There are many ruthless egos in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but I don’t think there will be more intimidating than the Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders timeline. Since then, they have had this intense rivalry, and despite the matches being no longer than three hours, they have managed to make it feel as though the enmity has lasted a long time. Fans always look forward to how to top the story they make from every clash.
This article will give you a detailed account of the Rajasthan Royals versus Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry based on their significant matches, memorable moments, and remarkable players.
When the Rivalry Started
Rajasthan Royals Vs. Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline: In fact, it was in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League 2008 when Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders matured into one fierce rivalry in cricket history that had been born for them as both of them made their entry into this tournament.
It made history when RR led the title under Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, looked like an outsider in the first couple of games but went on to clinch the title. However, KKR used to be more known before Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan owned them, but it took a lot of work for KKR in the initial years. The team’s experience of being on this diverse team in the inaugural season has started an essential rivalry of the IPL.
Years of Launch (2008 to 2011)
The Season of 2008
At first, KKR played two confrontations with RR. In a low-scoring contest at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, KKR defeated the Rajasthan Royals by limiting them to 129/9 and easily chasing down the mark.
However, RR showed their stick out during a return fixture at Jaipur. Rajasthan got KKR cheaply bowled out for 147 runs in 20 overs, chasing on 7 wickets remaining with Shane Warne and Sohail Tanvir’s outstanding bowling exhibition. It made rivalry soar significantly as RR eventually clinched its first-ever IPL title.
Season 2009-2011
In 2009, when KKR showed no improvement in their results, RR proved themselves to be the dominant side in South Africa. When faced with Rajasthan Royals the first time around, in the early history of IPL, it was overall brilliance from Yussuf Pathan that helped KKR beat in a super over, one of the most memorable IPL moments to date. Matches were closely contested, with RR regularly seeming to win all for some years after that.
The Change in Leadership (2012-2014)
The RR-KKR rivalry further turned even more exciting in the year 2012. Gautam Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders towards becoming an unstoppable powerhouse and winning the first-ever IPL title of this year. Games with these two teams were close because, after, KKR came in as a force to be reckoned with.
Season 2012
In the 2012 group stage, KKR won over RR twice. Sunil Narine opened the account for KKR, who had the Royal batsmen on the run with his delivery. KKR batters have found an everyday batting style during Gambhir’s crucial innings to skip away home.
Season 2013
A very contentious match in Jaipur between the two sides again sauntered during the 2013 season. The batting of Shane Watson for RR came down hard in this game to make it possible to get a score close enough to be competitive. KKR couldn’t chase down RR, who clinched the win by 19 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis (DL) calculation method.
Season 2014
In 2014, KKR dominated the tournament as they beat RR repeatedly at each stage of group match play. Gambhir and his world-class spinners, aggressive batting, and strategic game made them unplayable for Rajasthan. Knight Riders clinched their second IPL trophy this IPL season.
Important Meetings & Unique Events Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
One more super-over thriller 2015
The two sides fought another pithy, super over term thrilling battle during the 2015 season. KKR never got going under rain-curtailed circumstances where RR bowled them for 11 runs, owing to the nonstop balling of Morris and Watson. RR looked for acceleration in just four balls, and it began with Watson smashing six on the first.
The Battle of the Playoffs 2018
But when RR faced KKR in the elimination playoffs in 2018, this growing rivalry added a new chapter. They decided to put runs on board by setting a target score of 169 runs at its opening batting. To begin with, RR, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, was struggling but later called hope in Sanju Samson’s explosive batting. But Chawla and Yadav from KKR made it impossible for RR to come close, and they lost by 25 runs to boot them out of the tournament.
Riyan Parag’s valiant actions
It was an impressive score of 175 for KKR in 2019, primarily down to Chris Lynn and Andre Russell. In all respects, RR was on the verge of conceding runs until a young man, Riyan Parag, displayed an unbelievable batting exhibition to clinch victory for RR, hitting 47 from 31 balls while not mincing words about the winning cause with three wickets still needed.
New Advancements from 2020 to 2023
Season 2020
Playing in the UAE, the 2020 edition of IPL went mainly as it did in 2009: as usual, KKR had the better of RR. Shubman Gill and Pat Cummins helped KKR win both its group-stage encounters. Patsy Cummins led from the front, and consistent bowling made RR back on it; it was easy to get chasing targets in hand.
Season 2021
Again, KKR proved to be a more formidable opponent than RR in the season 2021. While Rajasthan had put up some wonderful individual forms in the Sanju Samson and Chris Morris matches, they were overwhelmed by KKR’s all-round outfit featuring Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakravarthy this time.
Season 2022
They won this one the classical way, in pure class as they had done before, but for the first time in KKR-RR encounters. Thanks partly to Buttler’s blistering century and then some essential scalps for Chahal, RR saw off KKR by 7 runs in a high-scoring thriller down to the last ball. But when Rajasthan came up, KKR handled them again, confidently chasing a tiny target after reclaiming some pride.
Outstanding Players in Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
A few key players have defined the RR vs. KKR rivalry. Some of these significant numbers are listed below:
- Shane Watson (RR): The Australian all-rounder played a crucial role for RR with his explosive batting and fabulous bowling, which led him to win crucial matches against KKR.
- Gautam Gambhir (KKR): He played many match-winning innings, a few of which shipped KKR to victory over RR repeatedly, through bat and brains in designing behind-team strategies.
- Sunil Narine (KKR): The mystery spinner has continuously troubled RR batters. The game has always gone KKR’s way due to his economical spells with his wickets.
- Jos Buttler (RR): English wicketkeeper batters contributed a century in a particular season of 2022 and made consistently for RR, and they won the match against KKR.
Conclusion
IPL’s most interesting rivalry has to be the Rajasthan royals vs. Kolkata knight riders timeline. Due to the fascinating games played between them and the individual brilliance of both sides, the spectator has always had it as a continuing source of entertainment. Supporters, however, should expect an even more electric atmosphere as more seasons come and with the memories of what they have come to expect.
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