Bangalore Vs Kolkata Head To Head Records & Stats IPL 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Head-to-Head
The rivalry between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the oldest and most captivating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Often dubbed the “El Primero” of the IPL, this matchup kicked off the tournament’s inaugural game back in 2008 and has since delivered thrilling contests, dramatic finishes, and standout individual performances. With KKR holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record, this clash remains a fan favorite. Let’s dive into the numbers and history behind this iconic T20 rivalry.
#IPL 2025 KKR vs RCB Head-to-Head Summary
As of March 21, 2025, KKR and RCB have faced off 35 times across the IPL and the now-defunct Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20). Here’s how the numbers stack up:
- Matches Played: 35
- KKR Wins: 21
- RCB Wins: 14
- No Result: 0
KKR leads the rivalry with a win percentage of approximately 60%, showcasing their historical dominance over RCB. However, RCB has had its moments, often fueled by explosive batting displays at their home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Key Matches
- First Encounter (IPL 2008): The IPL began with a bang as KKR thrashed RCB by 140 runs at Bengaluru. Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 158* set the tone, while RCB crumbled for just 82. This remains one of the most lopsided results in IPL history.
- RCB’s Lowest Point (IPL 2017): KKR bowled RCB out for a paltry 49 at Eden Gardens, the lowest team total in IPL history, underlining their bowling prowess.
- Nail-Biter (IPL 2024): In a high-scoring thriller at Kolkata, KKR posted 222/6 and held off RCB by just 1 run, with RCB finishing at 221 despite fifties from Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar.
Team Statistics
Here’s a look at how KKR and RCB have performed against each other in T20 cricket:
- KKR Batting vs RCB
- Average Runs: 156.8
- Highest Total: 222/3 (IPL 2008)
- Lowest Total: 67 (IPL 2017)
- Wins Batting First: 11
- RCB Batting vs KKR
- Average Runs: 149.5
- Highest Total: 213/4 (IPL 2016)
- Lowest Total: 49 (IPL 2017)
- Wins Batting First: 6
KKR tends to have a slight edge when setting totals, while RCB has often relied on its chasing prowess, especially at home. The contrast in their lowest totals—both inflicted by KKR—highlights the unpredictability of this fixture.
Top Performers
- Highest Run-Scorer: Virat Kohli (RCB) – 962 runs
Kohli has been a consistent thorn in KKR’s side, amassing nearly 1,000 runs with multiple fifties and a knack for anchoring chases. - Highest Wicket-Taker: Sunil Narine (KKR) – 26 wickets
Narine’s mystery spin has bamboozled RCB’s star-studded batting lineups time and again, making him the standout bowler in this rivalry. - Best Individual Score: Brendon McCullum (KKR) – 158* (IPL 2008)
McCullum’s explosive knock in the IPL’s first-ever match remains the benchmark for batting brilliance in this matchup. - Best Bowling Figures: Suyash Sharma (KKR) – 5/13 (IPL 2023)
The young spinner’s fifer stunned RCB in a memorable Kolkata victory.
Venue Insights
- At Eden Gardens (Kolkata): KKR dominates with 12 wins in 18 matches against RCB.
- At M Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru): RCB has won 8 of 14 games, leveraging the small boundaries and batting-friendly conditions.
- Neutral Venues: KKR holds a 4-2 advantage in 6 encounters.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
- IPL 2024: KKR won by 1 run
- IPL 2023: KKR won by 21 runs
- IPL 2023: KKR won by 81 runs
- IPL 2022: RCB won by 3 wickets
- IPL 2021: KKR won by 9 wickets
KKR has won four of the last five encounters, including a hat-trick of victories between 2023 and 2024, signaling their recent upper hand.
The Rivalry’s Edge
Beyond the stats, the KKR-RCB rivalry has been spiced up by on-field drama. The 2013 spat between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, sparked by a sledge after Kohli’s dismissal, added fuel to the fire. Known as the “Kohli-Gambhir Rivalry,” this incident elevated the stakes, making every clash a battle of pride as much as points.
Looking Ahead
With the IPL 2025 season underway, their next meeting on March 22 at Eden Gardens promises another blockbuster. KKR, fresh off their 2024 title win, will look to extend their dominance, while RCB, still chasing that elusive trophy, will aim to turn the tide. Will Kohli’s bat or Narine’s spin steal the show? Only time will tell.
