Historic Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
✅ Verified by CricSensei Data Team | 📅 Updated: January 2026 | 🏆 Source: IPL Official Archives
- Head to Head: KKR leads 20-16 (but RCB won both matches in 2025).
- Highest Score: KKR 222/6 vs RCB 221/10.
- Lowest Score: RCB 49 All Out (2017).
- 2026 Prediction: High-scoring thriller at Pune.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is the most dramatic story in IPL history, featuring the 49 all-out disaster and the 2025 title win. From Brendon McCullum’s 158 in the very first match to RCB’s comeback, this rivalry has seen it all.
With RCB entering IPL 2026 as the Defending Champions and KKR looking to reclaim their throne from 2024, the stakes have never been higher. Below is the complete chronological breakdown of this historic rivalry.
Full Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
To understand the intensity of this fixture, we must look at the key moments that defined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline over the years.
1. The Era of Carnage (2008–2016)
The rivalry started with a bang and never slowed down. KKR dominated the early years, but RCB punched back with the “Gayle Storm.”
- 2008 (The Beginning): Brendon McCullum smashed 158* in the first-ever IPL match. KKR won by 140 runs.
- 2015 (The Gayle Storm): Chris Gayle scored 96 runs to help RCB chase down 177 at Eden Gardens, silencing the Kolkata crowd.
- 2016 (Kohli’s Peak): In a must-win game, Virat Kohli played with a stitched hand to score 75*, guiding RCB to victory.
2. The “49” Disaster (2017–2023)
This period birthed the most viral memes in cricket history. The timeline took a dark turn for Bengaluru here.
- 2017 (The 49 All Out): Chasing just 132, RCB was bowled out for 49 runs (the lowest score in IPL history) by Nathan Coulter-Nile and KKR’s pacers.
- 2019 (Russell Muscle): RCB scored 205. But Andre Russell smashed 48* off 13 balls to steal the game for KKR.
3. Battle of Champions (2024–2026)
The modern era is defined by pure dominance. Both teams have lifted the trophy recently.
- 2024 (The 1-Run Heartbreak): RCB lost by just 1 run at Eden Gardens. Karn Sharma hit three sixes in the final over against Mitchell Starc but fell short.
- 2025 (The Red Revenge): RCB bounced back to win both matches against KKR in the 2025 season.
Head to Head Statistics (Verified)
Explicit data from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline shows KKR still holds the lead, but RCB is closing the gap fast. You can verify these stats on ESPNcricinfo.
| Stat Category | RCB (Bengaluru) | KKR (Kolkata) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 36 (approx) | |
| Wins | 16 | 20 |
| Highest Score | 221/10 | 222/6 |
| Lowest Score | 49 (2017) | 84 (2020) |
Virat Kohli vs KKR Stats
Individual battles often decide this fixture. Virat Kohli has scored over 962 runs against KKR. His battles with Sunil Narine are legendary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more matches in RCB vs KKR history?
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lead the head-to-head record with 20 wins, compared to RCB’s 16 wins (as of Jan 2026).
What is the lowest score in RCB vs KKR timeline?
The lowest score is 49 All Out by RCB in 2017 at Eden Gardens. It remains a historic low for the franchise.
Did RCB beat KKR in IPL 2025?
Yes. RCB defeated KKR in the 2025 season opener by 7 wickets and went on to win the second leg as well.
Conclusion
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline proves that cricket is unpredictable. KKR owns the past records, but RCB owns the present as the Defending Champions. Make sure to book your IPL tickets on BookMyShow early to witness the next chapter of this rivalry.
