The rivalry between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is one of the most exciting in IPL history. Since 2008, both teams have played many thrilling matches that fans still remember.
From last-ball finishes to high scores and hat-tricks, this matchup has given cricket lovers unforgettable moments. This timeline shows the full history of RR vs KKR matches, season by season, along with important statistics and top performers.
It helps fans understand how the rivalry has grown over the years and highlights iconic games, records, and key players who have shaped these contests.
Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Timeline
The rivalry between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is one of the most exciting in IPL history. Fans have enjoyed thrilling matches filled with last-ball finishes, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments. This timeline highlights every match, season by season, to give cricket fans a clear understanding of how the rivalry has evolved.
RR vs KKR games are known for their intensity. Both teams have often showcased young talent, aggressive batting, and strategic bowling. Over the years, the rivalry has produced historic moments, including Super Overs, hat-tricks, and knockout clashes.
Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Rivalry Overview
The RR vs KKR rivalry started in 2008 with the first IPL season. Since then, it has been marked by:
- Unpredictable Results: Matches can change in the last over.
- High Pressure Situations: Both teams have excelled under stress.
- Star Players Shining: Many IPL legends have left their mark in these games.
This rivalry reflects not just the skill of players but also team strategies. Both RR and KKR have periods of dominance, but the contest is usually balanced. Fans eagerly wait for each meeting because it rarely fails to entertain.
Head-to-Head Summary (RR vs KKR)
Till IPL 2024, RR and KKR have faced each other 29 times. KKR leads slightly with 14 wins, while RR has won 13 times. The matches have produced high scores, low totals, and record-breaking performances.
RR vs KKR Overall Stats Table
| Statistic | Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Matches Played | 29 | 29 |
| Wins | 13 | 14 |
| Highest Score | 224 | 223 |
| Lowest Score | 81 | 83 |
| Largest Win (Runs) | 60 | 37 |
| Best Player vs Opponent | Jos Buttler | Sunil Narine |
Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline (Season-Wise)
IPL 2008 – The Beginning of the Rivalry
The first RR vs KKR match was played in 2008. RR won the game by 45 runs, with Yusuf Pathan’s explosive innings being the highlight. Shane Watson and Graeme Smith also performed brilliantly. This match set the tone for a long-standing rivalry.
IPL 2009 – South Africa Shift
In 2009, IPL moved to South Africa due to elections in India. RR and KKR played a historic match that ended in a Super Over. RR chased successfully with Yusuf Pathan hitting two sixes. This match is still remembered as one of the earliest thrillers in IPL history.
IPL 2010–2014 – Balanced Rivalry
From 2010 to 2014, both teams exchanged wins. KKR strengthened under Gautam Gambhir, while RR continued producing aggressive performances. Key highlights include:
- 2011: RR wins with strong bowling.
- 2012: KKR dominates as Gambhir era begins.
- 2013: RR wins a last-ball thriller.
- 2014: KKR peaks with excellent all-round performance.
IPL 2015–2017 – Mixed Outcomes
During this period, results varied:
| Year | Winner | Key Player |
| 2015 | KKR | Andre Russell (all-rounder) |
| 2016 | RR Suspended | – |
| 2017 | RR Suspended | – |
RR was suspended in 2016 and 2017, so no matches were played during these seasons.
IPL 2018 – RR Returns, Intense Matches
After suspension, RR returned in 2018. The season featured tough contests:
| Match | Winner | Margin | Highlight |
| League Match | KKR | Big Win | Sunil Narine all-round show |
| Eliminator | KKR | 25 Runs | RR knocked out |
IPL 2019 – Smith vs Karthik Era
In 2019, RR defeated KKR with Ryan Parag’s match-winning knock. The team focused on smart batting and fast bowling to overcome KKR.
IPL 2020 – Pandemic Season in UAE
Due to COVID-19, IPL 2020 was held in UAE. RR struggled on slow tracks while KKR adapted well and won their matchup.
IPL 2021 – Competitive Phase
Both teams shared victories in 2021:
- RR: Chris Morris starred with both bat and ball.
- KKR: Shubman Gill scored a fifty-plus innings.
IPL 2022 – Jos Buttler Dominates
In 2022, RR’s Jos Buttler played a spectacular season. Other highlights include:
| Match | Winner | Margin | Player of the Match |
| League Match | RR | 7 Runs | Yuzvendra Chahal (Hattrick) |
| League Match | KKR | 7 Wickets | Rinku Singh |
IPL 2023 – Thriller Season
KKR won with Rinku Singh finishing the match in the last over. The season was thrilling, with multiple close finishes.
IPL 2024 – Rise of Young Guns
Both teams relied on young talent:
- RR: Jaiswal scored 70+ runs.
- KKR: Narine and Russell provided explosive batting.
Iconic Matches in RR vs KKR Timeline
2009 Super Over
RR won the Super Over with Yusuf Pathan hitting two sixes. This match is remembered as one of the earliest IPL thrillers.
2018 Eliminator
KKR knocked RR out with a dominant bowling performance, winning by 25 runs.
2022 Chahal Hattrick Match
Yuzvendra Chahal took 5 wickets for 40 runs including a hat-trick, changing the game in RR’s favor.
2023 Rinku Singh Magic
Rinku Singh’s last-over heroics helped KKR snatch victory in a tense match.
Top Performers – RR vs KKR
Run Scorers
| Player | Team | Runs Scored |
| Jos Buttler | RR | 412 |
| Sanju Samson | RR | 355 |
| Shubman Gill | KKR | 290 |
| Rinku Singh | KKR | 245 |
Top Wicket Takers
| Bowler | Team | Wickets |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | 17 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | RR | 14 |
| Prasidh Krishna | RR | 10 |
| Andre Russell | KKR | 9 |
Best Individual Performances
- Y. Chahal (RR): 5/40 + hat-trick, 2022
- Sunil Narine (KKR): 75* off 26 balls, 2018
- Jos Buttler (RR): 103, 2022
- Shane Watson (RR): 3/19, 2008
Big Statistical Tables
Season-Wise Winners Table (2008–2024)
| Season | Winner |
| 2008 | RR |
| 2009 | RR |
| 2010 | KKR |
| 2011 | RR |
| 2012 | KKR |
| 2013 | RR |
| 2014 | KKR |
| 2015 | KKR |
| 2016 | – |
| 2017 | – |
| 2018 | KKR |
| 2019 | RR |
| 2020 | KKR |
| 2021 | 1 each |
| 2022 | 1 each |
| 2023 | KKR |
| 2024 | 1 each |
Highest Team Totals (RR vs KKR)
| Team | Score | Year |
| RR | 224 | 2022 |
| KKR | 223 | 2018 |
Lowest Team Totals (RR vs KKR)
| Team | Score | Year |
| RR | 81 | 2011 |
| KKR | 83 | 2008 |
Best Batting Strike Rates (Minimum 50 Runs)
| Player | Team | Strike Rate |
| Andre Russell | KKR | 220+ |
| Jos Buttler | RR | 180+ |
Best Bowling Economy (Minimum 3 Overs)
| Bowler | Team | Economy |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | 5.4 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | RR | 6.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How commonly have RR and KKR confronted each other?
They have played 29 matches till IPL 2024.
Which team has won more matches?
KKR leads slightly with 14 wins, while RR has 13 wins.
Who has scored the most runs in RR vs KKR matches?
Jos Buttler holds the record for most runs.
Which match is considered the most iconic?
The 2009 Super Over and 2022 Chahal hat-trick match are the most memorable.
Has RR ever defeated KKR in a knockout game?
No, KKR has dominated RR in knockout matches.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry is full of excitement, iconic moments, and unforgettable performances. Over nearly two decades, both teams have showcased aggressive cricket, emerging talents, and last-over thrillers. Fans can always expect high-quality, unpredictable contests whenever RR and KKR face off in the IPL.
David is the founder of techynoof.com, a site dedicated to puns and clever wordplay. He loves turning language into laughter and making words wonderfully witty.
