RCB vs KKR head-to-head
Ever wondered why fans go wild for the RCB vs KKR head-to-head showdown? This rivalry kicks off from IPL’s birth in 2008 and delivers non-stop thrills. People hunt for the “RCB vs KKR head-to-head ” to trace high-scoring fireworks, star-studded lineups, and those heart-stopping finishes that define T20 magic. With drama from Brendon McCullum’s blitz to recent nail-biters, it hooks everyone—from casual viewers to die-hards chasing stats and stories.
The RCB vs KKR head-to-head is one of the most exciting stories in IPL cricket history. These two teams have battled since 2008. Every match brings big scores, smart tactics, and top players. From Brendon McCullum’s record-breaking 158 to Virat Kohli’s 1,000+ runs, this rivalry keeps fans on the edge of their seats. KKR leads 20–15 in the head-to-head count. Both teams play with passion and pride. This guide covers every important detail fans need to know.
RCB vs KKR head-to-head IPL 2008 – The Beginning of Rivalry
Everything started with IPL’s first match on April 18, 2008, at Chinnaswamy Stadium. KKR batted first, and Brendon McCullum unleashed 158* off 73 balls—six sixes, 10 fours. RCB folded for 82. KKR won by 140 runs. That innings changed IPL forever, proving T20’s explosive potential. What a launch!
RCB vs KKR head-to-head Records
RCB vs KKR head-to-head faced each other 36 times in the IPL. Out of these, RCB have won 15 matches, while Kolkata Knight Riders have secured 20 victories. 1 match ended without a result. RCB highest team total against Kolkata Knight Riders stands at 221, while their lowest score is 49. On the other hand, KKR have recorded a highest score of 222 against RCB, whereas their lowest total in this fixture is 84. With such closely matched records and exciting scoring trends, clashes between these two teams continue to be highly anticipated by fans.
| RCB | VS | KKR |
| 36 | Matches Played | 36 |
| 15 | Won | 20 |
| 20 | Lost | 15 |
| 00 | Tie | 00 |
| 01 | No Result | 01 |
| 221 | Heights Score | 222 |
| 49 | Lowest Score | 86 |
RCB vs KKR head-to-head, Timeline All time Result and History
Here is an updated list of the all-time results of matches between RCB vs KKR Timeline :
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
| 18 Apr 2008 | Bengaluru | KKR | 140 runs |
| 8 May 2008 | Kolkata | KKR | 5 runs |
| 29 Apr 2009 | Durban | RCB | 5 wickets |
| 14 May 2009 | Centurion | RCB | 6 wickets |
| 10 Apr 2010 | Bengaluru | KKR | 7 wickets |
| 14 Mar 2010 | Kolkata | KKR | 7 wickets |
| 22 Apr 2011 | Bengaluru | RCB | 9 wickets |
| 14 May 2011 | Kolkata | RCB | 4 wickets |
| 10 Apr 2012 | Bengaluru | KKR | 42 runs |
| 28 Apr 2012 | Kolkata | KKR | 47 runs |
| 11 Apr 2013 | Bengaluru | RCB | 8 wickets |
| 12 May 2013 | Ranchi | KKR | 5 wickets |
| 24 Apr 2014 | Sharjah | KKR | 2 runs |
| 22 May 2014 | Kolkata | KKR | 30 runs |
| 11 Apr 2015 | Bengaluru | RCB | 3 wickets |
| 2 May 2015 | Kolkata | RCB | 7 wickets |
| 2 May 2016 | Bengaluru | KKR | 5 wickets |
| 16 May 2016 | Kolkata | RCB | 9 wickets |
| 23 Apr 2017 | Kolkata | KKR | 82 runs |
| 7 May 2017 | Bengaluru | KKR | 6 wickets |
| 8 Apr 2018 | Kolkata | KKR | 4 wickets |
| 29 Apr 2018 | Bengaluru | KKR | 6 wickets |
| 5 Apr 2019 | Bengaluru | KKR | 5 wickets |
| 19 Apr 2019 | Kolkata | RCB | 10 runs |
| 12 Oct 2020 | Sharjah | RCB | 82 runs |
| 21 Oct 2020 | Abu Dhabi | RCB | 8 wickets |
| 18 Apr 2021 | Chennai | RCB | 38 runs |
| 20 Sep 2021 | Abu Dhabi | KKR | 9 wickets |
| 11 Oct 2021 | Sharjah (Eliminator) | KKR | 4 wickets |
| 30 Mar 2022 | DY Patil Stadium | RCB | 3 wickets |
| 26 Apr 2023 | Bengaluru | KKR | 21 runs |
| 6 Apr 2023 | Kolkata | KKR | 81 runs |
| 29 Mar 2024 | Bengaluru | KKR | 7 wickets |
| 21 Apr 2024 | Kolkata | KKR | 1 run |
| 17 Apr 2025 | Bengaluru | RCB | 5 wickets |
| 8 May 2025 | Kolkata | KKR | 12 runs |
RCB vs KKR Key Players Who Dominated This Rivalry
- Virat Kohli (RCB): Over 1,000 runs. His aggressive yet controlled style made him a nightmare for KKR bowlers. Most consistent batter in the rivalry
- Sunil Narine (KKR): 27 wickets and crucial batting cameos. His mystery spin disrupted RCB’s lineup in 20+ games
- Chris Gayle (RCB): 631 runs and 40 sixes. His powerplay explosions changed the momentum of multiple matches
- Andre Russell (KKR): SR of 197 with the bat and 12 key wickets. A genuine match-winner in the final five overs
- AB de Villiers (RCB): 475 runs at SR 160. His 360-degree hitting was near-impossible to contain at any stage
- Gautam Gambhir (KKR): 647 runs and smart captaincy decisions. Led KKR in 12 matches against RCB
- Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB): 19 wickets with a variety of googlies and flippers. Became RCB’s most reliable wicket-taker here
- Rinku Singh (KKR): Emerging finisher with match-winning knocks in 2023. Represents the new generation of KKR power hitters
RCB vs KKR Most Memorable Matches
- IPL 2008 Opener — KKR 222/3 vs RCB 82: McCullum’s 158* broke every T20 record. The first IPL match ever played. A day cricket will never forget
- IPL 2015 — RCB 213/9 vs KKR 210/8: Gayle smashed a 55-ball century. RCB won by 1 wicket off the last ball. Pure drama from start to finish
- IPL 2016 — RCB 215/5 vs KKR 202/7: Chahal took 4/23 and Gayle scored 74. RCB won by 13 runs. Best all-round team display for RCB
- 2017 — Lowest RCB total: 49 all out vs KKR
- IPL 2019 — KKR 213/4 vs RCB 213/0: Both teams scored 213! RCB chased without losing a wicket. Kohli-Parthiv unbeaten opening stand
- IPL 2024 — KKR 222/6 vs RCB 221: The most dramatic match. KKR won by 1 run from the very last delivery. RCB needed 2 off 1 and fell short
- IPL 2021 (G1) — RCB 92 vs KKR 93/1: RCB’s shocking collapse at Chennai. KKR won by 9 wickets inside 10 overs. Their quickest win
- IPL 2023 (G1) — KKR 204/7 vs RCB 123: Narine’s 4/13 destroyed RCB batting. Best bowling performance in the rivalry’s entire history
RCB vs KKR Biggest Wins & Closest Matches
- Biggest KKR win: 140 runs (2008) — KKR 222/3 vs RCB 82 — McCullum’s historic debut
- Biggest RCB win: 10 wickets (2019) — RCB 213/0 vs KKR 213/4 — Kohli-Parthiv unbeaten chase
- Second biggest KKR win: 81 runs (2023 G1) — KKR 204/7 vs RCB 123 — Narine all-round masterclass
- Second biggest RCB win: 9 wickets (2011) — RCB 165/1 vs KKR 162/8 — Kohli-led clinical chase
- Closest match ever: KKR won by 1 run (April 2024) — KKR 222/6 vs RCB 221 — last-ball thriller
- Second closest: RCB won by 1 wicket (2015) — RCB 213/9 vs KKR 210/8 — Gayle century match
- Tied-score chase: 2016 G1 — RCB 183/6 vs KKR 183/9 — RCB won on better run rate.
Why RCB vs KKR Rivalry Is So Popular
The RCB vs KKR rivalry is famous. It brings together two huge cricket fanbases from Bengaluru and Kolkata. This creates intense matches full of surprises. Fans love moments like Kohli vs Narine, Gayle vs KKR spinners, and Russell vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru death bowlers. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders games can be wild. They go from low totals, like 92 all out, to huge scores over 200. This keeps fans on their toes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) RCB vs KKR head-to-head
Who leads the RCB vs KKR head-to-head in IPL history?
KKR leads the head-to-head record with 20 wins compared to RCB’s 15 victories out of 36 total matches. KKR’s win rate stands at 56% across all venues and seasons.
Which is the highest team score in RCB vs KKR Timeline matches?
KKR’s 222/6 in April 2024 at Eden Gardens is the highest team score. RCB replied with 221 all out, making it the closest match too.
Who has scored the most runs in the RCB vs KKR rivalry?
Virat Kohli leads with 1,021 runs in 33 innings with a best of 100. He is the only player to cross 1,000 runs in this specific rivalry.
Who is the best bowler in the RCB vs KKR head-to-head history?
Sunil Narine leads with 27 wickets at an economy of 5.8. His best spell is 4/13 in 2023 when RCB collapsed to 123 all out at Eden Gardens.
When was the first-ever RCB vs KKR head-to-head IPL match played?
The first match was played on April 18, 2008 at Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was also the first-ever IPL match. KKR won by 140 runs. McCullum scored 158* off 73 balls.
Conclusion
The RCB vs KKR head-to-head is a story of rivalry, redemption, and brilliant cricket. From McCullum’s 2008 blast to the 2024 one-run thriller, every match adds new drama. KKR leads 20–15 overall but RCB’s resurgence in 2025 shows the fight is far from over. With Kohli, Russell, Narine, and new stars rising every season, this rivalry will keep delivering unforgettable moments for years to come. This is more than a cricket match RCB vs KKR head-to-head is an IPL institution.
