The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is full of drama, big performances, and unforgettable moments. Since the very first match of IPL 2008, where Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 158, this face-off has become one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures every season.
Over the years, this rivalry has seen explosive batting, heated exchanges like the famous Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir spat, and high-pressure games that went down to the wire. While RCB is known for its star power with players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Faf du Plessis, KKR has always been a team built on solid all-round performances and a fighting spirit, led by icons like Gautam Gambhir, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine.
Let’s dive deeper into their head-to-head record and timeline and how both teams have fared against each other over the years.
RBC vs KKR Head to Head Record Record
In the rivalry between RCB and KKR, the Kolkata Knight Riders lead with 20 victories out of the 35 clashes against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Conversely, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have secured 15 wins from those 35 matches.
| Total Matches played in IPL | 35 |
| KKR Won | 20 |
| RCB Won | 15 |
| KKR Lost | 15 |
| RCB Lost | 20 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB vs KKR Head to Head Record at Home Ground
KKR Record at Home Ground Against RCB
At their home ground, Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders have maintained a solid record against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Out of 13 matches played in Kolkata, KKR have won 8, while RCB have managed to win just 5..
| Total Matches | 13 |
| KKR Won | 8 |
| RCB Won | 5 |
| KKR Lost | 5 |
| RCB Lost | 8 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB Record at Home Ground Against KKR
RCB haven’t enjoyed much success even at their own home ground when facing KKR. At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, RCB and KKR have clashed 12 times, where KKR has come out on top in 8 matches, and RCB has only won 4.
| Total Matches | 12 |
| RCB Won | 4 |
| KKR Won | 8 |
| RCB Lost | 8 |
| KKR Lost | 4 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB vs KKR Head to Head Record at Away Ground
KKR Record Away Ground Against The RCB
Kolkata Knight Riders have been impressive when playing away in Bengaluru. At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, they have played 12 matches against RCB and have won 8 of them, losing only 4. This shows their dominance, even on RCB’s turf.
| Total Matches | 12 |
| KKR Won | 8 |
| RCB Won | 4 |
| KKR Lost | 4 |
| RCB Lost | 8 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB Record at Away Ground Against KKR
On the other hand, RCB’s away record in Kolkata is quite underwhelming. Out of 13 matches played at Eden Gardens, RCB have won only 5, while losing 8 games to KKR at their home ground.
| Total Matches | 13 |
| RCB Won | 5 |
| KKR Won | 8 |
| RCB Lost | 5 |
| KKR Lost | 8 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB vs KKR Head to Head Record at Neutral Venues
Even if you consider matches played at neutral venues, the head to head figures make for good reading for both RCB and KKR. At neutral venues, the teams have played 10 matches against each other, with RCB slightly in front having won 6 and KKR winning 4 of the matches.
| Total Matches | 10 |
| KKR Won | 4 |
| RCB Won | 6 |
| KKR Lost | 6 |
| RCB Lost | 4 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
RCB vs KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Records & Stats
Highest Score in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
The highest team total in this rivalry was recorded by Kolkata Knight Riders, who posted a massive 222/3 in the inaugural IPL match on April 18, 2008, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Highest Score by KKR Against RCB
At Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru, on April 18, 2008, the KKR’s highest total against RCB is 222/3, which came during that same 2008 season.
Highest Score by RCB Against KKR
RCB registered their highest total against KKR on April 21, 2024, scoring 221 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Lowest Score in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
The lowest total in the RCB vs KKR rivalry came from Royal Challengers Bangalore, who were bowled out for just 49 runs on April 23, 2017, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Lowest Score by KKR Against RCB
KKR’s lowest score total against Royal Challengers Bangalore was 84/8 runs, which was held by RCB in Abu Dhabi on date October 21, 2020.
Lowest Score by RCB Against KKR
On April 23, 2017, in Kolkata, the RCB were bowled out for just 49 runs, their lowest total against KKR on this date.
Individual Records in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
Most runs & Highest Score in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
Former Kolkata Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir has registered the most runs for KKR against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Meanwhile, in this contest, Brendon McCullum scored the highest-ever score for KKR — 158 runs* in the very first match of IPL in 2008.
As far as RCB is concerned, Virat Kohli has most runs scored against KKR, which should not be surprising really. Chris Gayle therefore holds the record for the highest individual score for RCB against KKR with an explosive 102 run* innings.
| Stats | KKR | RCB |
| Most Runs | Gautam Gambhir (530 runs) | Virat Kohli (1021 runs) |
| Highest scorer | Brendon McCullum (158*) | Chris Gayle (102*) |
Most Wickets & Best Bowling in RCB vs KKR Rivalry
Sunil Narine has been the pick of the bowlers from KKR over the years against RCB. Against KKR, Yuzvendra Chahal has been the most dangerous bowler for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, consistently presenting massive problems by taking key wickets.
RCB have the best individual bowling performance in this rivalry with Wanindu Hasaranga’s 4 for 20 against KKR, while Varun Chakaravarthy’s 4 for 20 for KKR is the best for them in this rivalry.
| Stats | KKR | RCB |
| Most wickets | Sunil Narine (24) | Yuzvendra Chahal (19 wickets) |
| Best Bowling | Varun Chakaravarthy (4/15) | Wanindu Hasaranga (4/20) |
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Timeline
RCB vs KKR rivalry has given us a few of the most memorable moments from IPL history Their clashes have offered fans everything from dramatic finishes to record-breaking performances since the league’s infancy. Here is an approximate timeline of the major highlights in this superb rivalry:
In IPL 2008 The Rivalry Begins:
First-ever Match — KKR vs RCB: Introduced to the IPL — Brendon McCullum takes 158* out of nowhere and KKR gets away with a flier. RCB, on the other hand, recovered after a few matches and started winning.
IPL 2012 KKR’s Title-Winning Run:
KKR began the process of lifting their first IPL trophy that season with an exciting win against RCB, also in a high-scoring game — a marker of a rivalry gaining momentum.
In 2015, AB de Villiers on steroids:
In IPL 2015, AB de Villiers had played one of the best innings in RCB history, chasing down a huge total against KKR and leading Bengaluru to a legendary victory.
In IPL 2017 Narine’s All-Round Brilliance:
KKR were up against the great RCB in 2017 and Sunil Narine played a match-winning knock as well as asserted his all-round capabilities and potential beyond spin bowling by taking 4 wickets.
September 23, 2019, Kohli vs Russell rivalry:
Virat Kohli pummelled a hefty innings for RCB in perhaps one of the classic games of 2019 only for Andre Russell to tornado to the crease and break RCB hearts during the final overs in a KKR victory.
2021 IPL KKR’s Strategic Victory
KKR displayed clever leadership and crisp strategy to dominate RCB in an important matchup in the 2021 season, reminding the latter of its superiority in knockout-stage showdowns.
In IPL 2023–2024 KKR’s Recent Dominance:
KKR, in fact, remained unbeaten against RCB since the 2023 season and KKR went on to win all the four matches between the two sides in two seasons. They has register their any more big win on April 21 2024 at Eden Gardens.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: IPL Positions In All Season
| KKR position | IPL Season | RCB Position |
| 6th position | 2008 | 7th position |
| 8th position | 2009 | 3rd position |
| 6th position | 2010 | 4th position |
| 4th position | 2011 | 1st position |
| 2nd position | 2012 | 5th position |
| 7th position | 2013 | 5th position |
| 2nd position | 2014 | 7th position |
| 5th position | 2015 | 3rd position |
| 4th position | 2016 | 2nd position |
| 4th position | 2017 | 8th position |
| 3rd position | 2018 | 6th position |
| 5th position | 2019 | 8th position |
| 5th position | 2020 | 4th position |
| 4th position | 2021 | 3rd position |
| 7th position | 2022 | 4th position |
| 7th position | 2023 | 6th position |
| 1st position | 2024 | 4th position |
| 8th position | 2025 | 2nd position |
