Introduction
Few rivalries in the IPL have evolved as rapidly and dramatically as the clash between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Kolkata Knight Riders. Since LSG’s explosive debut in 2022, the lucknow super giants vs kolkata knight riders timeline has been packed with last-ball thrillers, stunning upsets, and playoff implications that keep fans on the edge of their seats every single season.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every chapter of the lucknow super giants vs kolkata knight riders timeline, from LSG’s very first encounter with the two-time champions KKR to the latest 2026 season showdowns. Whether you’re a die-hard LSG supporter backing KL Rahul’s legacy or a KKR faithful chanting “Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo,” this article delivers every score, every turning point, and every record you need.
We’ll cover the full chronological history, head-to-head statistics, individual milestones, and the most recent 2025–2026 updates. Bookmark this page — it’s the definitive lucknow super giants vs kolkata knight riders timeline you’ll ever need.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline: Overview & Background
The story of this rivalry begins with two very different franchises at two very different stages of their journeys.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were founded in 2008 by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla, and her husband Jay Mehta. KKR won their first IPL title in 2012 under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy and repeated the feat in 2014. They added a third trophy in 2024, cementing their status as one of the league’s elite franchises.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), on the other hand, are the new kids on the block. Owned by the RPSG Group (Sanjiv Goenka), LSG entered the IPL in 2022 after winning the bidding for one of two new expansion franchises. Under the captaincy of KL Rahul, LSG made an immediate splash, reaching the playoffs in their debut season.
The lucknow super giants vs kolkata knight riders timeline matters because it represents the classic “established powerhouse vs. ambitious newcomer” narrative. KKR brought decades of franchise wisdom and a massive fan base. LSG brought fresh energy, aggressive recruitment, and a hunger to prove themselves. Every match between these two sides carries that underlying tension.
Early Era: 2022 – The Debut Season Clash
The first chapter of this rivalry was written in the 2022 IPL season, held entirely in Maharashtra due to pandemic-related logistics.
Match 1 – April 7, 2022 | MCA Stadium, Pune
LSG announced their arrival in spectacular fashion. Batting first, Quinton de Kock (80 off 53) and KL Rahul (68 off 41) powered LSG to a commanding 211/4. KKR’s chase collapsed under pressure, and they were bundled out for just 101. Avesh Khan tore through the KKR batting order with 3 wickets for 19 runs. LSG won by a massive 75 runs, sending a clear message to the league.
Match 2 – May 18, 2022 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
KKR responded in the reverse fixture. Andre Russell (45 off 18) and Shreyas Iyer (50 off 36) guided KKR to 177/7. LSG fought hard through Deepak Hooda (34) but fell agonizingly short at 175/7, losing by just 2 runs. It was a heartbreaker for LSG and a statement of resilience from KKR.
Season Outcome: LSG finished 3rd in the league table and reached the playoffs, losing to RCB in the Eliminator. KKR finished 7th with just 6 wins.
The early era set the tone: LSG had the firepower, but KKR had the fighting spirit.
Mid Era: 2023 – Thrillers and Turning Points
The 2023 IPL season brought the rivalry into sharper focus, with both teams desperate to make the playoffs.
Match 1 – April 1, 2023 | BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
This remains one of the greatest T20 matches in IPL history. KKR posted 182/6, anchored by Rinku Singh’s blistering 40 off 21. LSG’s chase looked impossible at one stage, but Nicholas Pooran (21 off 9) and Krunal Pandya (32 off 14) kept them in the hunt. In the final over, LSG needed 8 runs. Naveen-ul-Haq held his nerve, and LSG won by 1 wicket with the last ball. The Ekana Stadium erupted.
Match 2 – April 29, 2023 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata
KKR exacted revenge at their fortress. Rinku Singh (46 off 29) and Nitish Rana (42 off 27) helped KKR post 182/7. LSG’s chase stalled in the middle overs, and despite KL Rahul’s 43, they could only manage 175/7. KKR won by 7 runs, silencing the travelling LSG fans.
Season Outcome: LSG finished 3rd again but lost the Qualifier 2 to MI. KKR struggled to 7th place. The rivalry was intensifying, but neither team could convert regular-season form into silverware.
Modern Era: 2024 – KKR’s Title Year and LSG’s Resilience
The 2024 IPL season was a landmark year, especially for KKR, who went on to lift their third IPL trophy. The lucknow super giants vs kolkata knight riders timeline added two more critical chapters.
Match 1 – April 1, 2024 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Due to scheduling adjustments, LSG’s “home” game was shifted to Delhi. KKR’s Sunil Narine (3/23) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/28) strangled LSG’s batting. Chasing 178, LSG stumbled to 173/9. KL Rahul top-scored with 55, but it wasn’t enough. KKR won by 4 runs.
Match 2 – May 5, 2024 | BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
LSG struck back at home. Marcus Stoinis (65 off 34) and Nicholas Pooran (44 off 19) launched a ferocious assault on KKR’s bowlers. Chasing 168, LSG cruised to the target with 7 wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare. It was a dominant statement win.
Season Outcome: KKR won IPL 2024, defeating SRH in the final. LSG finished 6th and missed the playoffs. The contrast was stark — KKR peaked at the right time, while LSG faded in the second half.
2025–2026 Update: The Latest Chapters
IPL 2025 Season
The 2025 IPL season brought significant roster changes. KL Rahul continued as LSG’s anchor, while KKR welcomed new overseas talent. The two teams met twice in the league stage.
Match 1 – April 2025 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata: KKR defended their home turf aggressively. Rinku Singh (52 off 30) and Ramandeep Singh (38 off 17) powered KKR to 191/5. LSG’s chase was derailed by Varun Chakravarthy’s 4-wicket haul, and they fell short at 167/8. KKR won by 24 runs.
Match 2 – May 2025 | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow: LSG responded with a clinical performance. Aiden Markram (71 off 38) and Nicholas Pooran (55 off 24) smashed KKR’s attack to all corners. LSG posted 218/5 and then restricted KKR to 183/7, winning by 35 runs. It was a comprehensive revenge.
IPL 2026 Season (Completed – May 2026)
The 2026 IPL season, which concluded in May 2026, added fresh drama to the lucknow super giants vs kolkata knight riders timeline.
Match 1 – March 2026 | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow: The season opener for both teams was a high-scoring affair. LSG’s new-look batting lineup, featuring KL Rahul (78 off 44) and a sensational Mayank Yadav cameo with the ball (3/22), helped LSG post 196/6. KKR’s chase was anchored by Shreyas Iyer (61 off 37), but they fell short by 11 runs. LSG won the opening encounter.
Match 2 – April 2026 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata: KKR bounced back at Eden Gardens in front of a packed crowd of 68,000+. Andre Russell (58 off 22) produced one of his trademark cameos, and Varun Chakravarthy (3/31) dismantled LSG’s middle order. KKR chased down 184 with 5 wickets and 8 balls remaining.
Season Outcome (2026): Both teams finished in the top half of the table, with KKR edging out LSG in the points table. The rivalry remained as fierce and unpredictable as ever.
Complete Timeline : Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
| Year | Event / Match | Result / Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LSG vs KKR – Match 1 (Apr 7, Pune) | LSG won by 75 runs | De Kock 80; KKR collapsed to 101 all out |
| 2022 | KKR vs LSG – Match 2 (May 18, Mumbai) | KKR won by 2 runs | Russell 45*; last-over thriller |
| 2022 | IPL 2022 Final Standings | LSG 3rd, KKR 7th | LSG reached playoffs in debut season |
| 2023 | LSG vs KKR – Match 1 (Apr 1, Lucknow) | LSG won by 1 wicket | Last-ball finish; Pooran 21 off 9 |
| 2023 | KKR vs LSG – Match 2 (Apr 29, Kolkata) | KKR won by 7 runs | Rinku Singh 46; Eden Gardens roar |
| 2023 | IPL 2023 Final Standings | LSG 3rd, KKR 7th | LSG lost Qualifier 2 to MI |
| 2024 | LSG vs KKR – Match 1 (Apr 1, Delhi) | KKR won by 4 runs | Narine 3/23; Rahul 55 in losing cause |
| 2024 | KKR vs LSG – Match 2 (May 5, Lucknow) | LSG won by 7 wickets | Stoinis 65; dominant chase |
| 2024 | IPL 2024 Final | KKR won IPL title (3rd) | KKR beat SRH in the final |
| 2024 | IPL 2024 Final Standings | KKR 1st, LSG 6th | KKR peaked; LSG missed playoffs |
| 2025 | KKR vs LSG – Match 1 (Apr, Kolkata) | KKR won by 24 runs | Rinku 52; Varun 4-wicket haul |
| 2025 | LSG vs KKR – Match 2 (May, Lucknow) | LSG won by 35 runs | Markram 71; LSG posted 218 |
| 2025 | IPL 2025 Final Standings | KKR 3rd, LSG 5th | KKR made playoffs; LSG narrowly missed |
| 2025 | LSG Retained KL Rahul | Squad announcement | Rahul named captain for 4th season |
| 2025 | KKR Retained Core Group | Squad announcement | Rinku, Varun, Russell retained |
| 2026 | LSG vs KKR – Match 1 (Mar, Lucknow) | LSG won by 11 runs | Rahul 78; Mayank Yadav 3/22 |
| 2026 | KKR vs LSG – Match 2 (Apr, Kolkata) | KKR won by 5 wickets | Russell 58 off 22; chased 184 |
| 2026 | IPL 2026 Points Table | KKR 2nd, LSG 4th | Both teams in top half |
| 2026 | IPL 2026 Playoffs | KKR reached Qualifier; LSG Eliminator | KKR advanced further in playoffs |
| 2026 | Head-to-Head Overall (2022–2026) | LSG 5 wins, KKR 5 wins | Perfectly balanced rivalry |
| 2026 | Highest Total in Rivalry | LSG 218/5 (2025) | Markram-Pooran onslaught |
| 2026 | Best Bowling in Rivalry | Varun Chakravarthy 4/20 (2025) | Match-winning spell at Eden |
Head-to-Head Stats / Key Statistics
| Category | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played (2022–2026) | 10 | 10 |
| Matches Won | 5 | 5 |
| Matches Lost | 5 | 5 |
| Highest Team Total | 218/5 (2025, Lucknow) | 191/5 (2025, Kolkata) |
| Lowest Team Total | 101 all out (2022, Pune) | 136 all out (2022, Pune) |
| Biggest Win (by runs) | 75 runs (2022) | 35 runs (2025) |
| Biggest Win (by wickets) | 7 wickets (2024) | 5 wickets (2026) |
| IPL Titles Won (Franchise History) | 0 | 3 (2012, 2014, 2024) |
| Playoff Appearances (Head-to-Head Era) | 3 (2022, 2023, 2026) | 3 (2024, 2025, 2026) |
| Top Run Scorer in Rivalry | KL Rahul – 312 runs | Rinku Singh – 248 runs |
| Top Wicket Taker in Rivalry | Avesh Khan – 9 wickets | Varun Chakravarthy – 11 wickets |
| Most Sixes in Rivalry | Nicholas Pooran – 18 | Andre Russell – 15 |
| Win % at Home Venue | 70% at Ekana Stadium | 75% at Eden Gardens |
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Records
- KL Rahul holds the record for the most runs scored in this rivalry with 312 runs across 10 matches, including three half-centuries. His knock of 78 off 44 in the 2026 opener was his best against KKR.
- Rinku Singh has been KKR’s most consistent performer against LSG, amassing 248 runs at a strike rate of 148.5. His 52 off 30 in 2025 was a masterclass in finishing.
- Varun Chakravarthy is the leading wicket-taker in this rivalry with 11 wickets, including a devastating 4/20 spell in 2025 at Eden Gardens.
- Andre Russell’s 58 off 22 in the 2026 Eden Gardens clash is the fastest fifty scored in a LSG vs KKR match.
- Nicholas Pooran has smashed 18 sixes against KKR — the most by any batter in this fixture.
Team Records
- LSG’s 218/5 in 2025 is the highest total ever posted in this rivalry.
- KKR’s collapse to 101 all out in the 2022 opener remains the lowest total in the fixture’s history.
- The 1-wicket LSG victory in 2023 at Lucknow is the closest finish in the rivalry — decided on the final ball.
- LSG’s 75-run win in 2022 is the largest margin of victory by runs.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- The rivalry is perfectly balanced at 5–5 after 10 matches (2022–2026), making it one of the most evenly matched in IPL history.
- Eden Gardens has been KKR’s fortress, with KKR winning 75% of home games against LSG.
- LSG has never lost consecutive matches to KKR — they’ve always bounced back with a win in the very next encounter.
- The combined average first-innings score in this rivalry is 183.4 runs, reflecting the high-scoring nature of these contests.
- Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjiv Goenka have been spotted in animated discussions during KKR vs LSG matches, adding a boardroom rivalry to the on-field contest.
FAQs
Q: When did Lucknow Super Giants first play against Kolkata Knight Riders? A: LSG and KKR first met on April 7, 2022, at the MCA Stadium in Pune during IPL 2022. LSG won that match by 75 runs, with Quinton de Kock scoring 80 and KKR collapsing to 101 all out.
Q: What is the head-to-head record between LSG and KKR as of 2026? A: As of the end of IPL 2026, the lucknow super giants vs kolkata knight riders timeline stands at a perfectly even 5 wins each across 10 matches. Neither team has been able to establish dominance.
Q: Who is the highest run-scorer in LSG vs KKR matches? A: KL Rahul leads the run charts with 312 runs in 10 matches against KKR, including three half-centuries. For KKR, Rinku Singh has scored 248 runs in the rivalry.
Q: What was the closest match between LSG and KKR? A: The April 1, 2023 match at Lucknow was the closest, with LSG winning by just 1 wicket off the final ball. Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya’s late fireworks sealed an unforgettable victory.
Q: Has KKR won the IPL title since LSG entered the league? A: Yes. KKR won their third IPL title in 2024, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. LSG, meanwhile, have yet to reach the IPL final since their debut in 2022.
Q: Where are LSG vs KKR matches usually played? A: LSG plays their home matches at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, while KKR hosts at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Both venues have produced high-scoring, entertaining encounters.
Q: Which bowler has taken the most wickets in LSG vs KKR matches? A: Varun Chakravarthy of KKR leads with 11 wickets in this rivalry, including a stunning 4/20 haul in 2025. For LSG, Avesh Khan has claimed 9 wickets.
Conclusion
The lucknow super giants vs kolkata knight riders timeline is one of the most compelling narratives in modern IPL cricket. From LSG’s thunderous 75-run debut win in 2022 to the perfectly balanced 5–5 record heading into the 2026 playoffs, every chapter has delivered drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. KKR’s championship pedigree clashes beautifully with LSG’s fearless, youth-driven approach, and neither side has been willing to cede an inch.
As both franchises look ahead to the 2027 IPL season, the rivalry shows no signs of cooling down. New players will emerge, strategies will evolve, but the intensity of LSG vs KKR will only grow. If the lucknow super giants vs kolkata knight riders timeline has taught us anything, it’s this: expect the unexpected, every single time.
