Few rivalries in the Indian Premier League capture our imagination like that between RCB and KKR, from Brendon McCullum’s record 158* score to their 443-run thriller of 2024 – this fixture has produced memorable scores and moments that define this rivalry.
Kohli proved why he is one of the premier batsmen in white-ball cricket against KKR with an innings that combined clever batting, dexterous fielding between wickets and an urgency whenever required.
Last 5 Matches Scorecard – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
| Date | Tournament | Scorecard | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 May 2026 | IPL | KKR 192/4 vs RCB 194/4 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 6 wickets |
| 22 Mar 2025 | IPL | KKR 174/8 vs RCB 177/3 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 7 wickets |
| 21 Apr 2024 | IPL | KKR 222/6 vs RCB 221 | Kolkata Knight Riders won by 1 run |
| 29 Mar 2024 | IPL | RCB 182/6 vs KKR 186/3 | Kolkata Knight Riders won by 7 wickets |
| 26 Apr 2023 | IPL | RCB 179/8 vs KKR 200/5 | Kolkata Knight Riders won by 21 runs |
Team Performance Review
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, KKR soon lost Quinton De Kock early. Sunil Narine joined Virat Kohli at the crease with clear intent of upping their game; together they formed a healthy partnership to carry KKR quickly towards their total.
Narine fell for 43 in the 15th over, dropping them back to 84-8 with eight wickets remaining and it looked as though KKR might not reach their target. But Eoin Morgan and Pat Cummins took charge, giving KKR some much-needed momentum; reaching the target with eight wickets still to spare and becoming joint toppers of the points table in the process.
Best Batting Performances of RCB Players vs KKR
The rivalry between RCB and KKR has long produced some unforgettable matches and incredible batting performances, and this match promises to be no different. At the 57th IPL edition, both teams will be striving to regain their winning ways while improving their playoff chances – so with everything on the line this match-up should prove one of the biggest of the year.
The game will take place at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur and features an erratic surface with some bounce and movement for seamers, but should enable RCB’s attacking batsmen to play their cards right.
The RCB openers have been in good form recently and it will be interesting to see how they respond against the bowlers of KKR. Yuzvendra Chahal has been impressive all season and should play an instrumental role in this matchup.
| Player | Score | Balls | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 102* | 55 | Eden Gardens | 2011 |
| Virat Kohli | 100 | 58 | Eden Gardens | 2019 |
| Virat Kohli | 105* | 60 | Raipur | 2026 |
| Chris Gayle | 96 | 56 | Eden Gardens | 2015 |
| AB de Villiers | 76* | 34 | Bengaluru | 2018 |
Chris Gayle holds the highest individual score by an RCB batter against KKR with an unbeaten 102. Virat Kohli is the most consistent performer in this rivalry and has crossed 1,000 runs against KKR, making him the leading run-scorer in RCB vs KKR history. Kohli also added another century in the recent 2026 meeting.
Key Insights
- Virat Kohli is RCB’s all-time highest run scorer against KKR with over 1,000 runs.
- Chris Gayle produced two of the biggest innings in this rivalry.
- RCB vs KKR has frequently produced high-scoring matches and century knocks.
Finn Allen made an impressive IPL debut for KKR this season and excelled during their powerplay period with both bat and ball. His first over yielded 14 runs thanks to an amazing shot by Pawan Negi to leg off an off length ball from Finn.
Kohli has been looking in imperious batting form this afternoon. Already reaching his fifty off 32 balls and with four fours already taken from just 33 deliveries. A brilliant straight drive off Tyagi will take him past 60 off 33 – an achievement unmatched by anyone on this tour!
Virat Kohli holds the highest average against KKR in IPL history and looks poised to add another big score against them this evening. Already, he’s hit three fours and one six in this innings; looking dangerous as ever, his performance will be key for RCB in its remarkable chase for victory.
Best Bowling Performances of RCB Players vs KKR
The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has produced some of the most riveting, nail-biting finishes in Indian Premier League history since 2008. From Match 1 played at Eden Gardens back in 2008 through to Match 57 played on May 13 at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium Raipur this May 13, it has proven time and time again that IPL is more than just a sport.
Head-to-head records between these teams have been extremely close with KKR holding an edge over RCB by just 15 wickets over 36 matches, but with Virat Kohli and Sunil Narine both standing out with their impressive strike rates and wicket taking skills for each side.
| Player | Bowling Figures | Overs | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varun Aaron | 4/16 | 4 | Bengaluru | 2015 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 4/25 | 4 | Kolkata | 2017 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 4/20 | 4 | Mumbai | 2022 |
| Harshal Patel | 3/11 | 4 | Abu Dhabi | 2021 |
| Anil Kumble | 3/16 | 4 | Johannesburg | 2009 |
These two teams have produced some unforgettable moments during this rivalry, such as Eden Gardens in 2024 when an epic 443-run thriller ensued and in 2017 when Nathan Coulter-Nile tore apart their batting order with 49 all outs rout. Andre Russell has also been instrumental in providing hosts RCB an extra edge through four wicket hauls from Andre. KKR are still hoping for playoff eligibility while the reigning champions look for their fourth win this season while looking ahead towards next season. Read on to discover some of RCB vs KKR performances throughout history!
Key Insights
- Yuzvendra Chahal has been one of RCB’s most successful bowlers against KKR due to his wicket-taking ability in middle overs.
- Wanindu Hasaranga delivered a match-winning spell with pace variations and spin control.
- Harshal Patel dominated with slower deliveries and death-over bowling.
- Anil Kumble consistently troubled KKR batters with accuracy and experience.
- RCB bowlers have often relied on spin and variation rather than pure pace in this rivalry.
Key Moments
Indian Premier League fans love watching RCB vs KKR clash. From Brendon McCullum’s incredible batting to recent nail-biters, this rivalry has produced star power, unforgettable moments, and dramatic finishes across 34 encounters between these teams; one team winning 17 wins while the other 16 as their battle has delighted audiences around the globe.
At first, RCB vs KKR played out evenly as both teams attempted to read the pitch and establish early momentum. Over time however, the contest gradually changed; one big hit or wicket would often alter its course within an over. Either side could gain control, only for their rival to fight back to keep things close.
As the match wore on, tactics and skill became ever more crucial as spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine choked RCB during middle overs. Tactical smarts emerged, with an emphasis on restricting runs. Andre Russell of KKR emerged late overs as a power-hitting sensation who won big chases to thrill fans. High scores and dramatic finishes reigned supreme from 2024-2026; three out of four matches went to KKR while only two went their way.
RCB vs KKR Next Match Prediction
Predicted Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Based on recent form, momentum, and team balance, RCB enter the next clash with a slight advantage over KKR. Multiple recent previews and prediction models have favored RCB due to their stronger batting depth and consistent performances this season.
Winning Probability
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 56%
- Kolkata Knight Riders: 44%
Why RCB Could Win
- RCB have shown stronger consistency and were near the top of the points table recently.
- Players such as Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have delivered key performances.
- Their bowling unit has handled pressure situations effectively.
Why KKR Can Still Win
- KKR have shown strong comeback form with a winning streak in recent matches.
- Sunil Narine and Rinku Singh can shift momentum quickly.
- KKR historically have a better overall head-to-head record against RCB.
Key Battles
- Virat Kohli vs Sunil Narine
- Rinku Singh vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Varun Chakravarthy vs RCB middle order
Prediction Summary
RCB appear to hold a narrow edge because of current momentum and squad balance, but KKR’s recent resurgence makes this closer than the head-to-head numbers suggest.
