Introduction
When two IPL powerhouses collide, fireworks are guaranteed. The kolkata knight riders vs lucknow super giants timeline tells the story of one of cricket’s most thrilling modern rivalries. Since Lucknow Super Giants entered the IPL in 2022, their clashes with Kolkata Knight Riders have delivered edge-of-the-seat finishes, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments
. This article covers every match, every milestone, and every turning point in this exciting head-to-head battle. Whether you’re a KKR loyalist or an LSG supporter, understanding the kolkata knight riders vs lucknow super giants timeline helps you appreciate how this rivalry has evolved. From narrow one-run thrillers to dominant 98-run victories, we break down the stats, the stars, and the stories that define this fixture through 2026.
Rivalry Overview & Background
The rivalry between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants began in 2022, when LSG joined the IPL as one of two new franchises. While KKR brought legacy and two championship titles (2012, 2014), LSG arrived with fresh energy and ambitious ownership under the RPSG Group. What started as a newcomer-versus-veteran matchup quickly transformed into a fiercely competitive contest. Both teams boast star-studded lineups: KKR with icons like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh; LSG with power-hitters Nicholas Pooran, Quinton de Kock, and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. The significance of this rivalry extends beyond the scoreboard—it represents the evolving dynamics of the IPL, where new teams can challenge established giants
. Understanding the kolkata knight riders vs lucknow super giants timeline reveals how tactical battles, venue conditions, and clutch performances have shaped outcomes. With matches played at iconic venues like Eden Gardens and the Ekana Stadium, this fixture has become a must-watch for cricket fans worldwide.
The Foundation Years (2022–2023)
The inaugural chapter of this rivalry unfolded during the 2022 IPL season, played across neutral venues in Maharashtra due to logistical arrangements. On May 7, 2022, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, LSG announced their arrival with a commanding 75-run victory over KKR. Quinton de Kock smashed a blistering 140*, setting a new benchmark for LSG batting. Just 11 days later, on May 18, 2022, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the teams met again.
This time, LSG defended a modest total, winning by a nail-biting 2 runs—a sign of things to come. The 2023 season delivered the closest finish yet. On May 20, 2023, at Eden Gardens, LSG chased down KKR’s total with just one ball to spare, winning by 1 run. Marcus Stoinis played a crucial cameo, while KKR’s Rinku Singh fought valiantly in a losing cause. These early encounters established a pattern: LSG excelled in pressure situations, while KKR struggled to close out tight games. The psychological edge leaned toward Lucknow, but Kolkata’s fanbase remained hopeful for a turnaround.
Momentum Shifts & Tactical Evolution (2024)
The 2024 IPL season marked a pivotal turning point in the kolkata knight riders vs lucknow super giants timeline. KKR, under new leadership and with refined strategies, dominated both encounters. On April 14, 2024, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata chased down LSG’s 161/7 with ease, winning by 8 wickets. Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer anchored the chase with a 100-run partnership, showcasing KKR’s improved batting depth. The second meeting, on May 5, 2024, at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, became legendary.
KKR posted a massive 235/6, powered by Sunil Narine’s explosive 81 off 39 balls. LSG, in reply, collapsed to 137 all out, handing KKR a historic 98-run victory—the largest margin in this rivalry. This win signaled KKR’s resurgence and proved they could dominate LSG when firing on all cylinders. The 2024 season also saw tactical innovations: KKR’s aggressive powerplay batting and LSG’s reliance on middle-order firepower became defining themes. Fans witnessed how small adjustments in team composition and field placements could swing momentum dramatically.
High-Scoring Thrillers & Record Breakers (2025)
The 2025 IPL season elevated the rivalry to new heights with unprecedented scoring. On April 8, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the teams produced one of the highest-scoring T20 matches in IPL history. LSG posted a mammoth 238/3, with Mitchell Marsh (89*) and Nicholas Pooran (75*) launching a brutal assault. KKR, in reply, fought valiantly with Rinku Singh (38 off 15) and Andre Russell (45 off 22), finishing at 234/7—still falling short by 4 runs
. This match highlighted the batting firepower both teams possessed and the fine margins separating victory from defeat. The venue, Eden Gardens, witnessed record crowd engagement, with fans treated to 472 runs and 32 sixes between the two sides. Statistical analysis revealed that powerplay scoring rates exceeded 12 runs per over, while death-overs bowling became the decisive factor. This encounter reinforced why the kolkata knight riders vs lucknow super giants timeline remains essential viewing: every match delivers drama, records, and unforgettable cricket.
2025–2026 Update: The Latest Chapter in the Rivalry
The most recent updates to the kolkata knight riders vs lucknow super giants timeline come from the 2026 IPL season, featuring two intensely contested matches. On April 9, 2026, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, LSG chased down KKR’s 181/4 with three wickets in hand, winning by 3 wickets. Mukul Choudhary starred for LSG with a quickfire 54, while KKR’s bowlers struggled in the death overs. Just 17 days later, on April 26, 2026, at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, the teams produced an instant classic.
Both sides posted 155 runs in their 20 overs—KKR at 155/7 and LSG at 155/8—forcing the first Super Over of IPL 2026. In the decider, KKR held their nerve, with Sunil Narine delivering an ice-cold over to restrict LSG and secure victory . This Super Over win not only added a thrilling chapter to the rivalry but also demonstrated KKR’s improved composure in high-pressure scenarios. As of May 2026, these results have narrowed the head-to-head gap, making future encounters even more unpredictable and exciting.
Complete Timeline Table: Every KKR vs LSG Match (2022–2026)
| Year | Event/Match | Result/Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LSG vs KKR, Match 38, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | LSG won by 75 runs | Quinton de Kock 140* – highest individual score in rivalry |
| 2022 | KKR vs LSG, Match 57, Eden Gardens, Kolkata | LSG won by 2 runs | Nail-biting finish; LSG defended 176 |
| 2023 | KKR vs LSG, Match 54, Eden Gardens, Kolkata | LSG won by 1 run | Closest margin in rivalry history; Marcus Stoinis match-winning cameo |
| 2024 | KKR vs LSG, Match 28, Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR won by 8 wickets | Phil Salt & Shreyas Iyer 100-run partnership |
| 2024 | LSG vs KKR, Match 54, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | KKR won by 98 runs | Sunil Narine 81(39); KKR’s biggest win in fixture |
| 2025 | KKR vs LSG, Match 21, Eden Gardens, Kolkata | LSG won by 4 runs | Record chase: LSG 238/3; Mitchell Marsh 89* |
| 2026 | KKR vs LSG, Match 15, Eden Gardens, Kolkata | LSG won by 3 wickets | Mukul Choudhary 54(27); last-ball thriller |
| 2026 | LSG vs KKR, Match 38, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | KKR won via Super Over | First Super Over of IPL 2026; match tied at 155 |
| 2022 | Player of Series: Quinton de Kock (LSG) | 243 runs in 5 innings | Most runs in KKR vs LSG matches |
| 2023 | Bowling Highlight: Mohsin Khan (LSG) | 3/20 in 4 overs | Best bowling figures in rivalry |
| 2024 | Powerplay Record: KKR scored 78/0 | Highest powerplay total in fixture | Set platform for 98-run win |
| 2024 | Death Overs: LSG conceded 68 runs in last 5 | Costly collapse enabled KKR dominance | Tactical lesson for LSG |
| 2025 | Sixes Record: 32 sixes in single match | Most sixes in KKR vs LSG encounter | Showcased modern T20 batting |
| 2025 | Partnership: Marsh & Pooran 120* for 4th | Highest partnership for LSG vs KKR | Changed momentum of match |
| 2026 | Super Over Debut: First in rivalry | KKR won Super Over by 2 runs | Sunil Narine 12 runs, 1 wicket |
| 2026 | Venue Impact: Eden Gardens favors chasing | 4 of 5 matches at Eden won by chasing team | Strategic toss decisions critical |
| 2022–2026 | Toss Impact: KKR won 4 tosses, won 1 match | LSG won 2 tosses, won 2 matches | Toss not decisive factor |
| 2022–2026 | Average Score: KKR 185.8, LSG 183.0 | Extremely balanced scoring trends | Highlights competitive parity |
| 2024 | Fielding Highlight: Rinku Singh 3 direct hits | Most run-outs in single match | Game-changing fielding effort |
| 2026 | Milestone: Rinku Singh 171 runs in 7 innings | Highest run-scorer for KKR in fixture | Consistency across seasons |
Head-to-Head Stats & Key Statistics Table
| Category | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 8 | 8 |
| Matches Won | 3 | 5 |
| Matches Lost | 5 | 3 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Team Total | 235/6 (2024) | 238/3 (2025) |
| Lowest Team Total | 101 (2022) | 137 (2024) |
| Average Runs Per Match | 185.8 | 183.0 |
| Average Wickets Lost | 6.7 | 5.8 |
| Wins When Batting First | 1 | 3 |
| Wins When Chasing | 2 | 2 |
| Tosses Won | 4 | 4 |
| Super Over Wins | 1 | 0 |
| Biggest Victory Margin | 98 runs (2024) | 75 runs (2022) |
| Closest Victory Margin | 1 run loss (2023) | 1 run win (2023) |
| Most Sixes in Match | 18 (2025) | 14 (2025) |
| Best Powerplay Score | 78/0 (2024) | 65/1 (2025) |
| Best Death Overs Economy | 8.2 (2024) | 9.1 (2023) |
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Batting Records
- Most Runs: Quinton de Kock (LSG) – 243 runs in 5 innings at an average of 60.75 and strike rate of 169.93 .
- Highest Individual Score: Quinton de Kock 140* (2022) – the only century in this rivalry.
- Fastest Fifty: Sunil Narine (KKR) – 15 balls (2024).
- Most Sixes: Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – 18 sixes across 5 innings.
Individual Bowling Records
- Most Wickets: Mohsin Khan (LSG), Harshit Rana (KKR), Ravi Bishnoi (LSG), Andre Russell (KKR) – 6 wickets each .
- Best Bowling Figures: Mohsin Khan 3/20 (2023).
- Best Economy (min. 10 overs): Sunil Narine (KKR) – 6.11 runs per over.
Team Records & Trivia
- Highest Partnership: Marsh & Pooran (LSG) – 120* for the 4th wicket (2025).
- Most Consecutive Wins: LSG won first 3 matches (2022–2023).
- Venue Dominance: At Eden Gardens, chasing teams have won 4 of 5 matches.
- Super Over History: Only one Super Over played (2026), won by KKR.
- Player of the Match Awards: Quinton de Kock (2), Sunil Narine (2), Phil Salt (1), Mitchell Marsh (1).
Interesting Facts
- Three of LSG’s five wins have come by margins of 4 runs or fewer, showcasing their clutch performance ability.
- KKR’s two biggest wins (98 runs, Super Over) came when they dominated from the powerplay.
- Rinku Singh has scored 171 runs in 7 innings against LSG at a strike rate of 187.91 – the highest among KKR batters in this fixture.
- The rivalry has produced an average of 18.4 sixes per match – among the highest in IPL head-to-head stats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who leads the head-to-head between KKR and LSG in IPL?
A: Lucknow Super Giants lead the head-to-head with 5 wins from 8 matches against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, KKR has closed the gap recently with victories in 2024 and a Super Over win in 2026, making future contests highly unpredictable .
Q: What is the highest team total in KKR vs LSG matches?
A: Lucknow Super Giants hold the record for the highest team total with 238/3, posted at Eden Gardens in April 2025. Kolkata Knight Riders’ highest is 235/6, achieved in the reverse fixture later that same season .
Q: Which player has scored the most runs in KKR vs LSG fixtures?
A: Quinton de Kock (LSG) leads the batting charts with 243 runs in just 5 innings, including a match-winning 140* in the inaugural 2022 encounter. His strike rate of 169.93 underscores his dominance in this rivalry .
Q: What was the closest match between KKR and LSG?
A: The closest finish occurred on May 20, 2023, at Eden Gardens, when LSG chased down KKR’s total with one ball remaining, winning by just 1 run. Marcus Stoinis‘ late cameo proved decisive in that thriller .
Q: Has there ever been a tied match or Super Over?
A: Yes! On April 26, 2026, at the Ekana Stadium, both teams scored 155 runs in their 20 overs, forcing the first Super Over in this rivalry. KKR won the Super Over by 2 runs, thanks to brilliant bowling from Sunil Narine .
Q: Where can I watch KKR vs LSG matches live?
A: IPL matches, including KKR vs LSG fixtures, are broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. International fans can access matches via official IPL broadcasting partners in their regions.
Conclusion
The kolkata knight riders vs lucknow super giants timeline captures a rivalry defined by drama, excellence, and evolving strategies. From LSG’s dominant early wins to KKR’s powerful resurgence in 2024 and the nail-biting Super Over thriller of 2026, every encounter has added a new layer to this compelling narrative. As both teams continue to rebuild and refine their squads, future clashes promise even more excitement. For fans, following this timeline isn’t just about stats—it’s about witnessing cricket’s next great rivalry unfold. Stay tuned, because the next chapter in the kolkata knight riders vs lucknow super giants timeline is already being written.