The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is one of the most fascinating rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the inaugural season in 2008, these two franchises have produced unforgettable matches, iconic performances, and dramatic twists that continue to captivate fans.
From Brendon McCullum’s legendary opening night innings to RCB’s shocking collapse in 2017, the rivalry has seen it all. This article explores the complete journey of RCB vs KKR, highlighting head-to-head records, iconic clashes, star players, and the cultural impact of this timeline.
Early Phase: 2008- 2010
The initial game between RCB and KKR was historical. The rivalry between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru began in 2008, with the former crushing the latter by 140 runs. KKR had a dream start with Brendon McCullum contributing with a monstrous 158, which is still considered one of the best innings in the history of the IPL. KKR won the second match of the season by a margin of 5 runs over RCB, thus completing the double.
RCB reversed the tables in 2009 when it was hosted in South Africa. They won both of the matches, 5 wickets in Durban and 6 wickets in Centurion, and demonstrated their initial fighting spirit. In the 2010 season, the balance was restored and both the teams won a match each: KKR at Eden Gardens, RCB at the Chinnaswamy.
Momentum Changes: 2011-2014
During 20112014 both teams were trading blows. In 2011, RCB was at an advantage as it had two wins and one of them was through Duckworth-Lewis method. This was the time when RCB batting trio, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli rose to prominence and could conquer any attack.
However 2012 saw a historic change. The leadership of Gautam Gambhir revitalized KKR and they beat RCB in the two league games. KKR maintained their hegemony until 20132014, where they won three out of four matches. RB was full of star players but KKR remained consistent and could win close games.
Mid-Decade Intensity: 2015-2017
Between 2015 and 2017, the competition came up with some of the most memorable contests. CBT twice defeated KKR in 2015, at Eden Gardens and Bengaluru. Gayle, Kohli and de Villiers were in their prime making RCB the most frightening batting team in the league.
In 2016, the teams shared titles – KKR won in Bengaluru, and RCB retaliated in Kolkata. RCB made it to the finals in the year and demonstrated confidence and aggressive cricket.
But 2017 was KKR’s turn. RCB disintegrated at Eden Gardens to an all-time low of 49 all out, the lowest in the history of IPL. KKR secured the victory by 82 runs and followed it up by winning the reverse game as well, and this secured another double to KKR and revealed the lack of consistency in RCB.
KKR Dominance: 2018-2019
The 2018 and 2019 seasons were biased towards KKR. They were able to win three out of four matches in the two years taking advantage of the poor bowling of RCB and their weak middle order. The best was Andre Russell, who had one of his most brutal innings at the Chinnaswamy in 2019 to pursue a huge target.
RCB did win an exciting 10-run match at Eden Gardens in 2019 but in general, KKR had the psychological edge. This stage of the rivalry was characterized by the capacity to pursue and manage the pressure scenarios.
Bubble Era Battles: 2020-2021
The seasons of the COVID-19 pandemic and bio-bubbles added new turns. In 2020, RCB won both games, in Sharjah by 82 and in Abu Dhabi by 8 wickets. Their bowling department, which is frequently criticized, choked the batting of KKR.
RCB began well in 2021 with a 38-run victory in Chennai. However, in the UAE leg, KKR came back. They defeated RCB by 9 wickets during the league round and then defeated them in the playoffs by 4 wickets. To the RCB fans this was a heart breaker, the maiden IPL title was lost to their arch rivals.
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A New Era: 2022-2024
In the 2022 season, RCB defeated KKR by 3 wickets in DY Patil Stadium. After the mega auction, RCB started to construct a more balanced team under Faf du Plessis. However, KKR also had rhythm, as it won four matches in 2023 and 2024.
It was a close call at Eden Gardens in 2024 with KKR emerging the winner by 1 run. This was the epitome of the competition, there were close calls, crashes and thrilling endings. The emotional rollercoaster was experienced by the fans as the star power of RCB was frequently destroyed by the unified team spirit of KKR.
Renewed Rivalry: 2025
The 2025 season was opened with the eventual end of the streak of bad luck by RCB. They beat KKR by 7 wickets in Eden Gardens on March 22 displaying maturity and purpose lacking in past years. But the match in Bengaluru on May 17 was cancelled by rain and RCB did not get an opportunity to accomplish a rare double.
General Account and Competitors Intelligence
KKR has been winning in 36 meetings but the competition is intense. The temperament and inconsistency of RCB has been revealed many times by KKKR because they are successful in situations of pressure particularly when their bowlers cannot defend low scores.
But, RCB has shone through personal brilliance. Kohli, de Villiers and Maxwell have had memorable innings particularly at the Chinnaswamy where short boundaries and flat pitch make it a run-fest. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is thus a balance of KKR’s collective strength and RCB’s superstar flair.
A Competition That Characterizes the IPL
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline has become more than just cricket. It is a play of redemption, heartbreak and mental toughness. RCB, which is regarded as the glamour team with the superstar status, is in stark contrast to KKR which is the team that values teamwork and situational awareness, the thinking team.
Both franchises are still investing in the young people, and this competition is still one of the marquee games of the IPL. Explosive starts? Check. Tense finishes? Check. Gamers able to transform the game within a second? Absolutely. Red vs purple provides all the fans the desire in T20 cricket.
Final Word
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is a story of contrasting styles, unforgettable matches, and passionate fan bases. From McCullum’s fireworks in 2008 to RCB’s shocking collapse in 2017, the rivalry has produced moments that define the IPL itself. With new stars like Rinku Singh and Rajat Patidar emerging, the next chapters promise even more drama. This rivalry will continue to be one of the IPL’s most thrilling narratives.
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