The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) rivalry has remained one of the most engaging battles in the IPL. After another eventful 2025 season, where both teams clashed in thrilling contests, fans are now looking forward to what IPL 2026 has in store.
KKR, a two-time IPL champion, continues to be a dominant force, while PBKS are eager to rewrite their record and turn close games in their favor. As we head into the new season, this matchup promises more drama, energy, and unforgettable cricketing moments.
KKR vs PBKS: Head-to-Head Stats
Here’s a summary of their face-offs in IPL:
| Total Matches Played | KKR Wins | PBKS Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 21 | 13 | 1 |
Match Results: KKR vs PBKS
Here is the table summarizing the data for matches between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League:
| Season | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | No Result | – |
| 2025 | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium | Punjab Kings | 16 runs |
| 2024 | Eden Gardens | Punjab Kings | 8 Wickets |
| 2023 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium | Punjab Kings | 7 Runs (DLS Method) |
| 2023 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 5 Wickets |
| 2022 | Wankhede Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 Wickets |
| 2021 | Narendra Modi Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 5 Wickets |
| 2021 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | Punjab Kings | 5 Wickets |
| 2020 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2 Runs |
| 2020 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Punjab Kings | 8 Wickets |
| 2019 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 28 Runs |
| 2019 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7 Wickets |
| 2018 | Eden Gardens | Punjab Kings | 9 Wickets |
| 2018 | Holkar Cricket Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 31 Runs |
| 2017 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 Wickets |
| 2017 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium | Punjab Kings | 14 Runs |
| 2016 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 Wickets |
| 2016 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7 Runs |
| 2015 | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 4 Wickets |
| 2015 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 1 Wicket |
| 2014 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium | Punjab Kings | 23 Runs |
| 2014 | Barabati Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 9 Wickets |
| 2014 | Eden Gardens (Qualifier 1) | Kolkata Knight Riders | 28 Runs |
| 2014 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Final) | Kolkata Knight Riders | 3 Wickets |
| 2013 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium | Punjab Kings | 4 Runs |
| 2013 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 Wickets |
| 2012 | Eden Gardens | Punjab Kings | 2 Runs |
| 2012 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 Wickets |
| 2011 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 Wickets |
| 2010 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | 39 Runs |
| 2010 | Eden Gardens | Punjab Kings | 4 Wickets |
| 2009 | Kingsmead | Kolkata Knight Riders | 9 Wickets |
| 2009 | St George’s Park | Punjab Kings | 6 Wickets |
| 2008 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium | Punjab Kings | 9 Runs |
| 2008 | Eden Gardens | Kolkata Knight Riders | 3 Wickets |
Overall Records
This simplified overview gives you a clear understanding of the overall records in the KKR vs PBKS rivalry.
KKR
- Highest Total: 261/6
- Lowest Total:109
- Most Runs: Gautam Gambhir (492)
- Highest Individual Score: Manish Pandey (94)
- Most Wickets: Sunil Narine (34)
- Best Bowling Figure: Sunil Narine (5/19)
PBKS
- Highest Total: 262/2
- Lowest Total: 119
- Most Runs: KL Rahul (317 runs)
- Highest Individual Score: Wriddhiman Saha (115*)
- Most Wickets: Piyush Chawla (24)
- Best Bowling Figure: Sandeep Sharma (4/25)
Memorable Matches
Here are some of the memorable matches played between the two teams.
1. 2024 IPL – KKR vs PBKS At Eden Gardens (Match 42)
In one of the most dramatic encounters between KKR and PBKS, KKR posted a massive total of 261/6 in their 20 overs. However, PBKS surprised everyone by chasing down the total with ease, reaching 262/2 in just 18.4 overs, securing a remarkable win.
The match was filled with aggressive batting, including a match-winning knock from PBKS’s top order. This thrilling chase highlighted the power-hitting capabilities of both teams, making it an unforgettable match in IPL history.
2. 2023 IPL – KKR vs PBKS At Eden Gardens (Match 53)
In this match, KKR successfully defended 182/5, with PBKS falling short by 3 runs, finishing at 179/7. The match was a roller-coaster ride, as KKR’s bowlers, led by their spin attack, made timely breakthroughs.
PBKS’s middle order couldn’t quite finish the job, and KKR held their nerve for a close victory.
3. 2022 IPL – KKR vs PBKS At Wankhede Stadium (Match 8)
This was an exciting encounter where KKR triumphed over PBKS by 6 wickets. PBKS set a total of 137/10 in their 20 overs, which KKR chased down with ease, finishing at 141/4 in just 14.3 overs. The chase was powered by some strong performances with the bat from KKR’s key players, ensuring a comfortable win.
4. 2014 Final – KKR Won Their 2nd Title
In the 2014 IPL Final, KKR claimed their 2nd title with a memorable victory over Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). This match is remembered for KKR’s ability to chase down a challenging target and their solid team effort in the final moments of the game.
Piyush Chawla played a key role in restricting PBKS with his economical bowling.
Player Contributions
These players have contributed a lot to the success of the both teams over the years. Have a look at that here.
1. Shreyas Iyer (KKR)
Shreyas Iyer has been one of KKR’s most consistent performers over the years, especially in key matchups against PBKS. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a vital asset for KKR.
In several high-pressure situations, Iyer has provided stability in the middle order, guiding the team through tricky situations with solid batting performances.
2. Andre Russell (KKR)
One of the most explosive all-rounders in the IPL, Andre Russell has been a major game-changer for KKR against PBKS. His devastating batting in the middle and lower order, along with his tight bowling, makes him a constant threat.
Russell has turned games around single-handedly, with his match-winning knocks often swinging the momentum in KKR’s favor. His ability to hit big sixes and bowl in the death overs has been crucial for KKR in many matches against PBKS.
3. Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS)
As one of PBKS’s most reliable openers, Shikhar Dhawan has often been the backbone of their batting lineup against KKR. Known for his consistency and ability to build partnerships, Dhawan has played many match-winning knocks, especially when setting up totals for his team.
His ability to keep the scoreboard ticking while anchoring the innings is a key factor in PBKS’s success against KKR.
4. Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
Arshdeep Singh has emerged as one of PBKS’s most reliable bowlers, especially in tight situations. His skill in the death overs, along with his ability to bowl yorkers and keep things tight, has often been a difference-maker for PBKS.
Against KKR, Arshdeep’s key wickets in the final overs have stopped KKR’s explosive finishers, ensuring PBKS stays in control of the game.
Venue Analysis
Now it’s time to take a quick look at the two home grounds of these two teams.
1. Eden Gardens (KKR’s Home Ground)
Eden Gardens, Kolkata, is one of the most iconic and largest cricket stadiums in the world. The pitch at Eden Gardens tends to favor batsmen, making it a high-scoring ground, especially during evening matches.
This works to KKR’s advantage, as they boast some of the most aggressive hitters in IPL history, including Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. The spacious boundaries, combined with the high-energy crowd, add to the intensity of the game.
For PBKS, Eden Gardens can sometimes be a tricky ground, as their bowlers need to adapt to the high-scoring conditions and manage the pressure of the crowd.
2. Punjab Cricket Association Stadium (PBKS’s Home Ground)
The Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, also known as Mohali, offers a balanced pitch that gives both batsmen and bowlers an equal chance. However, the high altitude and quick outfield generally favor the batsmen, resulting in plenty of high scores.
PBKS has historically performed well at Mohali, thanks to their aggressive batting lineup. However, KKR’s spinners and all-rounders have also had success in Mohali, with bowlers like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell proving effective in slowing down the game when needed.
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Conclusion: KKR Leads PBKS in IPL Head-to-Head Battles
The head-to-head contest between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings remains one of the most competitive in the league.
While KKR maintains the upper hand with 21 wins, PBKS have shown they can upset the odds with impactful performances.
Heading into IPL 2026, both sides will aim to strengthen their squads and reignite this rivalry, ensuring another chapter of high-voltage encounters for fans worldwide.
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