KKR vs RCB Head to Head: A Rivalry for the Ages

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are two of the most popular teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, these two teams have had some memorable clashes, with both sides boasting some of the biggest names in world cricket. In this blog, we take a look at KKR vs RCB Head to Head and what it means for the fans of both teams.

KKR vs RCB Head to Head

KKR and RCB have faced each other 31 times in the IPL, with KKR winning 17 matches and RCB winning 14. This makes for a closely contested rivalry between the two sides, with both teams always looking to get one over the other.

Early Days

In the early years of the IPL, KKR dominated the head to head record against RCB. In fact, in the first six matches between the two teams, KKR won all six. This included a memorable victory in the inaugural IPL season, where Brendon McCullum’s blistering 158 not out helped KKR register a thumping victory over RCB.

The Middle Period

The middle period of the rivalry between KKR and RCB saw a more even distribution of wins between the two teams. Both sides managed to win some close matches, with KKR’s spin duo of Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav often proving to be a thorn in RCB’s side.

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The Virat Kohli Era

The arrival of Virat Kohli as the captain of RCB in 2013 saw a shift in the fortunes of the team. Kohli’s aggressive captaincy and batting performances helped RCB become a force to be reckoned with in the IPL. However, KKR continued to hold their own against RCB, with the likes of Gautam Gambhir and Andre Russell playing key roles in some memorable victories over their rivals.

The AB de Villiers Factor

One of the main reasons for RCB’s resurgence in the IPL has been the form of AB de Villiers. The South African batsman has been a thorn in the side of KKR, often playing match-winning innings against them. De Villiers’ ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground makes him a dangerous opponent for any team, and KKR have struggled to contain him on numerous occasions.

The Recent Past

The recent past has seen a shift in momentum towards RCB, with the team winning five out of the last six matches between the two sides. This includes a memorable victory in IPL 2021, where Glenn Maxwell’s scintillating century helped RCB chase down a mammoth total of 205 against KKR.

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The head to head record between KKR and RCB is a testament to the closely contested rivalry between the two sides. Both teams have had their fair share of victories over the years, with the momentum often shifting from one side to the other. The rivalry between KKR and RCB is one of the most popular in the IPL, and it is sure to produce many more memorable clashes in the years to come. For the fans of both teams, this rivalry represents the very best of what the IPL has to offer – high-quality cricket, intense competition, and a true love for the game.