Introduction: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
The clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has always been an exciting part of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both teams have a strong fan base and have given us many unforgettable moments over the years.
In this article, we’ll take a look at their journey, head-to-head matches, and detailed timeline. So, whether you’re a Royals or a Knight Riders fan, you’re in for a treat!
Table of Contents
About the Teams
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Founded: 2008
- Home Ground: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- Team Colors: Blue and Pink
- IPL Title: 1 (2008)
Rajasthan Royals were the first-ever IPL champions in 2008. They are known for giving chances to young and uncapped players. Over the years, they’ve built a reputation for being underdogs who can surprise any team on their day.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Founded: 2008
- Home Ground: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Team Colors: Purple and Gold
- IPL Titles: 2 (2012, 2014)
Kolkata Knight Riders, co-owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, are one of the most popular teams in the IPL. Known for their strong squad and aggressive gameplay, KKR has had many ups and downs in the league.
Head-to-Head Overview
Let’s see how RR and KKR have performed against each other.
| Stats | RR | KKR |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 29 | 29 |
| Wins | 14 | 14 |
| No Result/Tie | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Score | 199 | 210 |
| Lowest Score | 81 | 125 |
The rivalry is very close! Both teams have won 14 matches each as of the 2024 season, making this one of the most balanced contests in IPL history.
Timeline of Matches: Year-by-Year Breakdown
Here’s a detailed timeline of all matches between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders from 2008 to 2024.
| Year | Match No. | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Match 1 | RR | 45 runs | Jaipur |
| 2008 | Match 2 | RR (Super Over) | Tie (RR won SO) | Kolkata |
| 2009 | Match 1 | RR | 34 runs | Cape Town |
| 2009 | Match 2 | RR (Super Over) | Tie (RR won SO) | Durban |
| 2010 | Match 1 | KKR | 8 wickets | Kolkata |
| 2010 | Match 2 | RR | 34 runs | Ahmedabad |
| 2011 | Match 1 | RR | 9 wickets | Jaipur |
| 2011 | Match 2 | KKR | 8 wickets | Kolkata |
| 2012 | Match 1 | RR | 22 runs | Jaipur |
| 2012 | Match 2 | KKR | 5 wickets | Kolkata |
| 2013 | Match 1 | RR | 19 runs | Jaipur |
| 2013 | Match 2 | KKR | 8 wickets | Kolkata |
| 2014 | Match 1 | RR | 10 runs | Abu Dhabi |
| 2014 | Match 2 | RR (Super Over) | Tie (RR won SO) | Ahmedabad |
| 2015 | Match 1 | KKR | 9 wickets | Kolkata |
| 2015 | Match 2 | No Result | – | Mumbai (Neutral) |
| 2018 | Match 1 | KKR | 7 wickets | Jaipur |
| 2018 | Eliminator | KKR | 25 runs | Kolkata |
| 2019 | Match 1 | RR | 3 wickets | Kolkata |
| 2019 | Match 2 | KKR | 8 wickets | Jaipur |
| 2020 | Match 1 | KKR | 37 runs | Dubai |
| 2020 | Match 2 | RR | 6 wickets | Dubai |
| 2021 | Match 1 | RR | 6 wickets | Mumbai |
| 2021 | Match 2 | KKR | 86 runs | Sharjah |
| 2022 | Match 1 | RR | 7 runs | Mumbai |
| 2022 | Match 2 | KKR | 7 wickets | Kolkata |
| 2023 | Match 1 | RR | 9 wickets | Kolkata |
| 2024 | Match 1 | KKR | 5 runs | Jaipur |
| 2024 | Match 2 | RR | 7 wickets | Eden Gardens |
Note: Some matches ended in Super Overs, showing how evenly matched these two teams are!
Best Moments in RR vs KKR Matches
2008 Super Over Thriller
In only the second match between the two, the game ended in a tie, and Rajasthan Royals won in the first-ever Super Over in IPL history. It was intense and exciting!
2014 Super Over Repeat
Yet again, RR vs KKR ended in a tie and went to a Super Over. RR showed nerves of steel and took home the win. Clearly, these teams love drama!
Jos Buttler’s Blazing Innings (2022)
RR’s star player Jos Buttler smashed 103 runs off just 61 balls in 2022, helping his team post a big total and win a nail-biter.
Sunil Narine’s All-Round Brilliance
KKR’s all-rounder Sunil Narine has often troubled RR with both bat and ball. In multiple games, he has turned the match around single-handedly.
Top Players in This Rivalry
For Rajasthan Royals
- Jos Buttler – Consistently scores big runs.
- Sanju Samson – Calm captain and reliable batter.
- Yuzvendra Chahal – Has taken key wickets against KKR.
For Kolkata Knight Riders
- Andre Russell – Dangerous with bat and ball.
- Sunil Narine – Known for economical bowling.
- Shreyas Iyer – Solid top-order batsman and skipper.
Match Venues: Where the Action Happens
These are the stadiums where most RR vs KKR matches have taken place:
- Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur)
- Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
- Neutral venues like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Mumbai (especially during COVID seasons)
Each stadium brings a different challenge—some favor bowlers, while others are paradise for batters.
Fan Rivalry and Team Spirit
The matches between RR and KKR are more than just cricket. Fans from both sides fill the stadiums and light up social media. The friendly banter, memes, and cheers make these games extra special.
Whether it’s the royal charm of Rajasthan or the knight pride of Kolkata, the energy is always high!
Predictions for Future Matches
As both teams continue to build stronger squads, the future matches promise to be even more thrilling. With young talents joining every season and experienced players staying sharp, we can expect more close finishes and perhaps more Super Overs!
Conclusion
The battle between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders is always a rollercoaster ride. With both teams winning 14 games each as of 2024, their rivalry remains one of the most balanced and entertaining in IPL history.
From high scores to Super Overs, from superstar performances to rising talents, these matches have everything a cricket fan could ask for.