KKR vs RR has long been one of the most riveting rivalries in Indian Premier League history. Since their initial meeting back in 2008, this battle has produced jaw-dropping cricket with exciting finishes and unforgettable memories.
This article presents an engaging history of this fierce rivalry by outlining their Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline, IPL head-to-head record, best matches, and key player battles.
| Date | Winner | Result | Margin / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Mar 2025 | Kolkata Knight Riders | KKR beat RR | by 8 wickets (ProBatsman) |
| 19 May 2024 | — | Match Abandoned / No Result | — (ProBatsman) |
| 16 Apr 2024 | Rajasthan Royals | RR beat KKR | by 2 wickets (ProBatsman) |
| 11 May 2023 | Rajasthan Royals | RR beat KKR | by 9 wickets (ProBatsman) |
| 02 May 2022 | Kolkata Knight Riders | KKR beat RR | by 7 wickets (ProBatsman) |
Timeline
KKR and RR’s longstanding rivalry is one of the most captivating chapters in Indian Premier League history, since its inaugural tournament.
From Shane Warne’s Royals upsetting Gambhir’s KKR in a historic Super Over to 2024’s high-octane thrills, these matches showcase all that fans love about T20 cricket – with young guns such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag shining alongside veteran stars like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell keeping Eden Gardens abuzk with sound.
Since IPL history began, these two teams have met 32 times and won 25 times each, with KKR taking a slight edge with 16 wins while RR boasting 14 victories – two matches have even ended without an outcome showing how intensely these rivalries can be contested.
These past three years have been dominated by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), winning four out of six games against Rajasthan Royals with only one match ending without an outcome.
But it must be remembered that Rajasthan Royals possess strong batting and bowling units which could turn any match around in any given game.
One of the most memorable encounters between these teams came during IPL 2024 at Eden Gardens when Jos Buttler led his side to an incredible win with his impressive innings, consisting of 10 fours and six sixes from 60 balls – an astonishing performance equaling IPL history’s highest successful run chase total of 107 off 60 balls! Yuzvendra Chahal took five wickets earlier to restrict KKR to 152/8 and set up such an exhilarating chase.
Attracting new talent and strengthening their bench strength, KKR and RR are poised for more super overs and nail-biting finishes in their rivalry.
Both sides boast powerful batting units and tactically sound squads; clashes between these teams promise excitement for fans around the globe; social media users often make use of #KKRvsRR hashtag to show their engagement – this engagement only set to grow with each team investing more all-rounders and dynamic spinners into their rosters.
Head to Head Record
KKR and RR are one of the IPL’s most engaging rivalries, ever since their inaugural clash back in 2008. Since their inaugural match-up back then, both teams have produced many high-octane thrillers which demonstrate the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket – many featuring thrilling last-ball finishes or notable individual performances.
Their styles often clash against one another dynamically – with KKR known for its power-hitting approach and youthful exuberance pitted against RR’s tactical brilliance and astute team selections.
Head-to-head results between both sides are balanced at 14 wins each; two matches ended without any definitive outcome, and another was abandoned altogether.
This year, KKR has already won two of four games against RR in 2019. But they will look to end their streak when they meet at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
In their previous meeting between them in Guwahati, Andre Russell led his side to victory with 11 sixes and four fours; James Faulkner took three wickets but his efforts were outshone by Riyan Parag’s remarkable 95 off 45 balls performance for KKR.
Both teams have witnessed some of the most exciting IPL encounters between them, with Super Over deciding their opening clash and nail-biting final ball decisions deciding the second match.
These unforgettable encounters have added a thrilling new element to their rivalry and star player battles have added even further depth and intensity to each matchup.
Though KKR have won more games overall in this series, Rajasthan Royals have found more success at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur – winning four out of their six matches there against just two by KKR.
Best Matches
KKR Vs RR rivalry has produced some of the greatest and most memorable matches in Indian Premier League history.
From nail-biting finishes decided in Super Overs to big sixes hitting all over the ground, fans have enjoyed everything this meeting has provided them – nail biting finishes decided in Super Overs and massive sixes exploding all around. Both teams possess incredible talent that always ensures exciting encounters!
On 27 occasions in IPL history, these two sides have met, each team emerging victorious at least once. The competition between KKR’s explosive batting firepower led by Andre Russell and Sunil Narine’s spin bowling against RR’s elegant strokeplay from Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson backed by wicket-keeping genius Varun Chakaravarthy as well as their potency attack including legendary players like Shane Warne, Yuzvendra Chahal (before his move to Delhi), Jofra Archer!
Recent form has shown KKR’s lack of consistency with the bat to be their downfall, yet they aim to rectify it in Guwahati with young Rinku Singh leading by example – already hitting three sixes and seven fours from seven innings this season! He’s become an invaluable component of their batting lineup.
RR have struggled in both their batting and bowling so far in this tournament, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their opener and being outplayed by Sunrisers Hyderabad last week by an innings and 44-run margin.
Since both teams are looking to turn things around, this game will serve as a pivotal test of who can perform better on that particular day.
A win for KKR would restore their winning momentum while one for RR could strengthen their playoff hopes. Either way, expect an exciting contest between these two sides eager for redemption!
The victor will ultimately come down to who can field an effective bowling lineup and batting attack; both sides possessing plenty of scoring potential that must be harnessed successfully during this high-octane matchup! So be sure to tune in and witness this epic battle of titans!
Key Player Battles
The KKR-RR rivalry has long been one of passion, comebacks and IPL magic. From Shane Warne’s Royals’ shock defeat of Gambhir’s KKR in 2008 to their fearless cricket and young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel’s spectacular bowling performances year after year; this battle of attrition has produced iconic moments year after year; clashing hard hitting style against strategic gameplay and youthful exuberance to create nail-biting matches that never cease to thrill!
Kolkata and Rajasthan have faced off 31 times, winning 14 games each and having two end without results. Their rivalry remains one of the most anticipated clashes in IPL history and promises an epic showdown this season.
Rajasthan will put pressure on Kolkata Knight Riders with their aggressive batting and bowling lineup, especially opener Jos Buttler who can turn any game into an intense contest.
In contrast, KKR boasts powerful players such as Sunil Narine and Andre Russell who can take over in the death overs with their explosive power hitting.
Furthermore, Phil Salt, Mitchell Starc and Varun Chakravarthy make for a potent bowling attack which KKR cannot underestimate.
On the other side of things, KKR’s bowling has suffered in recent games. Varun Chakravarthy – best known for his spin bowling abilities – has not produced consistent performances and the team hopes that Varun can regain his form for their match against RR.
Both teams will be looking for victory, so this match could be close. Stay tuned for live scores, highlights and post-match analysis from Eden Gardens.
