Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have produced some of the most exciting and unpredictable contests in Indian Premier League history. Both teams have passionate fan bases, strong IPL traditions, and a history of producing memorable performances. Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural IPL title in 2008, while Kolkata Knight Riders have established themselves as one of the competition’s most successful franchises.Rajasthan vs Kolkata Head-to-Head in IPL
The RR vs KKR rivalry has featured high-scoring thrillers, dominant victories, close finishes, rain-affected matches, and outstanding individual performances. As of the 2026 IPL season, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have played 33 matches against each other. KKR have won 17 matches, Rajasthan Royals have won 14 matches, while 2 matches ended with no result. Therefore, Kolkata Knight Riders currently hold the advantage in the overall IPL head-to-head record.
Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Head-to-Head Record in IPL
| Statistic | Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata Knight Riders |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 33 | 33 |
| Matches Won | 14 | 17 |
| No Result | 2 | 2 |
| Overall Advantage | — | KKR |
KKR’s lead is relatively small, showing how competitive this rivalry has been over the years. Rajasthan Royals have regularly challenged Kolkata and have also recorded several impressive victories.Rajasthan vs Kolkata Head-to-Head in IPL
RR vs KKR: Latest IPL Match
The latest meeting between the two sides took place on April 19, 2026, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Rajasthan Royals batted first and scored 155/9 in 20 overs. Kolkata Knight Riders successfully chased the target, reaching 161/6 in 19.4 overs to win by four wickets.
Varun Chakaravarthy was named Player of the Match after taking 3 wickets for 14 runs. The result further strengthened KKR’s overall advantage in the head-to-head record.
Recent RR vs KKR Matches
The recent meetings between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have been particularly interesting:
- 2026: KKR won by 4 wickets.
- 2025: KKR won by 1 run.
- 2025: KKR won by 8 wickets.
- 2024: RR won by 2 wickets.
- 2023: RR won by 9 wickets.
- 2022: KKR won by 7 wickets.
- 2022: RR won by 7 runs.
- 2021: KKR won by 86 runs.
- 2021: RR won by 6 wickets.
- 2020: KKR won by 60 runs.
Across the last 10 completed head-to-head matches, KKR have won six and RR have won four. This shows Kolkata’s stronger recent record, although Rajasthan have also produced several dominant victories during this period.
Rajasthan Royals’ Performance Against Kolkata Knight Riders
Rajasthan Royals have been one of the most unpredictable teams in IPL history. Their matches against KKR have often depended on explosive batting, effective spin bowling, and their ability to perform under pressure.
One of RR’s most memorable victories over Kolkata came in 2024. Chasing a huge target of 224, Rajasthan reached 224/8 and won by two wickets in a dramatic finish. That match demonstrated Rajasthan’s ability to chase even the biggest totals.
Another dominant performance came in 2023, when RR defeated KKR by nine wickets. Rajasthan chased the target of 150 with remarkable ease, finishing on 151/1. Such victories highlight why RR remain a dangerous opponent despite trailing in the overall head-to-head record.
Rajasthan have also won important close encounters, including the 2022 contest in which they defeated KKR by seven runs. Their ability to compete in tight matches has made this rivalry highly entertaining for IPL fans.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Dominance in the Rivalry
Kolkata Knight Riders have won more matches than Rajasthan Royals and currently lead the overall head-to-head battle. KKR’s success has come through a combination of powerful batting, quality spin bowling, and strong performances at Eden Gardens.
One of Kolkata’s biggest wins against Rajasthan came in 2021, when KKR defeated RR by 86 runs. Rajasthan were bowled out for just 85 while chasing 172. This remains one of the most dominant results in the history of this IPL rivalry.
KKR have also won several matches comfortably while chasing. In 2025, they defeated Rajasthan by eight wickets, successfully reaching 153/2 after RR scored 151/9. In the same season, KKR won another thrilling contest by just one run, defending 206 against Rajasthan’s 205/8.
The 2026 victory by four wickets continued Kolkata’s recent success. Their six wins from the last 10 completed meetings show that KKR have enjoyed the better momentum in recent years.
Most Memorable RR vs KKR IPL Matches
1. KKR vs RR, 2024 – Rajasthan’s Historic Chase
The 2024 match was one of the greatest contests between these teams. KKR posted 223/6, but Rajasthan Royals successfully reached 224/8 to win by two wickets. The match proved that no target is completely safe in T20 cricket.
2. KKR vs RR, 2025 – One-Run Thriller
In 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders scored 206/4, while Rajasthan Royals finished on 205/8. KKR won by just one run, making it one of the closest matches in their rivalry.
3. KKR vs RR, 2021 – KKR’s 86-Run Win
Kolkata produced a completely dominant performance by scoring 171/4 and then dismissing Rajasthan for 85. KKR won by 86 runs, one of their biggest victories over RR.
4. RR vs KKR, 2023 – Rajasthan’s Nine-Wicket Victory
Rajasthan Royals were equally dominant in 2023. After restricting KKR to 149/8, RR chased the target and finished on 151/1, winning by nine wickets.
5. KKR vs RR, 2026 – Kolkata Continue Their Lead
In their latest meeting, KKR defeated RR by four wickets after restricting Rajasthan to 155/9. Kolkata reached 161/6 with two balls remaining, and Varun Chakaravarthy’s 3/14 played a major role in the victory.
Key Factors in the RR vs KKR Rivalry
Strong Batting Battles
Both teams have traditionally possessed powerful batting line-ups. Their matches have included totals above 200, successful big chases, and close finishes. The 2024 match, in which Rajasthan successfully chased 224, remains the best example.
Importance of Spin Bowling
Spin has often played a crucial role in this rivalry. Both franchises have regularly relied on quality spinners to control the middle overs and take important wickets. The latest meeting in 2026 was another example, with Varun Chakaravarthy taking 3/14 for KKR.
Close Matches and Pressure Situations
The one-run KKR victory in 2025 and RR’s successful 224 chase in 2024 show that this rivalry can change dramatically until the final ball. Small moments, dropped catches, final-over execution, and individual brilliance have frequently decided the winner.
Overall Comparison
Although Kolkata Knight Riders lead the overall record with 17 wins compared with Rajasthan Royals’ 14, the rivalry remains closely contested. The two no-result matches mean that neither team won every scheduled contest, while RR have repeatedly shown they can defeat KKR in spectacular fashion.
KKR have the stronger recent record, winning six of the last 10 completed meetings. Their victories in both RR vs KKR matches in 2025, followed by another win in 2026, have given them momentum in this rivalry. Rajasthan, however, remain capable of producing exceptional performances, especially when their batting unit clicks.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders head-to-head record in IPL tells the story of a highly competitive rivalry. After 33 matches, KKR lead with 17 victories, while Rajasthan Royals have won 14, with two matches producing no result.
Kolkata Knight Riders currently hold the overall advantage and have also performed better in recent meetings. However, Rajasthan Royals have produced some unforgettable victories, including their remarkable 224-run chase in 2024 and a dominant nine-wicket win in 2023.
With both teams continuing to develop strong squads and talented players, future RR vs KKR matches promise more exciting contests. Whether it is a huge total, a dramatic chase, a spin-bowling masterclass, or a last-over thriller, this IPL rivalry has consistently given cricket fans plenty to remember.
5 FAQs: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Head-to-Head in IPL
1. Who has won more matches between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL?
Kolkata Knight Riders have won more matches. As of the latest 2026 meeting, KKR have won 17 matches, while Rajasthan Royals have won 14.
2. How many times have RR and KKR played against each other in IPL?
Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have played 33 matches against each other in the IPL.
3. How many RR vs KKR matches ended with no result?
Two matches between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders ended with no result.
4. Who won the latest RR vs KKR IPL match?
Kolkata Knight Riders won the latest match on April 19, 2026, defeating Rajasthan Royals by four wickets at Eden Gardens. KKR scored 161/6 in reply to RR’s 155/9.
5. What was one of the most memorable RR vs KKR matches?
The 2024 match is considered one of the most memorable because Rajasthan Royals successfully chased 224 against Kolkata Knight Riders, winning by two wickets after KKR scored 223/6.