Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) both have provided top performances, nail-biting finishes, as well as ferocious competition ever since the tournament came into being in 2008.
Whether it is Brendon McCullum’s majestic innings or Virat Kohli hitting match-winning hundreds, this rivalry has had its share of brilliance on the cricket field. Both franchises have passionate fan-following and every contest becomes a highly anticipated IPL clash.
Origin of the RCB vs KKR Rivalry (2008)
That rivalry kicked off on April 18, 2008 — during the inaugural IPL game at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Brendon McCullum gave an unbelievable knockout performance (158 n.o. off 73 balls) to carry the Kolkata Knight Riders home with a historic win. His knock took KKR to 222/3.
Chasing the huge total, RCB were bowled out for 82 runs. Kolkata won this comprehensive victory by 140 runs.
It sparked a rivalry that remains the envy of sports fans across the globe to this day.
Bengaluru Vs Kolkata | Year On Year Highlights
2009–2012: Bengaluru Rides Back into the Picture; Kolkata on Form
Kolkata lost both encounters against RCB in 2009, but they responded strongly. Both franchises proved competitive in the years that followed.
Chris Gayle scored an undefeated century in 2011 against KKR which helped Bengaluru to win.
Kolkata however bounced back in 2012 with Gautam Gambhir as the captain. KKR saw off RCB in both matches on their way to winning the first IPL title.
2013–2016: Focus on the Star Players
Both the teams built strong squads in this period and had cricketers, blessed with star status.
RCB depended a lot on Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle whereas in KKR of Sunil Narine’s bowling and Andre Russell’s all-round ability.
Kolkata has fared well overall in 2014, with two wins over Bengaluru and a second IPL trophy.
2017: RCB’s Lowest-Ever IPL Total
Bengaluru fans will still struggle to shrug off 23 April 2017.
RCB endured a stunning batting collapse all out for just 49 while chasing Kolkata’s 131.
KKR 203/3 (15 Overs) def PBKS 121 all out in 18.5 overs KKR won by 82 runs Nathan Coulter-Nile | Chris Woakes and Colin de Grandhomme, three wickets each
That total is still the lowest completed innings score in IPL history.
Year: 2018–2021 — Bombastic Bats and Postseason Theater
This was during Andre Russell’s breakout seasons when he blossomed into a major threat to Bengaluru. In 2019, he scored an unbeaten 48 off 13 balls which helped Kolkata in a remarkable chase.
RCB reacted later through Virat Kohli s century at Eden Gardens.
Bengaluru took four points from both league encounters in 2020. KKR remember though that they knocked RCB out of the 2021 playoffs, edging a nail-biting Eliminator by four wickets.
2022–2024: Kolkata Establish Their Dominance
In their one encounter in 2022, Bengaluru took home a narrow three-wicket victory.
In contrast, KKR had a terrific bounce back performance in 2023, winning both the encounters comprehensively.
Another classic battle came to fruition during the 2024 campaign. In Kolkata, Kolkata scored 222/6 while Bengaluru managed 221 in reply.
It was during this very match that KKR won the turn and went on to win the championship, their third IPL title.
2025–2026: Bengaluru’s Strong Response
RCB started their 2025 season with a win over Kolkata by seven wickets. Having remained not out on 59, Phil Salt also added a quickfire half-century.
Their second scheduled meeting was rained out.
June 2026: Bengaluru vs Kolkata, Raipur – Bengaluru won by 06 wickets. RCB chased down the target of 193 runs in 19 overs with Kohli hitting an unbeaten 105 off just 60 balls.
RCB vs KKR Head-to-Head Record
History of Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline: Being a star-studded outfit, Kolkata have had over Bengaluru throughout its history, there is no denying that they’ve improved in the past few years.
Head-to-Head Statistics
| Record | Total matches |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 37 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders wins | 20 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru wins | 16 |
| No result | 1 |
| KKR highest score | 222 |
| RCB highest score | 221 |
| RCB lowest score | 49 |
| First IPL encounter | April 18, 2008 |
| Latest completed match | May 13, 2026 |
These numbers comprise of IPL games upto the end of the 2026 season.
RCB vs KKR: All-Time Lighter Moments
This rivalry has been especially memorable due to a few performances particularly:
- Brendon McCullum · 158 (2008), The innings that started it all — An extraordinary knock
- Century by Chris Gayle (2011): A complete domination with bat against Kolkata
- RCB’s 49 all out (2017): One of the biggest collapses in the tournament
- 48 out of 13 balls by Andre Russell (2019): A powerful display
- KKR won with 1 run (2024): Iconic nail-biting finish at Eden Gardens
- 31 — (Virat Kohli vs England) 105* [ 147 ] : A great century in chase of a total.
This IPL Rivalry Lands In A Unique Category
More than Wins, Losses – royal challengers bengaluru vs kolkata knight riders timeline
Both franchises are also based in prominent cricket cities that have passionate fan bases. These encounters often include high-octane batting, well-executed spin bowling and roller-coaster endings
This rivalry has also transcended different captains, line-ups and title runs.
The competitive narrative has been cemented since then by KKR’s three IPL titles and RCB claiming their maiden championship in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team has more wins between RCB and KKR?
Bengaluru have 16 wins, while Kolkata Knight Riders lead the way with 20.
Lowest Scores in RCB vs KKR Matches: ● What is the lowest score?
But after that shitty run, here comes another team called KKR.
The RCB score of 49 in 2017 is the lowest ever seen in this contested rivalry.
SECURE HERE: RCB vs KKR can never be considered boring, as was evident during their most recent encounter.
May 13,2026 : Kolkata Knight Riders lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 6 wickets
Conclusion
The timeline of royal challengers bengaluru vs kolkata knight riders reflects years of exceptional cricket, memorable individual performances and fortunes turning for the teams.
While Bengaluru has been consistently giving its rivals a run for their money, Kolkata still holds the overall head-to-head advantage.
With passionate fans and both sides packed with excellent players, we should see future meetings continue to add exciting chapters to this storied IPL rivalry.
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