KKR vs RCB IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have a rich history in the IPL, featuring amazing encounters and power-packed performances. While KKR has won two IPL titles, RCB continues to chase their elusive first championship. With both teams boasting explosive batters and lethal bowlers, their IPL 2025 matchup promises fireworks.
Who has the edge this season? Let’s break down their squads and past performances.
Overall Record in IPL History
| Matches Played | KKR Wins | RCB Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 18 | 14 |
KKR holds the upper hand historically, but RCB has been closing the gap in recent seasons.
Last 5 Meetings
| Date | Match | Venue |
| Apr 21, 2024 | KKR 6/222 (20) vs RCB 221 (20) | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Mar 29, 2024 | RCB 6/182 (20) vs KKR 3/186 (16.5) | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Apr 26, 2023 | RCB 8/179 (20) vs KKR 5/200 (20) | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Apr 6, 2023 | KKR 7/204 (20) vs RCB 123 (17.4) | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Mar 30, 2022 | RCB 7/132 (19.2) vs KKR 128 (18.5) | DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai |
KKR has had the upper hand in recent meetings, with dominant wins and high-scoring encounters.
KKR IPL Record
| Year | Matches | Wins | Losses | Final Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 6th of 8 |
| 2009 | 14 | 3 | 10 | 8th of 8 |
| 2010 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 6th of 8 |
| 2011 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 4th of 10 |
| 2012 | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1st of 9 (Winners) |
| 2013 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 7th of 9 |
| 2014 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 1st of 8 (Winners) |
| 2015 | 14 | 7 | 6 | 5th of 8 |
| 2016 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 4th of 8 |
| 2017 | 16 | 9 | 7 | 3rd of 8 |
| 2018 | 16 | 9 | 7 | 3rd of 8 |
| 2019 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 5th of 8 |
| 2020 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 5th of 8 |
| 2021 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 2nd of 8 (Runners-up) |
| 2022 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 7th of 10 |
| 2023 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 7th of 10 |
| 2024 | 16 | 11 | 3 | 1st of 10 (Winners) |
RCB IPL Record
| Year | Matches | Wins | Losses | Final Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 7th of 8 |
| 2009 | 16 | 9 | 7 | 2nd of 8 (Runners-up) |
| 2010 | 16 | 8 | 8 | 4th of 8 (Playoffs) |
| 2011 | 17 | 10 | 6 | 2nd of 10 (Runners-up) |
| 2012 | 16 | 8 | 7 | 5th of 9 |
| 2013 | 16 | 9 | 7 | 5th of 9 |
| 2014 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 7th of 8 |
| 2015 | 16 | 8 | 6 | 3rd of 8 (Playoffs) |
| 2016 | 16 | 9 | 7 | 2nd of 8 (Runners-up) |
| 2017 | 14 | 3 | 10 | 8th of 8 |
| 2018 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 6th of 8 |
| 2019 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 8th of 8 |
| 2020 | 15 | 7 | 8 | 4th of 8 (Playoffs) |
| 2021 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 3rd of 8 (Playoffs) |
| 2022 | 16 | 9 | 7 | 4th of 10 (Playoffs) |
| 2023 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 6th of 10 |
| 2024 | 15 | 7 | 8 | 4th of 10 (Playoffs) |
1.) Batting Comparison
Openers
KKR’s opening pair of Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine offers a mix of experience and firepower. De Kock is a proven match-winner, while Narine can provide explosive starts.
RCB counters with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. Kohli remains one of the best batters in IPL history, and Salt can go ballistic at the start
Comparison Verdict:
- KKR has a more aggressive and unpredictable opening duo.
- RCB has a technically solid and reliable pair.
Middle Order
KKR’s middle order features the experienced Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey and lower order features the likes of Andre Russell, Rinku Singh—two of the best power-hitters in the T20 format. Rahane and Pandey are experienced veterans who can guide the innings in case of early top order collapse.
RCB’s middle order includes Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal Liam Livingstone, and Krunal Pandya. Livingstone is a game-changer, while Patidar and Padikkal offers stability and composure. Pandya can be vital as a lower order batsmen
Comparison Verdict:
- KKR’s middle order is more explosive and aggressive.
- RCB has a more balanced approach but lacks a dominant finisher like Russell.
Big Hitters & Finishers
KKR has Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Rovman Powell as finishers, all capable of clearing boundaries at will.
RCB relies on Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Jitesh Sharma. While Tim David is a proven finisher, RCB lacks multiple finishing options.
Comparison Verdict:
- KKR has the most destructive finishers in the league.
- RCB has finishing potential but lacks depth beyond Tim David.
2.) All-Rounders Comparison
KKR’s all-rounders include Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Moeen Ali. Russell is a match-winner, Narine brings spin and pinch-hitting ability, and Moeen adds balance.
RCB has Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, and Romario Shepherd. Livingstone is a powerful all-rounder, while Pandya offers spin and batting depth.
Comparison Verdict:
- KKR’s all-rounders are more experienced and game-changing.
- RCB has potential but lacks a proven IPL game-changer like Russell.
3.) Bowling Comparison
Pace Attack
KKR’s pace attack features Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Spencer Johnson, and Harshit Rana. Nortje is one of the fastest bowlers in the world.
RCB has Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Hazlewood and Ngidi offer experience and wicket-taking ability.
Comparison Verdict:
- RCB has more variety and experience in pace.
- KKR relies heavily on Nortje for fast-bowling firepower.
Spin Attack
KKR boasts Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Mayank Markande. Narine and Chakravarthy form one of the most lethal spin duos in the IPL.
RCB counters with Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, and Swapnil Singh. While Krunal is experienced, RCB’s spin attack lacks a match-winner like Narine.
Comparison Verdict:
- KKR has a superior spin attack with Narine and Chakravarthy.
- RCB lacks a world-class T20 spinner.
Probable Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Quinton de Kock, Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Andre Russel, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Chetan Sakariya.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
- Batting: KKR has a stronger power-hitting lineup, while RCB relies on stability.
- Bowling: RCB edges out with a more experienced pace attack, but KKR dominates in spin.
- All-Rounders: KKR has more impactful all-rounders, giving them an advantage.
Both teams have their strengths, and the final result may depend on pitch conditions and execution under pressure.
Who Will Win Between the Two Teams?
- If the pitch is batting-friendly, KKR’s explosive lineup could dominate.
- If the match favors bowlers, RCB’s experienced pace attack might be the deciding factor.
This is a highly competitive matchup, and the winner will be decided by key moments. Who do you think will come out on top in IPL 2025? Share your thoughts!
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