The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline charts one of the most compelling and closely contested rivalries in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Since their first match in 2008, these two teams have delivered thrilling contests that often go down to the last over, showcasing explosive batting, strategic bowling, and exceptional fielding. Over the years, the rivalry has developed into one of the fan favourites, with countless memorable performances that define the spirit of the IPL.
This timeline not only highlights the historical battles between KKR and RR but also provides a peek into IPL 2026, with confirmed retentions and trades shaping the squads for the upcoming season.
KKR vs RR IPL 2026 Schedule
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline continues into IPL 2026, promising another season of thrilling encounters. While the official match-by-match schedule has not yet been released, both teams are expected to meet twice during the league stage — once at KKR’s home ground, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and once at RR’s home venue, Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
The 2026 IPL season is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31, 2026, featuring a double round-robin format followed by playoffs. These KKR vs RR clashes are likely to be key matches in the points table race, drawing large crowds and global viewership due to the rivalry’s history of close finishes and thrilling performances.
| Match | Date (Tentative) | Venue |
| KKR vs RR – Match 1 | Late March / Early April 2026 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| KKR vs RR – Match 2 | Mid / Late May 2026 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur |
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline: Head-to-Head Record
As of the end of IPL 2025, the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline includes 32 matches between the two teams:
| Statistic | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) |
| Matches Played | 32 | 32 |
| Wins | 16 | 14 |
| No Result / Abandoned | 2 | 2 |
| Highest Team Score vs Opponent | 223/6 | 224/8 |
| Top Individual Score | Sunil Narine 109 | Jos Buttler 107* |
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) 2026 Squad
| Player | Role |
| Ajinkya Rahane | Top/Middle-order Batter |
| Rinku Singh | Middle/Late-order Batter |
| Sunil Narine | All-rounder |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Spinner |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder |
| Quinton de Kock | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Tim Seifert | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler |
| Umran Malik | Fast Bowler |
| Harshit Rana | Fast Bowler |
| Vaibhav Arora | Fast Bowler |
| Anukul Roy | All-rounder (Spin + Batting) |
| Rachin Ravindra | Rachin Ravindra |
| Prashant Solanki | Spinner |
| Sarthak Ranjan | All-rounder |
| Daksh Kamra | All-rounder (Spin) |
| Rovman Powell | Batter / Part-time Bowler |
| Tejasvi Singh | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Kartik Tyagi | Fast Bowler |
| Akash Deep | Fast Bowler |
Rajasthan Royals (RR) 2026 Squad
| Player | Role |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener / Top-order Batter |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Middle-order Batter |
| Riyan Parag | Batter / All-rounder |
| Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| Sam Curran | All-rounder |
| Jofra Archer | Fast Bowler |
| Sandeep Sharma | Fast Bowler |
| Tushar Deshpande | Fast Bowler |
| Kwena Maphaka | Fast Bowler |
| Nandre Burger | Fast Bowler |
| Adam Milne | Fast Bowler |
| Kuldeep Sen | Fast Bowler |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Spinner |
| Donovan Ferreira | All-rounder |
| Ravi Singh | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Yudhvir Singh Charak | Fast Bowler / All-rounder |
| Lhuandre Pretorius | Fast Bowler |
| Vignesh Puthur | Fast Bowler |
| Aman Rao Perala | Batter |
Overall Encounters Between KKR and RR
2008 – The Rivalry Begins
The first-ever match between KKR and RR took place in 2008 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Rajasthan Royals secured a victory, setting the tone for a competitive rivalry that would continue for decades.
April 16, 2024 – RR’s Epic Chase
One of the most memorable matches in recent years occurred at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, when RR chased down 224 runs set by KKR. Sunil Narine scored a blistering 109 for KKR, while Jos Buttler responded with an extraordinary 107*, guiding RR to a 2-wicket victory on the final ball. This game is widely regarded as one of the highest successful chases in IPL history.
May 19, 2024 – Match Abandoned
The second scheduled encounter in Guwahati was abandoned due to persistent rain, resulting in no play. This left fans disappointed but underscored the unpredictable nature of the IPL.
March 26, 2025 – KKR Clinches a Comfortable Win
KKR defeated RR by 8 wickets in Guwahati, chasing 152/9 with ease. Quinton de Kock starred with an unbeaten 97,* proving instrumental in guiding KKR to victory with overs to spare.
May 4, 2025 – A Nail-Biter
At Eden Gardens, KKR edged RR by just one run, producing a match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Every run and wicket mattered, further cementing the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline as one of the most exciting rivalries in IPL history.
Players to Watch in IPL 2026
The 2026 season promises several players who could define matches in the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline. For KKR, Rinku Singh is expected to continue delivering under pressure, while Sunil Narine’s spin and pinch-hitting remain vital in high-stakes games. Ajinkya Rahane and Varun Chakravarthy offer stability in batting and breakthroughs in bowling respectively.
For RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to lead the charge at the top, with Riyan Parag capable of explosive finishing. The inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran provides depth in all departments, making RR a versatile side capable of countering KKR’s strategies.
Conclusion
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline is more than just a record of games it represents thrills, memorable performances, and intense cricketing battles spanning nearly two decades. From RR’s initial victories in 2008 to high-pressure encounters in 2024 and 2025, every match has reinforced the rivalry’s significance.
As IPL 2026 approaches, confirmed trades and retained stars ensure that the saga will continue with fresh narratives and exciting performances. Fans can expect strategic battles, last-over thrillers, and record-breaking innings, keeping this rivalry among the most captivating in IPL history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many times have KKR and RR faced each other in the IPL?
As of the end of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have played 32 matches against each other. KKR has won 16 matches, RR has won 14, and 2 matches ended with no result or were abandoned.
Q2. Who holds the highest individual score in KKR vs RR matches?
The highest individual scores in this rivalry are Sunil Narine’s 109 for KKR and Jos Buttler’s 107 for RR*, both of which were match-defining innings that thrilled fans.
Q3. When did the first KKR vs RR match take place?
The rivalry began in 2008 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, where Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural match, setting the tone for a closely contested rivalry over the years.
Q4. How many matches between KKR and RR have ended in rain or no result?
There have been 2 matches between KKR and RR that were either abandoned or ended with no result, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the IPL.
Q5. Which players are expected to make an impact in IPL 2026 for KKR vs RR?
For KKR, players like Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane, and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to shine. For RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran are the key players to watch in the upcoming season.
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