
Notable players who have donned the KKR jersey include the explosive all-rounder Andre Russell, the mysterious spinner Sunil Narine, and skilled batsman Shreyas Iyer, who currently leads the team. KKR’s combination of power-hitting, spin wizardry, and strategic depth has made them a formidable opponent in IPL history.
About Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals, established in 2008, made history by winning the very first IPL season under the captaincy of Shane Warne. The team is owned by a consortium led by Manoj Badale and plays their home matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Unlike some franchises, RR is known for discovering and nurturing young talent who go on to become stars.
Key players in the recent RR squad include captain Sanju Samson, explosive opener Jos Buttler, and highly effective leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Though RR has claimed the IPL title once, their fearless approach and unpredictability make them a tough opponent in every match.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline (2008–2025)
The table below chronicles every match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals from the IPL’s start in 2008 through 2025, including regular season and playoff encounters:
| Year | Match No | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Player of the Match | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | May 1, 2008 | Jaipur | RR | 45 Runs | Swapnil Asnodkar | Graeme Smith (75) | Sohail Tanvir (3/22) |
| 2008 | 2 | May 20, 2008 | Kolkata | RR | 6 Wickets | Yusuf Pathan | Pathan (48) | Shane Watson (2/23) |
| 2009 | 1 | Apr 23, 2009 | Cape Town | RR | Super Over | Yusuf Pathan | Pathan (42) | Kamran Khan (3/18) |
| 2009 | 2 | May 20, 2009 | Durban | KKR | 4 Wickets | Brendon McCullum | McCullum (60) | Ishant Sharma (2/28) |
| 2010 | 1 | Mar 20, 2010 | Ahmedabad | RR | 34 Runs | Yusuf Pathan | Pathan (73) | Shane Watson (2/22) |
| 2010 | 2 | Apr 17, 2010 | Kolkata | KKR | 8 Wickets | Manoj Tiwary | Tiwary (43) | Murali Kartik (2/20) |
| 2011 | 1 | Apr 15, 2011 | Jaipur | KKR | 9 Wickets | Gautam Gambhir | Gambhir (80*) | Brett Lee (2/18) |
| 2011 | 2 | Apr 17, 2011 | Kolkata | KKR | 8 Wickets | Gautam Gambhir | Gambhir (75) | Shakib Al Hasan (2/23) |
| 2012 | 1 | Apr 8, 2012 | Jaipur | RR | 22 Runs | Ajinkya Rahane | Rahane (98) | Kevon Cooper (3/24) |
| 2012 | 2 | Apr 13, 2012 | Kolkata | KKR | 5 Wickets | Jacques Kallis | Kallis (48) | Sunil Narine (2/18) |
| 2013 | 1 | Apr 8, 2013 | Jaipur | RR | 19 Runs | Rahul Dravid | Dravid (65) | S Sreesanth (2/23) |
| 2013 | 2 | May 3, 2013 | Kolkata | KKR | 8 Wickets | Gautam Gambhir | Gambhir (44) | Sunil Narine (3/20) |
| 2014 | 1 | Apr 29, 2014 | Abu Dhabi | RR | Super Over (boundary count) | Ajinkya Rahane | Rahane (72) | James Faulkner (3/11) |
| 2014 | 2 | May 5, 2014 | Ahmedabad | RR | 10 Runs | Shane Watson | Watson (50) | Pravin Tambe (2/18) |
| 2015 | 1 | Apr 26, 2015 | Kolkata (Abandoned) | – | Abandoned | – | – | – |
| 2015 | 2 | May 16, 2015 | Mumbai | RR | 9 Runs | Shane Watson | Watson (104*) | Chris Morris (3/23) |
| 2018 | 1 | Apr 18, 2018 | Jaipur | KKR | 7 Wickets | Nitish Rana | Rana (35) | Kuldeep Yadav (4/20) |
| 2018 | 2 | May 15, 2018 | Kolkata | KKR | 6 Wickets | Dinesh Karthik | Karthik (52) | Sunil Narine (2/29) |
| 2018 | Eliminator | May 23, 2018 | Kolkata | KKR | 25 Runs | Andre Russell | Russell (49) | Kuldeep Yadav (4/20) |
| 2019 | 1 | Apr 7, 2019 | Jaipur | KKR | 8 Wickets | Harry Gurney | Chris Lynn (50) | Harry Gurney (2/25) |
| 2019 | 2 | Apr 25, 2019 | Kolkata | RR | 3 Wickets | Riyan Parag | Parag (47) | Varun Aaron (2/20) |
| 2020 | 1 | Sept 30, 2020 | Dubai | KKR | 37 Runs | Shubman Gill | Gill (70) | Shivam Mavi (2/20) |
| 2020 | 2 | Nov 1, 2020 | Dubai | KKR | 60 Runs | Rahul Tripathi | Tripathi (81) | Pat Cummins (4/34) |
| 2021 | 1 | Apr 24, 2021 | Mumbai | RR | 6 Wickets | Chris Morris | Sanju Samson (42) | Morris (4/23) |
| 2021 | 2 | Oct 7, 2021 | Sharjah | KKR | 86 Runs | Shivam Mavi | Venkatesh Iyer (60) | Mavi (4/21) |
| 2022 | 1 | Apr 18, 2022 | Mumbai | RR | 7 Runs | Jos Buttler | Buttler (103) | Yuzvendra Chahal (5/40) |
| 2022 | 2 | May 2, 2022 | Mumbai | KKR | 7 Wickets | Nitish Rana | Rana (57) | Sunil Narine (2/21) |
| 2023 | 1 | May 11, 2023 | Kolkata | RR | 9 Wickets | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Jaiswal (98*) | Yuzvendra Chahal (4/22) |
| 2024 | 1 | Apr 16, 2024 | Kolkata | RR | 2 Wickets | Jos Buttler | Buttler (107*) | Chahal (3/33) |
| 2024 | 2 | May 19, 2024 | Guwahati | – | Abandoned | – | – | – |
| 2025 | 1 | Mar 27, 2025 | Guwahati | KKR | 8 Wickets | Quinton de Kock | de Kock (97*) | Sunil Narine (3/22) |
| 2025 | 2 | May 4, 2025 | Kolkata | KKR | 1 Run | Andre Russell | Russell (57*) | Varun Chakravarthy (3/20) |
Head-to-Head Record Summary (as of 2025)
| Category | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 32 | 32 |
| Wins | 17 | 13 |
| Highest Score | 223/6 | 224/8 |
| Lowest Score | 125 | 120 |
| Top Scorer Overall | Andre Russell | Jos Buttler |
| Best Bowler Overall | Sunil Narine | Yuzvendra Chahal |
Key Moments in the KKR vs RR Rivalry
The Epic Super Over of 2014
One of the most dramatic matches in IPL history was the 2014 encounter where KKR and RR battled into a Super Over that itself ended in a tie. RR eventually won based on the boundary count rule, highlighting the razor-thin margins that often define this rivalry.
Jos Buttler’s Century in 2022 Clash
Jos Buttler’s masterclass in 2022, scoring a magnificent 103, was pivotal in RR’s win over KKR. His innings featured aggressive strokeplay and impeccable timing, backed by Yuzvendra Chahal’s five wickets.
Andre Russell’s All-Round Brilliance in 2019
Andre Russell has often been the difference-maker in these matches. His explosive batting and crucial wickets in the 2019 match highlighted his ability to influence games single-handedly.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Record 2023 Knock
In 2023, Yashasvi Jaiswal stunned fans with a blazing 98 not out, the fastest 50 in IPL history at that time. His fearless batting secured a commanding RR win.
The Nail-Biter of 2025
The 2025 encounter went down to the wire, with KKR clinching victory by just one run, thanks to Andre Russell’s late hitting and tight bowling in the final overs.
Top 5 Performers in KKR vs RR Matches
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Best Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | RR | 10 | 480 runs | 107* (2024) |
| Andre Russell | KKR | 12 | 18 wickets /350 runs | 3/25 & 59* (2019) |
| Sanju Samson | RR | 12 | 413 runs | 74 (39) |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | 14 | 21 wickets | 4/20 (2018) |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | RR | 8 | 16 wickets | 5/40 (2022) |
Memorable Rivalry Facts
- Fastest 50: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 13-ball 50 in 2023 IPL is the fastest in matches between KKR and RR.
- Highest partnership: Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson shared a 139-run partnership in 2022.
- Most wickets in a single match: Yuzvendra Chahal’s 5/40 in 2022.
- Closest match: Decided by 1 run in 2025; also two Super Over finishes (2009 and 2014).
- Highest team total: Rajasthan Royals 224/8 at Eden Gardens, 2024.
- Leading run-scorers: Jos Buttler for RR and Andre Russell for KKR overall.
Recent Trends (2023–2025)
In recent seasons, the rivalry has featured emerging young talents and dynamic tactical shifts. KKR has leaned on a balanced all-round squad led by Shreyas Iyer, while RR has thrived with its aggressive openers and spin bowling attack. Fan engagement has peaked with close finishes and high-scoring thrills, reinforcing the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals timeline as one of IPL’s marquee contests.
Conclusion
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals timeline reveals an intense, thrilling rivalry full of unforgettable clashes. Both teams have contributed richly to the IPL’s narrative with exciting cricket, close finishes, and star performances. As the rivalry evolves with budding talent and tactical innovations, it promises more exhilarating matchups in the seasons ahead. The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals timeline remains a must-watch saga for fans globally.
FAQs Section
Q1. Who has won more matches in KKR vs RR rivalry?
KKR leads with 17 wins compared to Rajasthan Royals’ 13 wins as of 2025.
Q2. Which player has scored the most runs in KKR vs RR matches?
Jos Buttler is the highest run-scorer in KKR vs RR matches.
Q3. What is the highest total in KKR vs RR history?
Rajasthan Royals’ 224/8 at Eden Gardens in 2024 is the highest team total.
Q4. Who was the Player of the Match in KKR vs RR 2025 matches?
Quinton de Kock (97* runs) and Andre Russell (57* runs) claimed Player of the Match awards in 2025 fixtures.
Q5. How many times have KKR and RR met in playoffs?
They have met twice in IPL playoffs: notably in the 2018 Eliminator and a prior knockout stage encounter.
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