KKR vs RCB, IPL 2025: How have Kolkata Knight Riders fared in Opening Matches of IPL Seasons?

The Kolkata Knight Riders will begin the defence of their IPL title as they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 season opener on Saturday (March 22).

The Knight Riders won the IPL 2024 title, which marked their third silverware, ending a decade-long wait for the trophy.

As KKR lock horns against RCB in the IPL 2025 opener, this is a repeat of the IPL 2008 opener. These two teams played the very first match in the history of IPL and it promises to be another exciting encounter as they collide.

KKR, by no means, are strangers to opening matches of a season. They have so far played seven times in the first match of an IPL season and have an immaculate record. KKR first played the first match of a season in 2008, and then have gone on to play in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2022.

How have KKR fared in the opening matches of IPL?

The Kolkata Knight Riders have a stellar record in the opening matches of a season. They have won six of the seven of the curtain raisers in their history, which is the best record by any team in the history of any franchise tournament across the world.

KKR Record in IPL Season Openers (playing the Match 1 of an IPL season)

2008 - vs RCB - KKR won by 140 runs

In the very first match of IPL, the Knight Riders decimated Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Brendon McCullum scored an amazing 158 as KKR won by 140 runs.

2010 - vs Deccan Chargers - KKR won by 11 runs

Sourav Ganguly's Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Deccan Chargers by 11 runs in Navi Mumbai. Owais Shah and Angelo Mathews made their debut for KKR in that match.

2011 - vs Chennai Super Kings - KKR lost by 2 runs

In the first match in charge as captain for KKR, Gautam Gambhir lost a close encounter against the Chennai Super Kings. Tim Southee defended nine runs in the final over to give CSK the victory.

2013 - vs Delhi Capitals - KKR won by 6 wickets

A superb KKR outfit bundled out Delhi for just 128 runs and then chased it down with ease. Sunil Narine picked up 4 wickets for just 13 runs and Gautam Gambhir (41 off 29) played a decent knock in the chase.

2014 - vs Mumbai Indians - KKR won by 41 runs

The match was played in Abu Dhabi as IPL was shifted partially to UAE for general election. After Jack Kallis (72 off 46) and Manish Pandey (64 off 53) helped KKR to a decent total of 163, Sunil Narine decimated MI with his spin and Knight Riders registered a big victory.

2015 - vs Mumbai Indians - KKR won by 7 wickets

Kolkata chased 169 runs with ease and it was a combined batting effort from them. Gautam Gambhir scored a half-century while Suryakumar Yadav, then a KKR player, scored an unbeaten 46 off just 20 deliveries.

2022 - vs Chennai Super Kings - KKR won by 6 wickets

After a lengthy gap of six years, the Knight Riders finally played the opening match of a season in 2022. The COVID regulation imposed season saw the match being played in Mumbai and KKR won by six wickets, under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer.