Historically, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have shared an evenly contested rivalry. In 28 encounters, both teams have won 14 matches each, making this one of the most balanced matchups in IPL history.
Here’s a detailed table highlighting all the key statistics:
This table highlights how both teams have enjoyed periods of dominance. While KKR have been more successful while chasing, RR have excelled while defending totals.
Here’s a breakdown of RR vs KKR match-winning percentage based on their head-to-head record in the IPL:
Both teams are locked at a 50% win rate, showcasing how evenly matched their rivalry has been.
Interestingly, KKR have the upper hand when chasing, winning 10 out of their 14 games in such scenarios. On the other hand, RR have dominated while defending totals, securing 9 wins while batting first.
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is considered a fortress for Rajasthan Royals, but KKR have managed to sneak in a couple of wins. Out of the 6 matches played here, RR have won 4, while KKR have won 2.
KKR enjoy a strong home advantage at Eden Gardens. Out of 10 matches, they have won 6, while RR have claimed victory in 4.
When facing each other at neutral venues, both teams are once again evenly matched, with 6 wins each in 12 encounters.
Check it Out: RR vs KKR IPL 2025 Match Prediction
In the recent encounters between the two sides, RR have had the upper hand, winning 3 out of the last 5 matches, including back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024.
Over the years, RR vs KKR encounters have produced some unforgettable moments, including:
2009 - The First Ever Super Over: Back in 2009, the first ever Super Over in IPL history was played between KKR and RR where RR emerged victorious after Kamran Khan bowled a splendid over.
2014 – KKR’s Record Chase: In a thrilling encounter, KKR chased down 160 in just 15 overs, powered by Sunil Narine's brutal 56 off 25 balls.
2022 – Buttler’s Century: Jos Buttler's unbeaten 103 helped RR defend a total of 217 in a high-scoring clash at Brabourne.
2024 – Buttler’s Masterclass: Jos Buttler's scintillating 107 off 60 balls* guided RR to a memorable 2-wicket win at Eden Gardens chasing down the mammoth total of 224 runs.
Sanju Samson (RR) – 400 runs
The Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson is the batter with the most runs in RR vs KKR fixture with 400 runs. Samson has five fifties to his name in the fixture at a strike rate of 121.58.
Sunil Narine (KKR) – 14 wickets
It comes as no surprise that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stalwart Sunil Narine is the bowler with the most wickets in the fixture. Narine has 14 wickets to his name.
Rajasthan Royals
Heading into the IPL 2025 season, there are some concerns over Rajasthan Royals and the squad they managed to build in the mega auction last year. Post the 2022 Mega Auction, Rajasthan Royals had managed to stitch together an extremely strong lineup which led them to the finals.
However, in 2025 RR will be entering after losing their key players in Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin has significantly weakened their squad. RR have brought back the likes of Jofra Archer and Maheesh Theekshana to bolster their bowling lineup but it remains to be seen how the team fares without their star players.
Captain Sanju Samson along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmeyer will have to grow into their roles as leaders of the team if Rajasthan Royals want to make a deep run in the playoffs of IPL 2025.
Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer (Rs. 12.50 crore), Maheesh Theekshana (Rs. 4.4 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs. 5.25 crore), Akash Madhwal (Rs. 1.20 crore), Kumar Kartikeya (Rs. 30 lakh), Nitish Rana (Rs. 4.20 crore), Tushar Deshpande (Rs. 6.50 crore), Shubham Dubey (Rs. 80 lakh), Yudhvir Singh (Rs. 35 lakh), Fazalhaq Farooqi (Rs. 2 crore), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rs. 1.10 crore), Kwena Maphaka (Rs. 1.50 crore), Kunal Rathore (Rs. 30 lakh), Ashok Sharma (Rs. 30 lakh).
Kolkata Knight Riders will enter IPL 2025 with a target on their back as the defending champions. While KKR were able to maintain most of their core a big question mark surrounding them is captaincy.
They will be without their IPL winning captain Shreyas Iyer who parted ways in the mega auction. Ajinkya Rahane is replacing Iyer as the captain however given his form in T20s, doubts loom large over Rahane. Additionally, there's a lack of opening depth after losing out on opener Phil Salt.
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia, Anukul Roy, Moeen Ali, Umran Malik.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, fans can expect more thrilling encounters between these two franchises. With new signings, tactical adjustments, and the hunger for supremacy, RR and KKR will once again aim to outclass each other. Given the history of high-scoring games, tight chases, and exceptional individual displays, their future matchups promise to be action-packed spectacles filled with drama, excitement, and potentially new records.
No matter the outcome, when Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders face off, cricket enthusiasts are guaranteed edge-of-the-seat entertainment. With the likes of Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sunil Narine and Andre Russel in their ranks, fans can look forward to seeing some of the finest T20 cricketing talent light up the IPL stage.
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