Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians Timeline

The rivalry between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) has been one of the most captivating narratives in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. Over the years, these two franchises have engaged in numerous memorable encounters, showcasing intense competition and cricketing excellence.​

Head-to-Head Overview (2008–2024)

As of the conclusion of the 2024 IPL season, KKR and MI have faced each other in 34 matches. Mumbai Indians have dominated the rivalry with 23 victories, while Kolkata Knight Riders have secured 11 wins. This head-to-head record underscores MI's historical upper hand, although KKR has shown resilience and improvement in recent seasons.

Chronological Timeline of Key Matches

2008–2010: MI's Early Dominance

April 29, 2008: In their inaugural encounter, MI defeated KKR by 7 wickets at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

May 16, 2008: MI secured another win, this time by 8 wickets at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

April 27, 2009: MI showcased their prowess with a commanding 92-run victory in Port Elizabeth.

April 19, 2010: KKR registered a notable win, defeating MI by 9 wickets at Eden Gardens, marking one of their early triumphs in the rivalry.​

2011–2013: MI's Continued Supremacy

May 25, 2011: MI edged out KKR by 4 wickets in a closely contested match in Mumbai.

May 7, 2013: MI dominated with a 65-run victory at Wankhede Stadium.​

2014–2015: KKR's Resurgence

April 16, 2014: KKR began to turn the tide with a 41-run win in Abu Dhabi.

May 14, 2014: KKR continued their momentum, defeating MI by 6 wickets in Cuttack.

April 8, 2015: KKR secured a 7-wicket victory at Eden Gardens, showcasing their growing confidence against MI.​

2016–2018: MI's Dominant Phase

May 9, 2018: MI recorded their largest victory margin against KKR, winning by 102 runs at Eden Gardens.

May 6, 2018: MI had earlier defeated KKR by 13 runs at Wankhede Stadium, highlighting their dominance during this period.​

2019–2021: Competitive Encounters

April 28, 2019: KKR achieved a significant 34-run win over MI at Eden Gardens.

May 5, 2019: MI bounced back with a 9-wicket victory in Mumbai.

September 23, 2021: KKR showcased their prowess with a 7-wicket win in Abu Dhabi.​

2022–2024: KKR's Ascendancy

April 6, 2022: KKR defeated MI by 5 wickets in Pune, signaling a shift in the rivalry.

May 9, 2022: KKR continued their dominance with a 52-run victory in Mumbai.

May 3, 2024: KKR secured a 24-run win at Wankhede Stadium.

May 11, 2024: KKR reaffirmed their superiority with an 18-run victory at Eden Gardens. ​

Notable Performances and Highlights

Sanath Jayasuriya (MI): In the early years, Jayasuriya's explosive batting and effective bowling were instrumental in MI's successes.

Kieron Pollard (MI): Pollard's all-round performances, especially his 60* in the 2013 IPL final, were pivotal in MI's triumphs.

Andre Russell (KKR): Known for his power-hitting, Russell has played several match-winning innings against MI.

Sunil Narine (KKR): Narine's spin bowling has often stifled MI's batting lineup, contributing to KKR's victories.​

Conclusion

The KKR vs. MI rivalry has evolved over the years, transitioning from MI's early dominance to a more balanced and fiercely contested matchup. While MI holds a superior overall record, KKR's recent performances indicate a shift in momentum. As both teams continue to evolve, fans can anticipate more thrilling encounters in the seasons to come.​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many times have Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) faced each other in the IPL?

As of the end of the 2024 season, KKR and MI have played 34 matches against each other. MI leads the head-to-head with 23 wins, while KKR has won 11 times.

2. Which team has the better record — KKR or MI?

Historically, Mumbai Indians have had the upper hand in this rivalry, with a significantly better win-loss record. However, Kolkata Knight Riders have improved in recent seasons, especially between 2022 and 2024.

3. What’s the biggest win in this rivalry?

The biggest win came in 2018 when Mumbai Indians defeated KKR by 102 runs at Eden Gardens — a record margin between the two teams.

4. Who are some standout performers in KKR vs MI matches?

Andre Russell (KKR) – Known for his explosive finishing and crucial breakthroughs with the ball.

Sunil Narine (KKR) – Has consistently troubled MI with his mystery spin.

Kieron Pollard (MI) – A match-winner with the bat and ball, especially in close encounters.

Rohit Sharma (MI) – MI’s all-time leading run-scorer, with several impactful knocks against KKR.

5. Has KKR ever beaten MI in the playoffs or finals?

As of now, KKR and MI have never faced off in an IPL final. They’ve mostly met during the league stages. MI has enjoyed more playoff appearances and success overall.

6. When was the last time KKR beat MI?

The most recent victory came on May 11, 2024, when KKR beat MI by 18 runs in a rain-shortened match at Eden Gardens.

7. Who has scored the most runs in KKR vs MI matches?

Rohit Sharma holds the record for the most runs in this rivalry, having played consistent match-winning innings over the years.

8. Which venue has hosted the most KKR vs MI matches?

The rivalry has mainly played out at Eden Gardens (Kolkata) and Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai) — the respective home grounds of KKR and MI.