Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has the makings of one of the more rivalries in recent Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Each clash between the two teams has brought us nail-biting finishes, high-scoring contests and performances that have lit up the tournament since Lucknow became part of IPL in 2022.
Despite being one of the recent entrants into the league, LSG has managed to build quite a file against KKR in no time. The head-to-head record already favored Lucknow over the two teams having played seven matches prior to IPL 2026.
Overview of the Rivalry
KKR, a multi-time IPL champion and one of the most successful franchises in history, faces LSG who has quickly become a serious rivalry since debuting in the competition last year. Each contest between these sides has drawn attention to the fact of the day due to the explosive batting order, and Pro-Pakistan quality spin attacks available for both.
Lucknow Super Giants won five out of the seven previous meetings with Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.
2022: The Rivalry Begins
This is the first meeting of KKR and LSG as they met for the first time during IPL 2022.
First Meeting – IPL 2022
Without wasting any time, Lucknow Super Giants stamped their authority. A clinical LSG took care of business as they saw off Kolkata with ease under the captaincy of KL Rahul. Match Summary: Lucknow won the match by 40 runs. It was a perfect display of strength in both the batting and bowling units from Lucknow.
League Stage Clash
The two teams would meet again later in the season as teams in a top-of-the-table clash. Lucknow went on to win yet again and complete a league double over Kolkata.
KL Rahul, ever so calm and composed all throughout the season gave a tough time to the KKR bowling attack.
Eliminator Race Impact
A duo of these wins helped LSG make it to the playoffs while KKR didn’t manage to show consistent form throughout the season.
2023: Another Thrilling Chapter
The rivalry added another memorable chapter, courtesy of IPL 2023.
Last-Ball Thriller at Eden Gardens
One of the most classic clashes between both teams was played at Eden Gardens.
KKR launched a vigorous chase after Lucknow had set up a stiff total. The game was an edge-of-the-seat thriller that went down to the last over with both sides battling for glory.
Gradually making his peace, LSG held their nerves to register a narrow win and take further the stranglehold this rivalry has on it.
Stars like Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Rinku Singh and Andre Russell all played matchwinning knocks at various stages of the season on some occasions such innings were winning in itself.
Playoff Implications
The win ensured that Lucknow remained in the top half of the table while Kolkata continued their search for consistency.
2024: Kolkata Strikes Back
Kolkata Knight Riders finally broke the momentum for this rivalry in IPL 2024.
KKR’s Dominant Performance
KKR finally delivered a much-needed collective effort to claim the victory after being beaten by Lucknow in all three earlier meetings this season.
The batters came together and put up a collective effort, while the bowlers did an admirable job of holding Lucknow in check.
Kolkata depended on the likes of Sunil Narine, Phil Salt and Andre Russell for their victory
Championship Season for KKR
That win against LSG later became a part of the fairytale campaign of Chennai Super Kings as they went on to lift their 2024 IPL trophy.
Of course knocking off Lucknow was a vital part of what turned into KKR championship kissing ensemble.
2025: High-Scoring Entertainment
IPL 2025 offered one of the most run-scoring games in this duel with a crazy quarterfinal.
2025 April-Run Fest-Eden Gardens
The Lucknow Super Giants put up a huge score of 238/3 in 20 overs thanks to some breathtaking hitting from Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh.
- Mitchell Marsh scored 81 runs.
- Nicholas Pooran 87(36)
The Kolkata Knight Riders responded brilliantly and came close, but finished on 234/7, only four runs short. It was then that the chase was spearheaded by Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer, however, LSG managed to hold their nerves towards the end.
Why the Match Was Special
The match featured:
- More than 470 total runs.
- Aggressive batting from both teams.
- An exciting finish going to the last over.
- Outstanding performances from international stars.
Most fans term this as one of the greatest IPL matches of 2025
2026: Rivalry Reaches New Heights
The same season, 2026, provided two memorable contests.
Match 1 – April 9, 2026
At the Eden Gardens, this was their first face-off of the season.
It pushed Kolkata to a competitive total and appeared as if the men in green were set for victory. But Lucknow produced a brilliant chase.
Ace youngster Mukul Choudhary then played a matchwinning innings of 54* from 27 balls and there was also a good contribution from Ayush Badoni. Eventually, LSG chased down the target on the last ball of the match to win by three wickets.
This win proved yet again that Lucknow are a resolute side under pressure against Kolkata.
Match 2 – April 26, 2026
It was the return fixture in Lucknow that transpired into one of the tensest games in IPL history.
The two teams ended on identical scores, therefore heading to a Super Over for the contest.
KKR, thanks to Rinku Singh’s contribution, eventually won the match after the tie-breaker. The match was called as one of the most enthralling matches ever.
Head-to-Head Update
Lucknow led Kolkata 5-2 in overall meetings through the end of the 2026 season.
Some of them include the most memorable players in history of matches between KKR vs LSG
Nicholas Pooran (LSG)
The most destructive batter in this rivalry has been Pooran. KKR bowlers have been constantly troubled by his middle and death over acceleration ability.
Mitchell Marsh (LSG)
The Australian all-rounder has produced quite a few match-winning performances including his explosive 81-run innings in IPL 2025.
Rinku Singh (KKR)
Finisher in Rinku has made him a fan favorite. And his early career tallies in the tight finishes have kept Kolkata in contention against Lucknow.
Sunil Narine (KKR)
Narine has been one of KKR’s most valuable players, whether it meant opening the batting or bowling at key moments.
Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)
His mystery spin has frequently proved useful during KOL’s control of the middle overs and squeezing LSG in.
Key Statistics
| Record | Value |
| First Match | IPL 2022 |
| Total Matches (up to 2026) | 7 |
| LSG Wins | 5 |
| KKR Wins | 2 |
| Highest Team Score | LSG 238/3 (2025) |
| Most Dramatic Match | Super Over Clash (2026) |
| Biggest Run Chase | LSG’s last-ball win in 2026 |
Why This Rivalry Is Growing
There are many reasons why KKR vs LSG is one of the most exciting rivalries in the IPL.
- Consistently close matches.
- Powerful batting lineups.
- Star international players.
- Multiple last-over finishes.
- Playoff implications in several seasons.
While some IPL rivalries such as the KKR vs LSG encounter took years to mature, this one has gained excitement in less than half when it comes to electric matches because almost every match between two side(s) produced memorable moments.
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Conclusion
From the rapidly unfolding thrillers to colossal scores and individual brilliance, the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants timeline features enough dramatic moments. Lucknow have had the better of it overall since their first meeting in 2022, but Kolkata at least have a few memorable wins to their name, including that sensational Super Over victory as recently as 2026.
The KKR-LSG rivalry will continue to be one of the mouth-watering contests in IPL thanks to a strong pool, diligent fans and its tradition for nail-biting duels. Doesn’t matter if it’s a last-ball chase or an edge of the seat Super Over or a batting masterclass, matches between these two teams are hardly dull.
Shivani Singh is a cricket author who writes about match updates, player news, schedules, points tables, and cricket records. She shares easy-to-read and accurate content to keep cricket fans updated with the latest happenings from IPL, World Cup, and international cricket.
