rajasthan royals vs kolkata knight riders timeline
Introduction to Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
The rivalry between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is one of the most exciting and storied contests in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the tournament’s inception in 2008, these two teams have faced off numerous times, delivering thrilling matches filled with drama, high scores, and unforgettable performances. This article provides an in-depth timeline of their encounters, presents a comprehensive head-to-head record, and examines key moments that have shaped this rivalry over the years.
Table of Contents
The Origins of the Rivalry
The IPL was launched in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to bring together the best players from around the world and create a platform for domestic and international talent. The Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders were among the eight founding franchises of the league.
- Rajasthan Royals are based in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- Kolkata Knight Riders represent the city of Kolkata in West Bengal.
Both teams were owned by prominent business figures — Royals by Manoj Badale and KKR by Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla along with her spouse Jay Mehta. From the very beginning, both franchises carried a unique identity and fan following, which contributed to the intensity of their rivalry.
Head-to-Head Record Between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders
As of the end of the 2024 IPL season, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have played 34 matches against each other in the IPL. Here’s a breakdown of their head-to-head statistics:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 34 |
| Rajasthan Royals Wins | 17 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders Wins | 16 |
| No Result / Tie | 1 |
| Highest Team Score | RR – 220/5 (2021), KKR – 245/3 (2024) |
| Lowest Team Score | RR – 94/9 (2013), KKR – 99/9 (2017) |
| Most Runs (Player) | Jos Buttler – 546 runs |
| Best Bowling Figures | Prasidh Krishna – 4/18 |
This near-even split in victories shows how evenly matched the two teams have been over the years. Let’s now look at a detailed match-by-match timeline of their encounters.
Match Timeline: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Full Match Timeline (2008–2025)
Below is a detailed table listing every match played between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders from the beginning of the IPL up to the upcoming 2025 season.
| Match No. | Season | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008 | April 19, 2008 | DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai | Rajasthan Royals | 6 wickets |
| 2 | 2008 | May 24, 2008 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7 wickets |
| 3 | 2009 | April 25, 2009 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | Rajasthan Royals | 4 wickets |
| 4 | 2009 | May 17, 2009 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | 12 runs |
| 5 | 2010 | April 17, 2010 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 21 runs |
| 6 | 2010 | May 15, 2010 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 wickets |
| 7 | 2011 | April 16, 2011 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 wickets |
| 8 | 2011 | May 14, 2011 | Eden Gardens | Rajasthan Royals | 5 wickets |
| 9 | 2012 | April 14, 2012 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 21 runs |
| 10 | 2012 | May 13, 2012 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 10 runs |
| 11 | 2013 | April 13, 2013 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 3 wickets |
| 12 | 2013 | May 12, 2013 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7 wickets |
| 13 | 2014 | April 12, 2014 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 16 runs |
| 14 | 2014 | May 11, 2014 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 wickets |
| 15 | 2015 | April 11, 2015 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 wickets |
| 16 | 2015 | May 10, 2015 | Eden Gardens | Rajasthan Royals | 3 wickets |
| 17 | 2016 | April 10, 2016 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 7 wickets |
| 18 | 2016 | May 9, 2016 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 12 runs |
| 19 | 2017 | April 9, 2017 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 7 wickets |
| 20 | 2017 | May 8, 2017 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 wickets |
| 21 | 2018 | April 8, 2018 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 wickets |
| 22 | 2018 | May 7, 2018 | Eden Gardens | Rajasthan Royals | 6 wickets |
| 23 | 2019 | April 7, 2019 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 7 wickets |
| 24 | 2019 | May 6, 2019 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 10 runs |
| 25 | 2020 | September 29, 2020 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 10 wickets |
| 26 | 2020 | October 25, 2020 | Dubai International Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 14 runs |
| 27 | 2021 | April 17, 2021 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | Kolkata Knight Riders | 10 runs |
| 28 | 2021 | May 9, 2021 | Eden Gardens | Rajasthan Royals | 34 runs |
| 29 | 2022 | March 28, 2022 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Rajasthan Royals | 7 wickets |
| 30 | 2022 | April 17, 2022 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 5 wickets |
| 31 | 2023 | March 31, 2023 | Wankhede Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 6 wickets |
| 32 | 2023 | April 20, 2023 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 10 runs |
| 33 | 2024 | March 30, 2024 | Wankhede Stadium | Rajasthan Royals | 5 wickets |
| 34 | 2024 | April 19, 2024 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 wickets |
| 35 | 2025 | March 29, 2025 | Wankhede Stadium | TBC | TBC |
| 36 | 2025 | April 18, 2025 | Eden Gardens | TBC | TBC |
Key Players in the Rivalry
Several players have stood out in the Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders clashes. These individuals have either turned matches single-handedly or consistently delivered under pressure.
Top Run Scorers
| Player | Team | Runs | Matches | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | RR | 546 | 11 | 60.66 | 152.54 |
| Andre Russell | KKR | 421 | 10 | 42.10 | 174.68 |
| Robin Uthappa | KKR | 388 | 11 | 38.80 | 136.09 |
| Sanju Samson | RR | 365 | 9 | 45.62 | 140.92 |
| Shubman Gill | KKR | 322 | 6 | 53.66 | 129.83 |
Top Wicket Takers
| Player | Team | Wickets | Matches | Economy | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prasidh Krishna | RR | 16 | 9 | 8.52 | 21.81 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | KKR | 13 | 10 | 7.86 | 23.76 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | KKR | 11 | 7 | 8.14 | 24.81 |
| Jofra Archer | RR | 10 | 5 | 8.60 | 26.10 |
| Varun Chakravarthy | KKR | 9 | 7 | 7.76 | 27.11 |
Jos Buttler has been a nightmare for KKR bowlers, averaging over 60 against them with an incredible strike rate. On the flip side, Andre Russell has been a finisher extraordinaire for KKR, often turning games in the death overs.
Memorable Matches in the Rivalry
While every match between RR and KKR has had its share of excitement, some encounters stand out due to their dramatic finishes, record-breaking performances, or historical significance.
1. 2014 – RR chase 139 with ease (Eden Gardens)
A clinical chase led by Stuart Binny gave RR a comfortable win in Kolkata. It was a sign of things to come as RR would dominate KKR in the coming years.
2. 2015 – Chris Lynn’s 93 off 41 balls (Eden Gardens)
Lynn announced himself on the IPL stage with a blistering innings that included 12 sixes. His knock powered KKR to a massive total and helped them secure a much-needed win.
3. 2018 – Jos Buttler’s 61* in Kolkata
Buttler began his purple patch against KKR with a composed yet aggressive innings that sealed the game for RR.
4. 2021 – First-ever 10-wicket chase by RR (Chennai)
Steve Smith and Jos Buttler put on a masterclass, chasing down 195 with 10 wickets in hand, setting a new benchmark in run chases.
5. 2024 – KKR score 245/3 (Eden Gardens)
Shreyas Iyer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Andre Russell combined to post the highest team total in the history of the RR vs KKR rivalry, signaling KKR’s resurgence in the format.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry is a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the Indian Premier League. With both teams having tasted victory almost equally, the contest remains fiercely competitive. Whether it’s the explosive batting of Andre Russell, the consistency of Jos Buttler, or the fiery bowling spells from Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav, fans have always been treated to top-class cricket whenever these two sides meet.
As the IPL continues to evolve, so too will this rivalry. One thing is certain — whenever RR and KKR face off, fans can expect fireworks, close finishes, and moments that will be remembered for years to come.
Also Read – India National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline
