IPL Match 2025 Today: KKR vs RCB Head-to-Head Records, Stats, When and Where to Watch Live Streaming

The Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru share one of the oldest rivalries in the Indian Premier League. Their story began with the very first IPL match ever played in 2008, and it has produced some of the most memorable nights in tournament history, from Brendon McCullum’s record-breaking 158 not out to RCB‘s shocking collapse for 49 at Eden Gardens.

In the IPL 2025 season, the two sides met under very different circumstances. Kolkata arrived as the defending champions after their title triumph in 2024, while Bengaluru were chasing the one prize that had always eluded them. Their first meeting of the season opened the tournament at Eden Gardens, and it ended with RCB making a statement. The return fixture was lost to the weather, but the rivalry delivered talking points all season long.

This guide covers the complete KKR vs RCB head-to-head record, the key stats from the fixture, what happened in the IPL 2025 meetings, the players who shaped those games, and where fans could watch the action live.

KKR vs RCB Head-to-Head Record

Kolkata Knight Riders hold the upper hand in this rivalry. Through the end of the IPL 2025 season, the two teams had met 36 times, with KKR winning 20 matches and RCB winning 15, while one fixture ended without a result.

The head-to-head has swung in phases. KKR dominated the middle years of the 2010s, a period when they won three IPL titles (2012, 2014 and 2024). RCB, meanwhile, enjoyed strong runs around the late 2010s and finally broke their title drought in 2025. The 2024 season underlined how close the contest has become: KKR won a thriller at Eden Gardens by just one run, chasing down 222, while their earlier meeting in Bengaluru also went Kolkata’s way.

KKR vs RCB in IPL 2025

The 2025 season added two new chapters to the rivalry.

The first came on 22 March 2025, when the two teams opened the entire tournament at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. KKR, the defending champions under new captain Ajinkya Rahane, posted 174 for 8 in their 20 overs. RCB’s chase was calm and professional. Anchored by their senior batters, Bengaluru reached 177 for 3 and won by 7 wickets, announcing their title intent on the very first night of the season. It was a composed performance that set the tone for a campaign in which RCB would go all the way.

The return fixture, scheduled for May 2025 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, was abandoned without a ball being bowled after rain washed out the evening. The points were shared, and the two teams did not meet again that season.

The context made the season even more interesting. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, went on to win their maiden IPL title in 2025, beating Punjab Kings in the final. KKR, the champions of 2024, endured a tougher defence of their crown. The rivalry therefore carried a neat symmetry: the former champions against the eventual champions.

Key Players to Watch

Every KKR vs RCB meeting has been shaped by a handful of standout performers, and the 2025 season was no different.

For RCB, Virat Kohli remains the heartbeat of this fixture. He is the leading run-scorer in KKR vs RCB matches with over 1,000 runs, and his calm fifty in the 2025 season opener steadied the chase at Eden Gardens. Phil Salt’s aggressive starts at the top gave RCB the tempo they needed, while Rajat Patidar’s captaincy brought a settled feel to the side’s biggest moments.

For KKR, Sunil Narine is the defining bowler of the rivalry with 27 wickets against RCB, the most by any bowler in the fixture. His ability to strangle the middle overs has repeatedly undone Bengaluru’s batting. Ajinkya Rahane brought experience to the top order in 2025, and the young Indian core of the squad carried the champion team’s hopes in their title defence.

Pitch and Venue Report

The two home grounds could hardly be more different in character.

Eden Gardens in Kolkata is one of cricket’s great theatres. The pitch generally offers something for everyone: early assistance for the seamers under lights, true bounce for stroke-makers, and turn for the spinners as the game wears on. Dew often plays a part in night games, which is why captains frequently prefer to chase here. KKR’s record at home against RCB is strong, built on years of spin dominance.

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is famous for its small boundaries and flat surface, which routinely produce high-scoring thrillers. The 2024 meeting here saw KKR edge home by 7 wickets in a run-fest, and the venue’s short square boundaries keep every bowler honest. Chasing is usually the preferred option because of the dew and the ease of scoring in the second innings.

When and Where to Watch Live Streaming

For the IPL 2025 season, KKR vs RCB matches were broadcast live in India on the Star Sports Network on television, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Evening matches began at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss taking place 30 minutes earlier.

Fans outside India had several options. In Pakistan, matches were streamed on Tapmad. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports carried the live coverage. Viewers in the United States and Canada could watch on Willow TV, while fans in the Middle East and North Africa could follow the games on StarzPlay. The JioHotstar platform also offered multi-language commentary feeds, including English, Hindi and several regional languages.

KKR vs RCB Head-to-Head Records, Stats and Live Streaming

Few IPL rivalries carry the history of KKR vs RCB. It began with the tournament’s first-ever ball in 2008, when McCullum’s unbeaten 158 powered KKR to a 140-run win that announced the IPL to the world. It has since delivered the lowest completed innings in IPL history, RCB’s 49 all out at Eden Gardens in 2017, and a string of last-over finishes.

The 2025 season added its own layer. Kolkata walked in as champions; Bengaluru walked out as champions. Between those two facts sits a rivalry that keeps renewing itself, and with both squads built around explosive batting and quality spin, the next meeting is unlikely to be quiet.

### How many times have KKR and RCB faced each other in the IPL?

Through the end of IPL 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have met 36 times. KKR have won 20 matches, RCB have won 15, and one fixture ended without a result.

Who won the KKR vs RCB match in IPL 2025?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the first meeting by 7 wickets at Eden Gardens on 22 March 2025, chasing down KKR’s 174 for 8. The return fixture in Bengaluru in May 2025 was abandoned due to rain.

What is the lowest total in KKR vs RCB matches?

RCB were bowled out for 49 at Eden Gardens in 2017, which was the lowest completed innings in IPL history at the time. KKR successfully defended a modest total of 131 that night.

Where could fans watch KKR vs RCB live in IPL 2025?

In India, matches were telecast on the Star Sports Network and streamed live on JioHotstar. Viewers abroad could watch on Sky Sports in the UK, Willow TV in the USA and Canada, and Tapmad in Pakistan.

Who has scored the most runs in KKR vs RCB matches?

Virat Kohli is the leading run-scorer in this fixture with more than 1,000 runs for RCB against KKR. Sunil Narine holds the bowling record with 27 wickets for KKR against RCB.

What time did KKR vs RCB evening matches start?

Evening matches in IPL 2025 began at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss held at 7:00 PM IST. Afternoon double-header games started at 3:30 PM IST.