Introduction
The Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is one of the most fascinating rivalries in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the tournament’s inception in 2008, these two franchises have showcased intense competition, unpredictable outcomes, and unforgettable performances. Rajasthan Royals (RR), the inaugural IPL champions led by Shane Warne, brought a spirit of innovation and team balance. On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, grew from a struggling start into one of the most successful teams under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership.
Over the years, matches between RR and KKR have provided iconic moments — from Yusuf Pathan’s blazing innings to Andre Russell’s late-over heroics and Jos Buttler’s explosive batting. Both teams have strong fanbases, a rich legacy, and consistent competitiveness. This article explores the complete Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline (2008–2025), including detailed match history, stats, top players, and records that shaped this classic IPL rivalry.
Table of Contents
1. Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Overview
Rajasthan Royals (founded in 2008) were the first-ever IPL champions, guided by Shane Warne’s exceptional leadership. Known for grooming young Indian talents like Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja, RR became synonymous with balanced cricket. Kolkata Knight Riders, also launched in 2008, struggled initially but rose to dominance under Gautam Gambhir, winning the IPL in 2012 and 2014.
Both teams have had fluctuating seasons but consistently delivered tight contests against each other. The RR vs KKR rivalry is characterized by close finishes, high-pressure chases, and tactical masterstrokes.
| Team | Seasons Played | IPL Titles | Playoffs Appearances | Best Captain | Win % (Overall) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan Royals | 2008–2025 | 1 (2008) | 7 | Sanju Samson | 52.6% |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2008–2025 | 2 (2012, 2014) | 9 | Gautam Gambhir | 55.2% |
Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline (2008–2025)
Below is the complete year-wise match timeline from 2008 to 2025, listing every RR vs KKR game played across IPL seasons.
Year-wise Timeline Table
| Year | Match No. | Winner | Venue | Top Performer | Result Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Match 24 | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Shane Watson (76*) | RR won by 45 runs |
| 2008 | Match 47 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Sourav Ganguly (91) | KKR won by 7 wickets |
| 2009 | Match 12 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Cape Town | Brendon McCullum (58) | KKR won by 4 wickets |
| 2009 | Match 33 | Rajasthan Royals | Centurion | Yusuf Pathan (62) | RR won by 5 wickets |
| 2010 | Match 10 | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Graeme Smith (77) | RR won by 34 runs |
| 2010 | Match 31 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Chris Gayle (88) | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| 2011 | Match 25 | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Shane Watson (71 & 3/19) | RR won by 55 runs |
| 2011 | Match 28 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Yusuf Pathan (2/18 & 47*) | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| 2012 | Match 12 | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Ajinkya Rahane (103*) | RR won by 22 runs |
| 2012 | Match 25 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Gautam Gambhir (64) | KKR won by 5 wickets |
| 2013 | Match 19 | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Rahul Dravid (52) | RR won by 14 runs |
| 2013 | Match 47 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Jacques Kallis (33 & 2/14) | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| 2014 | Match 25 | Rajasthan Royals | Abu Dhabi | Shane Watson (50 & 3/21) | RR won by 10 runs |
| 2014 | Match 54 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Sunil Narine (4/19) | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| 2015 | Match 54 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai | Yusuf Pathan (37*) | KKR won by 5 wickets |
| 2018 | Match 15 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Jaipur | Nitish Rana (2/11 & 35) | KKR won by 7 wickets |
| 2018 | Match 49 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Chris Lynn (45) | KKR won by 6 wickets |
| 2018 | Eliminator | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Dinesh Karthik (52*) | KKR won by 25 runs |
| 2019 | Match 21 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Chris Lynn (50) | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| 2019 | Match 43 | Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata | Riyan Parag (47) | RR won by 3 wickets |
| 2020 | Match 12 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Dubai | Shubman Gill (47*) | KKR won by 37 runs |
| 2020 | Match 54 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Dubai | Pat Cummins (4/34) | KKR won by 60 runs |
| 2021 | Match 18 | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai | Chris Morris (4/23) | RR won by 6 wickets |
| 2021 | Match 54 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sharjah | Shubman Gill (56) | KKR won by 86 runs |
| 2022 | Match 30 | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai | Jos Buttler (103) | RR won by 7 runs |
| 2022 | Match 47 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Nitish Rana (48) | KKR won by 7 wickets |
| 2023 | Match 31 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Eden Gardens | Rinku Singh (58*) | KKR won by 5 wickets |
| 2023 | Match 56 | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Yashasvi Jaiswal (98*) | RR won by 9 wickets |
| 2024 | Match 27 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Andre Russell (72* & 2/20) | KKR won by 15 runs |
| 2024 | Match 52 | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Sanju Samson (85*) | RR won by 6 wickets |
| 2025 | Match 23 | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Jos Buttler (92*) | RR won by 8 wickets |
| 2025 | Match 48 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Rinku Singh (66*) | KKR won by 4 wickets |
Rivalry Phase Summaries
2008–2011:
The early phase saw both teams evenly matched, with RR winning crucial home games under Shane Warne. KKR, powered by Sourav Ganguly and later Gautam Gambhir, began improving steadily.
2012–2015:
KKR dominated this period, especially after their 2012 IPL win. Sunil Narine and Yusuf Pathan often destroyed RR’s batting line-up.
2018–2021:
Rivalry reignited as RR rebuilt under Sanju Samson. Matches were closely fought, including eliminators and playoff qualifiers.
2022–2025:
Modern battles became star-studded, featuring Jos Buttler, Rinku Singh, and Russell. RR vs KKR games became must-watch encounters, with both teams displaying balance and power.
RR vs KKR Head-to-Head Stats (Overall till 2025)
| Category | Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata Knight Riders |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 34 | 34 |
| Wins | 16 | 18 |
| Highest Score | 222/5 (2022) | 210/4 (2024) |
| Lowest Score | 81 (2011) | 84 (2009) |
| Top Run Scorer | Sanju Samson (662) | Andre Russell (688) |
| Top Wicket Taker | Yuzvendra Chahal (22) | Sunil Narine (25) |
Summary:
KKR slightly leads in overall head-to-head wins, but RR has maintained strong dominance at home. The rivalry remains unpredictable, with both teams capable of winning anywhere.
Most Memorable Matches in RR vs KKR Timeline
IPL 2008 – The Beginning:
RR’s 45-run win over KKR in Jaipur saw Shane Watson’s all-round brilliance. It established RR’s fearless identity under Warne.
IPL 2014 – Narine’s Magic:
Sunil Narine’s 4/19 spell in Kolkata destroyed RR’s chase and helped KKR qualify for playoffs.
IPL 2018 Eliminator:
KKR knocked RR out of the playoffs with Dinesh Karthik’s calm 52*. The match symbolized KKR’s big-match temperament.
IPL 2022 – Buttler’s Century:
Jos Buttler’s 103 powered RR to 222/5, the highest total in RR vs KKR history, winning by 7 runs in a thriller.
IPL 2025 – Rinku vs Buttler Show:
The 2025 matches saw Jos Buttler’s 92* and Rinku Singh’s 66*, proving how both teams continue producing unforgettable cricket drama.
Top Players Who Defined RR vs KKR Rivalry
Sanju Samson (RR): RR’s captain and consistent run-getter with multiple fifties against KKR.
Jos Buttler (RR): His power-hitting often dismantles KKR’s spin attack.
Andre Russell (KKR): The most destructive all-rounder, known for match-winning cameos.
Sunil Narine (KKR): The spin wizard who repeatedly troubled RR batsmen.
Shane Watson (RR): The early star who gave RR momentum in 2008 and 2010.
Rinku Singh (KKR): The new-age finisher whose calm hitting in 2023–2025 tilted several games.
Analysis of Home and Away Performance
| Venue | Matches | RR Wins | KKR Wins | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaipur (Sawai Mansingh Stadium) | 10 | 7 | 3 | RR 70% |
| Kolkata (Eden Gardens) | 11 | 4 | 7 | KKR 64% |
| Neutral Venues (UAE, Mumbai, etc.) | 13 | 5 | 8 | KKR 61% |
🏠 Summary:
RR dominates in Jaipur with support-friendly pitches favoring spin and swing. KKR thrives at Eden Gardens where pacers and big hitters excel. Neutral venues have slightly favored KKR due to their depth in all-rounders.
2025 Season Update
In IPL 2025, the rivalry continued its legacy. The first clash in Jaipur saw Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 92 lead RR to victory. However, Rinku Singh’s 66* in the reverse fixture at Kolkata helped KKR equalize. Both teams showed excellent form throughout the season — RR under Sanju Samson focusing on top-order aggression, and KKR, captained by Shreyas Iyer, emphasizing spin control and late hitting.
The matches were high-scoring thrillers, and both sides looked playoff-bound. Fans hailed RR vs KKR as one of the most exciting rivalries of IPL 2025, proving that even after 17 years, the spark remains alive.
Conclusion
From Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals in 2008 to Shreyas Iyer’s Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025, the Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline represents everything the IPL stands for — passion, unpredictability, and excellence. Across 34 encounters, both teams have shared iconic duels, legendary individual performances, and unforgettable finishes.
Whether it’s Narine’s magical spells or Buttler’s breathtaking centuries, RR vs KKR continues to capture the imagination of cricket lovers. As the IPL heads toward new seasons, fans eagerly await more thrilling chapters in this legendary rivalry.
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