Introduction: A Rivalry Born Under Lights
Remember that evening in April 2008? The IPL was just finding its feet, and two teams walked out for the first time—one in purple, one in blue. Nobody knew then that the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians timeline would stretch nearly two decades, producing some of the most unforgettable moments in T20 history .
Since that inaugural clash at Eden Gardens, these two franchises have met 35 times in the Indian Premier League. Mumbai Indians hold the overall edge with 24 victories, while Kolkata Knight Riders have claimed 11 wins . But numbers only tell half the story. Between them, MI and KKR have lifted 8 IPL trophies—a testament to the quality that defines this fixture every time these teams step onto the field .
Quick Stats: MI vs KKR Head-to-Head (2008–2026)
Before we dive into the season-by-season story, here’s a snapshot of where this rivalry stands today :
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 35 |
| Mumbai Indians Wins | 24 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders Wins | 11 |
| No Result Matches | 0 |
| Highest Score (KKR) | 232/2 (2019, Eden Gardens) |
| Highest Score (MI) | 210/6 (2021, Chennai) |
| Lowest Score (KKR) | 67 (2008, Wankhede) |
| Lowest Score (MI) | 108 (2019, Eden Gardens) |
| Most Runs (MI) | Rohit Sharma – 954 |
| Most Runs (KKR) | Gautam Gambhir – 366 |
| Most Wickets (KKR) | Sunil Narine – 26 |
| Most Wickets (MI) | Jasprit Bumrah – 25 |
The Complete Match Timeline: 2008–2025
Here’s every single encounter between these two giants, from the very first ball to the most recent thriller .
| Season | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 29 Apr 2008 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | MI | 7 wickets |
| 2008 | 16 May 2008 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 8 wickets |
| 2009 | 27 Apr 2009 | Port Elizabeth | MI | 92 runs |
| 2009 | 1 May 2009 | East London | MI | 9 runs |
| 2010 | 22 Mar 2010 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 7 wickets |
| 2010 | 19 Apr 2010 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR | 9 wickets |
| 2011 | 22 May 2011 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | MI | 5 wickets |
| 2011 | 25 May 2011 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 4 wickets |
| 2012 | 12 May 2012 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | MI | 27 runs |
| 2012 | 16 May 2012 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | KKR | 32 runs |
| 2013 | 24 Apr 2013 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | MI | 5 wickets |
| 2013 | 7 May 2013 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 65 runs |
| 2014 | 14 May 2014 | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack | KKR | 6 wickets |
| 2014 | 16 May 2014 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | KKR | 41 runs |
| 2015 | 8 Apr 2015 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR | 7 wickets |
| 2015 | 14 May 2015 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 5 runs |
| 2016 | 13 Apr 2016 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | MI | 6 wickets |
| 2016 | 28 Apr 2016 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 6 wickets |
| 2017 | 9 Apr 2017 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 4 wickets |
| 2017 | 13 May 2017 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | MI | 9 runs |
| 2017 | 19 May 2017 | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Q2) | MI | 7 wickets |
| 2018 | 6 May 2018 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 13 runs |
| 2018 | 9 May 2018 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | MI | 102 runs |
| 2019 | 28 Apr 2019 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR | 34 runs |
| 2019 | 5 May 2019 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 9 wickets |
| 2020 | 23 Sep 2020 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | MI | 49 runs |
| 2020 | 16 Oct 2020 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | MI | 8 wickets |
| 2021 | 13 Apr 2021 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | MI | 10 runs |
| 2021 | 23 Sep 2021 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | KKR | 7 wickets |
| 2022 | 6 Apr 2022 | MCA Stadium, Pune | KKR | 5 wickets |
| 2022 | 9 May 2022 | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | KKR | 52 runs |
| 2023 | 16 Apr 2023 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 5 wickets |
| 2024 | 3 May 2024 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | KKR | 24 runs |
| 2024 | 11 May 2024 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR | 18 runs |
| 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | MI | 8 wickets |
The Story of the Rivalry: Season by Season
The Early Years (2008–2010): Mumbai Draws First Blood
When the IPL kicked off in 2008, both teams were finding their identity. Mumbai Indians, led by Sachin Tendulkar, showed early superiority. In the very first meeting at Eden Gardens, Sanath Jayasuriya announced himself with a blazing 48* off 17 balls, chasing down KKR’s total with ease .
The 2009 season, played entirely in South Africa due to general elections in India, saw Mumbai continue their dominance. JP Duminy’s heroics in East London and a massive 92-run victory in Port Elizabeth established a pattern—MI simply had KKR’s number .
Mumbai’s Golden Era (2011–2013): The Tide Turns One Way
From 2011 onwards, Mumbai Indians began assembling a squad that would define the decade. Rohit Sharma started making his presence felt, and the results showed .
2011 was particularly one-sided—MI won both encounters, including a Qualifier match that knocked KKR out of the playoffs. The following year, despite KKR winning their maiden IPL title, they managed just one win against MI in two attempts.
The 2013 season was a turning point in IPL history. Mumbai Indians claimed their first championship, and their matches against KKR reflected their growing authority. A 65-run demolition at Wankhede remains one of the most one-sided contests in this rivalry .
KKR Strikes Back (2014–2015): Gambhir’s Warriors Rise
2014 belonged to Kolkata Knight Riders. Under Gautam Gambhir’s inspirational leadership, KKR not only won the IPL title but also swept both matches against Mumbai. The Abu Dhabi victory, where KKR defended 150 on a slow pitch, announced that the power dynamic was shifting .
2015 saw Mumbai restore some parity. While KKR won at Eden Gardens, MI snatched a thrilling 5-run victory at Wankhede—a match remembered for Harbhajan Singh’s last-over heroics .
Peak Mumbai (2016–2020): The Five-Time Champions
This period represents Mumbai Indians at their absolute best. With Rohit Sharma captaining like a dream, Jasprit Bumrah emerging as a death-over specialist, and Kieron Pollard providing finishing muscle, MI were unstoppable.
2016: Two comprehensive wins, both by 6-wicket margins .
2017: The famous season where MI won their third title. They beat KKR three times—including a Qualifier 2 at Bengaluru that sent them to the final .
2018: MI’s 102-run victory at Eden Gardens remains the biggest win in this rivalry. Ishan Kishan smashed 62 off 21 balls, and Bumrah ran through the KKR lineup .
2019: Andre Russell’s 80* off 32 balls at Eden Gardens gave KKR a memorable win, but MI hit back at Wankhede with a clinical 9-wicket victory .
2020: In the UAE bubble, Mumbai were at their clinical best—winning both matches comfortably .
The Balance Shifts Again (2021–2024): KKR Finds Its Feet
Something changed in 2021. KKR, under new leadership and with a fresh core, started competing like never before.
2021: The teams split the series. MI won a tense 10-run battle in Chennai, but KKR bounced back in Abu Dhabi with a 7-wicket victory that announced their resurgence .
2022: This was the year of Pat Cummins. At Pune, chasing 162, KKR needed 52 off the last two overs. Cummins walked in and smashed 56* off 15 balls—the fastest fifty in IPL history at that time. KKR won by 5 wickets in what remains one of the most astonishing finishes ever . A few weeks later, they thrashed MI by 52 runs at Navi Mumbai.
2023: Venkatesh Iyer scored a magnificent century at Wankhede—104 off 51 balls—but MI still chased down 186 with 5 wickets in hand. Ishan Kishan’s 81 anchored the chase in a game that had everything .
2024: KKR’s year of dominance. For the first time since 2008, they beat MI at Wankhede—a 24-run victory powered by Mitchell Starc’s 4-wicket haul. A week later at Eden Gardens, they completed the double, winning a rain-shortened game by 18 runs . This was the season KKR would go on to win their third IPL title.
2025: Mumbai Reasserts at Home
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians timeline 2025 added a new chapter on March 31 at Wankhede Stadium. After KKR’s twin victories in 2024, Mumbai came prepared .
Match Summary:
- Toss: Mumbai Indians won and elected to bowl
- KKR innings: 116 all out in 16.2 overs
- MI innings: 121/2 in 12.5 overs
- Result: Mumbai Indians won by 8 wickets
The hero of the day was debutant Ashwani Kumar, who announced himself on the biggest stage with figures of 4/24 in 3 overs—one of the best debuts by an Indian pacer in IPL history . Ryan Rickelton, also making his MI debut, scored an unbeaten 62 to seal the chase with more than 7 overs to spare.
This match was a reminder that at Wankhede, with their pace attack and chasing pedigree, Mumbai Indians remain a different beast altogether .
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Showdown
Here’s what makes the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians timeline 2026 particularly exciting—the next chapter is almost here.
The IPL 2026 season kicks off on March 28, and the two heavyweights will face each other on March 29 at Wankhede Stadium . Both teams enter this match with something to prove:
- Mumbai Indians will look to build on their 2025 victory and continue their home dominance
- Kolkata Knight Riders will be eager to show that their 2024 double wasn’t a flash in the pan
With the IPL mega auction having reshuffled squads, this match will also introduce new heroes to this storied rivalry. Will a fresh face emulate Ashwani Kumar’s fairytale debut? Or will an old warhorse like Rohit Sharma or Sunil Narine add another chapter to their legacy?
One thing’s certain—come March 29, the cricket world will be watching.
Where the Battles Are Won: Venue Analysis
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Matches: 11 | MI Wins: 9 | KKR Wins: 2
Mumbai’s fortress lives up to its reputation. The short boundaries and true bounce suit MI’s big hitters, while their pace attack exploits the conditions beautifully. KKR’s only wins here came in 2008 and 2024—the latter breaking a 16-year drought . The 2025 victory restored Mumbai’s aura at this ground .
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Matches: 10 | MI Wins: 7 | KKR Wins: 3
Here’s the most surprising stat in this rivalry. Despite Eden Gardens being KKR’s home and traditionally assisting spinners, Mumbai Indians have an outstanding record here . Their batters have consistently handled the turning tracks, and their spinners have outbowled KKR’s on their own turf. The 2024 victory was only KKR’s third win at home against MI in 10 attempts.
Neutral Venues (UAE, Bengaluru, etc.)
Matches: 14 | MI Wins: 8 | KKR Wins: 6
On neutral ground, the contest is more balanced. The 2020 and 2021 UAE editions saw both teams share victories. The 2017 Qualifier 2 in Bengaluru remains a classic—MI winning comfortably despite it being a neutral venue .
The Stars Who Defined This Rivalry
Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma – 954 runs
The Hitman has made KKR his favourite opposition. His 954 runs against them are the most by any batter against a single opponent in IPL history . From his 109* in 2015 to countless match-winning knocks, Rohit has owned this rivalry like no other.
Jasprit Bumrah – 25 wickets
With an economy of just 6.48 against KKR, Bumrah has been unplayable at times . His 5/10 in 2022 remains his personal best in the IPL—a spell that dismantled KKR at Navi Mumbai .
Lasith Malinga – 20 wickets
The slinger was at his best in big games against KKR. His yorkers in the death overs made him MI’s go-to weapon throughout the 2010s .
Kolkata Knight Riders
Sunil Narine – 26 wickets
No bowler has troubled MI more than Narine. His 26 wickets include the prized scalp of Rohit Sharma nine times—the most any bowler has dismissed a single batter in this rivalry .
Andre Russell – 350+ runs & 15+ wickets
The Dre Russ factor has often been KKR’s equalizer. His 80* in 2019 at Eden Gardens turned what looked like a modest total into a match-winning one. His power-hitting against MI’s pace attack remains box-office entertainment .
Gautam Gambhir – 366 runs
The architect of KKR’s resurgence, Gambhir led from the front. His gritty knocks against MI’s star-studded attack laid the foundation for KKR’s 2014 title run .
Memorable Matches: The Ones We Can’t Forget
2018: MI’s 102-Run Masterclass
At Eden Gardens, Ishan Kishan smashed 62 off 21 balls, and Bumrah ran through KKR for 13/2. The 102-run margin remains the biggest in this rivalry .
2019: Russell’s Rampage
KKR needed quick runs at Eden Gardens. Andre Russell walked in and smashed 80 off 32 balls, turning a competitive total into a match-winning one. MI were bowled out for 108—their lowest against KKR .
2022: The Cummins Carnage
Chasing 162, KKR needed 52 off the last two overs. Pat Cummins, not known for his batting, walked in and hit 56* off 15 balls—including 5 sixes in an over. It remains one of the most astonishing finishes in IPL history .
2024: Breaking the Wankhede Jinx
After 16 years, KKR finally won at Wankhede. Mitchell Starc’s 4-wicket haul and Varun Chakravarthy’s spin web restricted MI to 145, giving KKR a famous 24-run victory .
2025: A Debut to Remember
Ashwani Kumar, on his IPL debut, took 4/24 to bowl KKR out for 116. Ryan Rickelton’s 62* then sealed an 8-wicket win—a reminder that new heroes emerge every season .
The Recent Shift: What the Numbers Tell Us
While Mumbai Indians lead 24-11 overall, the last 7 matches tell a different story. Since 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders have won 5 of their last 7 encounters against MI . This shift coincides with:
- KKR rebuilding their squad with explosive batters
- Their spin attack (Narine + Varun) becoming even more potent
- MI going through a transitional phase with their batting order
Yet, MI’s 2025 victory showed they’re far from finished. At Wankhede, with their pace attack and chasing depth, they remain formidable .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When did the KKR vs MI rivalry begin?
The rivalry began in 2008 during the inaugural IPL season. The first match was played at Eden Gardens on April 29, 2008 .
Q2: Who has won more matches between KKR and MI?
Mumbai Indians lead the head-to-head record with 24 wins against Kolkata Knight Riders’ 11 wins in 35 matches .
Q3: What is the highest score in KKR vs MI matches?
KKR’s 232/2 at Eden Gardens in 2019 is the highest team total in this rivalry. MI’s highest is 210/6, achieved in 2021 .
Q4: Who has scored the most runs in MI vs KKR matches?
Rohit Sharma leads with 954 runs for Mumbai Indians. For KKR, Gautam Gambhir tops the list with 366 runs .
Q5: Who has taken the most wickets in this rivalry?
Sunil Narine leads with 26 wickets for KKR, followed closely by Jasprit Bumrah with 25 for Mumbai Indians .
Q6: When is the next KKR vs MI match?
The next encounter is scheduled for March 29, 2026, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, as part of IPL 2026 .
Q7: Has KKR ever won at Wankhede Stadium?
Yes, KKR won at Wankhede in 2008 and again in 2024—their first victory there in 16 years .
Q8: What is Mumbai Indians’ record at Eden Gardens?
MI have won 7 out of 10 matches at Eden Gardens—an outstanding away record against KKR .
Conclusion: A Rivalry That Keeps Giving
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians timeline 2008–2026 is more than just a list of matches. It’s a story of evolution—of two franchises growing, adapting, and pushing each other to greater heights.