The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline is decorated with last-ball thrillers, one-sided contests, batting implosions and a few of the greatest moments in the history of IPL. Right from their very first meeting in the inaugural IPL match of 2008, these two teams have developed a rivalry that has lasted well into its third decade.
Since Brendon McCullum’s blistering 158* In the very first game to RCB’s infamous 49 all out back in 2017, the RCB vs KKR rivalry has never really been short of conversations. In the recent seasons, there have been more chapters too including a close call for the title in 2024 and an RCB victory in 2025 and 2026.
A chronological list of RCB vs KKR match results, highlights and memorable moments over the years, as well as milestone records.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline Timeline: A Quick Overview
The rivalry kicked off on April 18, 2008 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. But not just in context of RCB & KKR, it was the first encounter in history of IPL.
Brendon McCullum scored an unbeaten 158 as KKR posted a massive 222/3. This further impacted the RCB team, who were then bowled out for just 82 runs, handing KKR a 140-run victory.
The teams have played several times since in league stage encounters, alternating control between them.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
Here are some of the most important chapters in the RCB vs KKR IPL history:
| Year | Result | Important Moment |
| 2008 | KKR won both matches | McCullum’s 158* in the first IPL match |
| 2009 | RCB won both matches | RCB completed a season sweep |
| 2010 | Teams won one each | Both sides recorded convincing wins |
| 2011 | RCB won both matches | RCB continued its strong run |
| 2012 | KKR won both matches | KKR dominated the season meetings |
| 2013 | Teams won one each | RCB won in Bengaluru; KKR won in Ranchi |
| 2014 | KKR won both matches | KKR won a close two-run game in Sharjah |
| 2015 | RCB won both matches | RCB completed another season sweep |
| 2016 | Teams won one each | RCB won by nine wickets in Kolkata |
| 2017 | KKR won both matches | RCB were bowled out for 49 |
| 2018 | KKR won both matches | KKR continued its advantage |
| 2019 | Teams won one each | Both sides won at home |
| 2020 | RCB won both matches | RCB won by 82 runs and eight wickets |
| 2021 | Teams won one each | KKR won the Eliminator |
| 2022 | RCB won | RCB won by three wickets |
| 2023 | KKR won | KKR won by 21 runs in Bengaluru |
| 2024 | KKR won both matches | One match was decided by just one run |
| 2025 | RCB won one; one no result | RCB won the March meeting; May game was abandoned |
| 2026 | RCB won | RCB chased 193 in Raipur |
The historical match list shows how often momentum has shifted between the two teams.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline Head-to-Head Record
The IPL rivalry has resulted in 37 official meetings after the team met for the first time in 2026, with one ending without a result. RCB have managed to win 16 of these completed matches, while KKR are 20 wins ahead, giving them the ultimate head-to-head record.
The match in 2026 was very crucial, as RCB got another win to cover up the difference. May 13, 2026 meeting is remembered on the official IPL match centre whereas RCB’s successful chase with every ball scored in this scorecard.
As such, the overall numbers also really highlight why this has been a competitive rivalry rather than one that’s been completely lopsided. Both teams have had stretches where they got the better of one another time and again.
RCB vs KKR First Match
The first-ever match of RCB vs KKR will be forever known as one of IPL’s biggest games.
Here is an image from one of RCB’s biggest defeats – KKR’s 222/3, followed by RCB 82 All out on April 18,2008 It was Brendon McCullum’s 158* off 73 balls that came to define the match.
The 140-run margin is massive for the group-stage opener of a new tournament. Most significantly of all, it instantly revealed to fans and critics alike the sort of high-scoring, thrill-a-minute cricket for which the IPL would become famed.
In their second 2008 meeting, KKR edged past RCB by five runs, ensuring that the Bangalore franchise had gone an entire season without a win over Kolkata.
RCB vs KKR Most Memorable Matches
2008: The Match That Started It All
There’s no chance any RCB vs KKR timeline can miss out the first IPL match ever. With McCullum scoring 158* KKR went on to win by an impressive 140-runs to set up a memorable start to the rivalry.
2012: KKR’s Strong Season
KKR has won both of the fixtures they had against RCB in 2012. They successfully chased down 42 runs in the Bengaluru match and 47 runs in the Kolkata encounter. Both results highlighted KKR’s exceptional command with bat and ball.
2017: RCB’s 49 All Out
In many ways, the 2017 meeting is one of the scandalous outcomes of the rivalry.
Bengaluru witnessed RCB bowled out for 49 against KKR. It is still one of the poorest team totals in IPL history but this incident grew into one of the most recalled moments anytime RCB vs KKR records were brought up.
KKR easily won the match that was another significant chapter in their head-to-head record.
2021: Eliminator Drama
In 2021 the teams met not in a regular league match but also in the Eliminator, pushing the rivalry to new heights. With this, KKR won the match by 4 wickets knocking RCB out of the tournament.
Knockout is a different thing altogether – and this result became another chapter in the RCB vs KKR IPL rivalry stories.
2024: A One-Run Thriller
KKR won two matches in season 2024. 01:05Kolkata vs Punjab: KKR won by 1 run (April 21, 2018) and it was a most memorable encounter.
Nail biting finishes such as these have contributed towards RCB vs KKR being heralded as one of the more captivating match-ups on the IPL fixture calendar.
RCB vs KKR Biggest Wins
The biggest lopsided game in the rivalry came in the very first meeting.
April 18, 2008: KKR beat RCB by 140 runs KKR scored 222/3, in reply RCB managed a total of just 82 all out.
RCB’s biggest victories have come by way of bowling and chasing as well. Their recent wins have highlighted how much the team has grown from where they were in the early IPL write-ups.
RCB vs KKR Highest and Lowest Scores
History of the Fixture One of the more famous scores in the history of this fixture is KKR’s 222/3 in an IPL match on October 1, 2016. Constructed around McCullum’s epic innings
At the other extreme, RCB’s 49 all out against KKR in 2017 is one of the lowest-lowest points of this battle.
These two numbers alone illustrate the match-ups: explosive batting and epic collapses are what RCB vs KKR has produced.
Virat Kohli vs KKR
Virat Kohli has, over the years, been one of the key men for RCB in this rivalry.
He has played a lot of matches against KKR due to his long tenure in RCB and such matches are important run chases or high-pressure games.
Now came another memorable Kohli performance in 2026 meeting. RCB chased down KKR’s 192/4 in just 19.1 overs, with Kohli unbeaten on the score of 105 as RCB reached 194/4. Here is everything that you need to know about the match RCB won by six wickets: October 22 — Raipur
RCB vs KKR timeline, 2026 chapter was highlighted by that innings fin
RCB vs KKR Recent Matches
It has been a fiercely contested rivalry in recent times.
The meeting in the one-run thriller, KKR won both the meetings in 2024. RCB won by seven wickets in the March 22 meeting in 2025, and the May 17 fixture was unplayed.
RCB came out on top once again at the meeting in 2026. KKR go 192/4, RCB chase down the target at 194/4 in 19.1 overs Highlight of the match was an unbeaten century by Kohli.
While KKR still holds the overall head-to-head advantage, this recent stretch demonstrates how tight the rivalry remains.
RCB vs KKR Rivalry: Who Has the Advantage?
In that case, KKR have a lead in the overall head-to-head match-up. In the rivalry, they have triumphed in more matches than RCB.
But focusing just on the last few years tells a more balanced story. While KKR had the 2024 meetings with RCB all sewn up, it is the royal challengers who have delivered decisive wins in this one so far — two out of three times in 2025 and all three encounters between these sides in 2026.
Rivalries have also evolved and changed over generations of players. The first few came with names like Brendon McCullum, Sourav Ganguly, Chris Gayle and Jacques Kallis while the more recent ones opened with Virat Kohli born then with many first-time IPL stars finally accepting airs of knowledge before leaves.
It is one reason the match history between RCB and KKR still makes for an intriguing watch.
RCB vs KKR Key Records
| Record | RCB | KKR |
| Overall head-to-head wins | 16 | 20 |
| Most famous high score in rivalry | — | 222/3 in 2008 |
| Most famous low score in rivalry | 49 all out in 2017 | — |
| Biggest win in rivalry | — | 140 runs in 2008 |
| Latest 2026 result | Won by 6 wickets | Lost by 6 wickets |
The head-to-head figures above reflect the completed IPL meetings through the 2026 match, while the 2025 abandoned fixture is not counted as a win for either team.
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FAQ’s About Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
When did RCB and KKR first play each other?
RCB and KKR first met on April 18, 2008, in the opening match of the IPL. KKR won by 140 runs.
Who has won more RCB vs KKR matches?
KKR have won more matches in the IPL rivalry. After the 2026 meeting, KKR had 20 wins compared with RCB’s 16.
What is RCB’s highest score against KKR?
RCB have produced several high scores against KKR over the years. The exact record should be checked against the latest official score database before publication.
What is KKR’s highest score against RCB?
KKR’s famous 222/3 in the first IPL match is one of their best-known scores against RCB.
What was RCB’s lowest score against KKR?
RCB were bowled out for 49 in their 2017 meeting with KKR, one of the most famous collapses in IPL history.
Who scored 158* in the first RCB vs KKR match?
Brendon McCullum scored an unbeaten 158 for KKR in the first-ever IPL match.
What happened in the RCB vs KKR 2017 match?
RCB were dismissed for 49, and KKR won comfortably. The match remains one of the most memorable games in the rivalry.
Who won the latest RCB vs KKR match?
RCB won the latest meeting in 2026 by six wickets after chasing KKR’s 192/4. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 105.
Conclusion
Explore the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline with a detailed list of IPL results. September 2, 2023 is a chronicle of moving teams, enduring performances and matches that have contextually tipped violently from one side to other.
While KKR have the overall head-to-head advantage, RCB have pulled off some memorable wins as well. The fixture has served up memorable moments time and again from McCullum’s match-winning 158* in 2008 to RCB being bowled out for a mere 49 in 2017 to Kohli his unbeaten186 in 2026.
As both franchises continue competing in the IPL, many more chapters and fragments to the RCB vs KKR rivalry should be written in the seasons that follow.
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