KKR vs RCB Head-to-Head Record in IPL – Complete Stats & Highlights

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced some of the most exciting rivalries in T20 cricket, and one such gripping contest is between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Over the years, these two franchises have faced off in several high-voltage matches, producing unforgettable moments, outstanding individual performances, and thrilling finishes.

In this blog, we take a deep dive into the head-to-head record of KKR vs RCB in IPL, analyzing statistics, top performances, key players, and memorable encounters.

Overall Head-to-Head Record

As of 2025, KKR and RCB have played 34 matches against each other in the IPL. The record stands as follows:

• Kolkata Knight Riders Wins: 20

• Royal Challengers Bangalore Wins: 14

• No Results/Ties: 0

KKR has dominated this rivalry over the years, winning more matches than RCB. However, RCB has had its fair share of dominant performances as well.

Memorable Matches Between KKR and RCB

1. The Iconic IPL Opener - 2008

The first-ever IPL match in 2008 set the stage for T20 cricket's global rise. Brendon McCullum, playing for KKR, smashed an unbeaten 158 off 73 balls, setting a record for the highest individual score in IPL history at the time. KKR posted 222/3 and won the match convincingly, leaving RCB stunned.

2. RCB’s Lowest IPL Score - 2017

On April 23, 2017, at Eden Gardens, RCB recorded the lowest total in IPL history, getting all out for just 49 runs while chasing 132. KKR's pace attack, led by Nathan Coulter-Nile (3/21), Chris Woakes (3/6), and Colin de Grandhomme (3/4), dismantled RCB’s batting lineup.

3. The Russell Storm - 2019

In IPL 2019, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, KKR's Andre Russell played one of the most brutal knocks in IPL history. Chasing 206 runs, KKR needed 53 runs off the last 3 overs. Russell hammered 48 runs off just 13 balls, guiding KKR to an unbelievable victory.

4. Kohli’s Century - 2019

In the same season, Virat Kohli scored a stunning 100 off 58 balls at Eden Gardens, leading RCB to a total of 213/4. Despite KKR's fightback led by Nitish Rana and Andre Russell, RCB won by 10 runs.

Highest and Lowest Team Totals in KKR vs RCB Matches

Highest Team Totals:

• KKR: 222/3 (2008, Eden Gardens)

• RCB: 213/4 (2019, Eden Gardens)

Lowest Team Totals:

• KKR: 84/8 (2020, Abu Dhabi)

• RCB: 49 all out (2017, Eden Gardens - Lowest in IPL history)

Key Player Performances in KKR vs RCB Matches

Most Runs:

• Virat Kohli (RCB): 962 runs - Kohli has been the highest run-scorer in KKR vs RCB encounters, consistently delivering match-winning knocks.

• Chris Gayle (RCB & KKR): 775 runs - The ‘Universe Boss’ has played for both teams and has delivered explosive innings for each.

Most Wickets:

• Sunil Narine (KKR): 26 wickets - The mystery spinner has troubled RCB batters over the years.

• Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB): 21 wickets - The former RCB leg-spinner has often been their go-to bowler against KKR.

Best Bowling Figures in KKR vs RCB Matches:

• Sunil Narine (KKR) - 4/10 (2018)

• Varun Chakravarthy (KKR) - 4/15 (2021)

• Samuel Badree (RCB) - 4/9 (2017)

Team Strengths and Weaknesses

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

• Strengths:

  • A strong bowling unit with mystery spinners like Narine and Varun Chakravarthy.

  • Hard-hitting all-rounders like Andre Russell and Shardul Thakur.

  • A solid top-order with Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

• Weaknesses:

  • Inconsistent middle-order batting.

  • Over-reliance on Andre Russell for finishing games.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

• Strengths:

  • A powerful batting lineup featuring Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell.

  • A solid fast-bowling attack with Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, and Harshal Patel.

• Weaknesses:

  • Spin bowling has been inconsistent over the years.

  • Over-reliance on star players like Kohli and Maxwell.

Who Has the Edge in 2025?

While KKR has historically had the upper hand in this rivalry, RCB has improved significantly over the past few seasons. With Kohli leading the charge and strong overseas players in their ranks, they will look to close the gap in head-to-head records.

On the other hand, KKR's mix of experience and youth makes them a formidable opponent. If their middle-order finds consistency and their bowlers continue to perform, they could dominate RCB once again.

Conclusion

The KKR vs RCB rivalry in IPL has been filled with intense clashes, dramatic finishes, and record-breaking performances. Whether it’s McCullum’s 158, RCB’s lowest total of 49, or Russell’s breathtaking finishes, this fixture never fails to entertain. As IPL 2025 unfolds, fans can expect yet another thrilling chapter in this historic rivalry!

Who do you think will win the next KKR vs RCB encounter? Share your thoughts in the comments!