The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians timeline is one of shifting paradigms of utter domination, heart-pounding performances, and enthralling IPL battles. Since their first meeting in 2008, the two giants have faced each other in high-voltage clashes that have more often than not decided the playoff races. In the initial years of the rivalry, MI held a firm grip over it, and they used to show their might against KKR with lethal bowling and explosive batting. However, the tide has changed gradually, with KKR winning crucial matches and even dominating entire seasons in recent years. From record margins to finish-with-your-heart-in-your-hands results, this rivalry has given fans of this league a lot to remember. Every meeting is something way beyond just a match; it’s another chapter in this fiercely competitive and evolving saga called IPL.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians Timeline: Season-by-Season Rivalry Recap
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians timeline rivalry has faded from IPL 2008 with an electrifying event at Eden Gardens, where MI surpassed the score of 138 set by KKR for their first victory in the rivalry. That very first meeting set the tone for many years of hard-fought encounters, dramatic reversals, and memorable performances that continue to define this clash.
2008 – MI Take Early Control
Starting off, MI made a strong opening statement by winning both legs. MI batted second and chased 138 with so much ease at Eden Gardens, and KKR were bundled out inside six overs for just 67 in Mumbai, one of their lowest-ever totals, leading to a very comfortable win for MI.
2009 – Continuing the Upper Hand
In South Africa, MI continued their winning streak. They beat KKR by 9 runs in a thrilling close contest and then thrashed them by 92 runs in an overshadowing display of their bowling strengths.
2010 – First Signs of Fightback
Three fixtures took place this year. MI won twice; the KKR scorecard boasts that memorable 9-wicket win at Eden Gardens when they showed the world that they could indeed give the giants of Mumbai a tough time.
2011 – Relentless Mumbai
That year, too, MI took both games, hardly granting KKR any room to breathe in terms of bowling and batting.
2012 – Evenly Matched Battles
For perhaps the first time in years, the season would end in a draw. MI clinched the opening game by 27 runs; however, KKR hit back with a 32-run win in the second, hinting at a far competitive rivalry.
2013 – Mumbai Maintain Control
Mumbai’s batting depth shone as they won both clashes- one by a huge 65-run margin and another by a comfortable 5-wicket chase, reaffirming their dominance.
2014 – KKR’s Momentum Shift
The tide started turning. KKR won both their fixtures, clinching a 41-run victory in Abu Dhabi before following it up with a 6-wicket success at Cuttack, thereby putting an end to years of MI’s dominance.
2015 – A Balanced Season
KKR began with a 7-wicket win, but MI held the ground with a narrow 5-run win, keeping the rivalry evenly poised.
2016 – Mumbai Back in Charge
MI once again grabbed control by winning both matches by 6 wickets. Their bowlers restricted the scoring of KKR while the batsmen chased with ease.
2017 – Triple Blow for KKR
This was the year for MI. They swept all three meetings– by 9 runs, 4 wickets, and 7 wickets—inclusive of the deciding playoff clash at Bengaluru that solidified their tag as KKR’s jinx.
2018 – One-Sided Domination
MI won both matches comfortably: first by 13 runs in Mumbai and then by a record 102-run margin in Kolkata, a stinging defeat for the KKR supporters.
2019 – Mixed Fortunes
KKR gave one of their best batting displays, putting up 232/2 and winning by 34 runs, while MI hit back in the second match, chasing down the target with 9 wickets in hand.
2020 – UAE Bubble, Same Story
On the neutral ground, MI remained dominant with a 49-run and then an 8-wicket victory, showing their versatility.
2021 – One Win Each
MI won the first match by 10 runs, but KKR came roaring back, chasing down the target in the second by 7 wickets.
2022 – Knight Riders’ Dominance
KKR had the upper hand, winning both matches—first by 5 wickets at Pune and later by an imposing 52-run margin in Mumbai. A distinct avowal of power shift.
2023 – Limited Action, MI Victorious
The sole game this season saw MI chasing down a KKR total with 5 wickets in hand, keeping themselves competitive in the head-to-head record.
2024 – Double Delight for KKR
KKR won both hard-fought matches at Wankhede by 24 runs and at Eden Gardens by 18 runs, showing greater levels of consistency against MI.
2025 – Ashwani Kumar’s Dream Debut
The latest chapter saw MI comfortable winners by 8 wickets in the run chase of 116, with debutant Ashwani Kumar taking spectacular figures of 4/24, which stands as the best by any Indian on IPL debut.
KKR vs MI Head-to-Head Stats (2008–202
5)
| Statistics | Mumbai Indians (MI) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| Matches Played | 35 | 35 |
| Wins | 24 | 11 |
| Lost | 11 | 24 |
| Highest Score | 210 | 232 |
| Lowest Score | 108 | 67 |
Conclusion: The Future of KKR vs MI Rivalry
The KKR vs MI rivalry evolved from pure domination one way into a balanced, unpredictable fight where either team can find the limelight. With every season comes fresh drama, unforgettable moments, and extraordinary performances. With both sides enjoying star power and loyal fan bases, excitement is guaranteed in whatever they set out to do, making this rivalry one of the most thrilling stories in the IPL.
