Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians: A Timeline of Their Rivalry
The rivalry between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians is one of the most exciting matchups in the Indian Premier League (IPL). These two franchises have faced each other multiple times since the IPL’s inception in 2008, creating some of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history. While MI has dominated their head-to-head record, KKR has also delivered some stunning performances over the years. Here’s a detailed timeline of their encounters.
1. 2008 – The First Clash
The first-ever IPL match was played between KKR and MI on April 18, 2008. This historic game saw Brendon McCullum smashing an unforgettable 158 off 73 balls*, leading KKR to a massive victory. This remains one of the greatest IPL innings to date.
KKR won by 140 runs
2. 2011 – MI’s Domination Begins
From 2011 onwards, Mumbai Indians started dominating KKR. With the inclusion of Rohit Sharma, MI strengthened its squad, making it a formidable opponent. Over the next few seasons, MI consistently outperformed KKR, establishing a significant lead in their head-to-head record.
3. 2013 – MI Crushes KKR and Wins the IPL
During the 2013 season, MI won both league matches against KKR and later went on to win their first IPL title under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. This season marked the beginning of Mumbai’s rise as one of the most successful IPL franchises.
4. 2014 – KKR’s Revenge & Title Glory
KKR turned the tables in 2014, defeating MI in the opening match of the season and eventually winning their second IPL title under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership. This season saw KKR registering an impressive nine consecutive wins, the highest winning streak in IPL history.
KKR won IPL 2014
5. 2015-2019 – Mumbai’s Continued Dominance
Between 2015 and 2019, MI continued to dominate KKR in head-to-head encounters, winning most of their matches. In this period, MI secured four more IPL titles (2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020), further cementing their reputation as one of the strongest IPL teams.
Some notable matches include:
✔ 2017 – MI defeated KKR in Qualifier 2 to reach the final and later won the title.
✔ 2019 – MI knocked KKR out of the tournament in their last league match.
6. 2021 – KKR’s Comeback in UAE
In IPL 2021, KKR turned things around with a stunning performance in the UAE leg of the tournament. They defeated MI and later went on to reach the final, though they lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
KKR won by 7 wickets (Abu Dhabi, 2021)
7. 2023 – Venkatesh Iyer’s Heroics
In IPL 2023, Venkatesh Iyer smashed a brilliant 104 off 51 balls against MI at Wankhede Stadium. However, MI chased down the target successfully, showcasing their batting strength once again.
MI won by 5 wickets
Head-to-Head Record (As of 2024)
Total Matches: 32+
Mumbai Indians Wins: 23+
Kolkata Knight Riders Wins: 9+
Conclusion
The rivalry between KKR and MI is one of the most thrilling battles in the IPL. While MI has dominated historically, KKR has had its moments of brilliance, making every match an exciting contest. With new talents emerging, the battle between these two teams continues to be a key highlight of every IPL season.