Certain rivalries in the IPL take years to develop fully. However, Kolkata and Lucknow have managed to foster one in just a few seasons.
The timeline for KKR against LSG began with the entrance of Lucknow Super Giants into the Indian Premier League in 2022. What appeared to be a simple contest between an established franchise and a newcomer turned out to be quite unpredictable. Lucknow claimed victory in their first three encounters, while Kolkata made a comeback with two wins in 2024. The subsequent matches showcased high scores, closely contested finishes, and ultimately led to a Super Over.
By the conclusion of their second meeting in IPL 2026, both teams had faced off eight times. Lucknow led the series 5-3, but this figure hardly captures how fiercely competitive this rivalry had become. The winning margins varied, with extremes of 75 runs and 98 runs contrasted by results decided by one run, two runs, four runs, three wickets on the last ball, and a Super Over.
This unique blend of outcomes has made revisiting this emerging IPL rivalry worthwhile from its inception.
How the KKR vs LSG Rivalry Began
When Lucknow Super Giants joined the league in 2022, Kolkata Knight Riders were already a well-established team in the IPL. KKR had tasted championship success and endured many pressure-filled situations, while LSG was starting afresh.
However, the newcomer did not act like a typical expansion team.
In the early stages of the KKR vs LSG timeline, Lucknow dominated the competition. LSG secured victories in both encounters in 2022 and added another win in 2023. More significantly, the nature of their victories varied.
The first encounter was straightforward. The second evolved into a nail-biting two-run finish. The third concluded with just a single run determining the winner. Within three matches, the rivalry transformed from being largely one-sided to intensely competitive.
This trend became a hallmark of the rivalry: predicting match outcomes based on previous encounters often proved unreliable.
2022: Lucknow’s Excellent Opening
May 7, 2022 – LSG Triumphs by 75 Runs
The inaugural match occurred at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium located in Pune. Lucknow set a score of 176/7 and then bowled Kolkata out for a mere 101, resulting in a 75-run victory.
For LSG, this was the perfect start to their rivalry. Meanwhile, it posed a challenging debut for KKR against the IPL newcomers.
The scoreline remains significant as no subsequent matches between these teams replicated the same format. Kolkata would ultimately achieve an even more significant win, while many other contests came down to the wire.
May 18, 2022 – A Nail-Biting Two-Run Finish
Just 11 days later, the dynamic of the rivalry shifted dramatically.
- Lucknow scored 210/0.
- With a target of 211, Kolkata faced a daunting challenge, yet they fought valiantly to reach 208/8.
- LSG narrowly secured victory by just two runs.
This marked the first true thriller in the KKR vs LSG timeline. Instead of merely being remembered as another triumph for Lucknow, this match illustrated how quickly the balance of power could shift in their encounters.
LSG wrapped up their inaugural season with a perfect record of 2-0 against Kolkata, but their second matchup served as an early indication that future encounters might be challenging.
2023: A Single Run Distinguishes the Teams at Eden Gardens
The two teams faced off only once during IPL 2023, yet the contest contributed another thrilling segment to the saga.
On May 20, Lucknow posted a score of 176/8 at Eden Gardens. Kolkata countered with 175/7, falling just short by one run.
Consider the trend:
- LSG’s initial win over KKR was by 75 runs
- followed by a win by two runs
- and then a victory by one run
Lucknow led the overall series 3-0, but the figures were somewhat deceptive. Kolkata was closing the gap in each encounter.
The one-run loss also positioned Eden Gardens as a crucial venue in this rivalry. The home fans watched their squad come within one score of breaking Lucknow’s unbeaten streak against them.
That moment of breakthrough ultimately came in the subsequent season.
2024: Kolkata Completely Transform the Rivalry
While 2022 and 2023 were dominated by LSG, the 2024 timeline for KKR vs LSG turned into a Kolkata narrative.
KKR achieved more than just their initial win over Lucknow; they claimed two victories in significantly varied fashions.
April 14, 2024 – KKR Finally Triumphs Over LSG
Back at Eden Gardens, Lucknow put up a score of 161/7. Kolkata confidently pursued the target of 162, reaching 162/2 to secure an eight-wicket victory.
After suffering three straight defeats, KKR finally found their solution.
The significance of this match extended beyond securing two league points. Kolkata had spent the first three matches striving unsuccessfully to conquer Lucknow. An eight-wicket triumph transformed their psychological perspective immediately.
May 5, 2024 – KKR Makes a 98-Run Statement
The rematch in Lucknow was even more decisive.
Kolkata powered through to a score of 235/6 at Ekana before bowling out LSG for 137. The ensuing 98-run victory stands as the largest margin of victory in runs in encounters between the teams until the 2026 season.
Suddenly, the overall record turned to 3-2.
More crucially, KKR demonstrated their capability to defeat LSG both while chasing down a target and while defending a substantial score. The rivalry no longer appeared to be a domain solely for Lucknow.
2025: Eden Gardens Becomes a High-Scoring Venue
The encounter in 2025 offered something entirely different: a total of 472 runs with a finish determined by a mere four runs.
Lucknow launched an impressive 238/3 at Eden Gardens. Kolkata responded with vigor, tallying 234/7, but LSG managed to clinch the win by four runs.
For those tracking the KKR vs LSG timeline, this further highlighted the peculiar connection this fixture has with nail-biting finishes. LSG had now triumphed over KKR by margins of:
- two runs
- one run
- four runs
across three different seasons.
It also halted Kolkata’s two-match winning streak and extended Lucknow’s overall lead to 4-2.
Instead of allowing KKR’s robust performances in 2024 to set a new standard, Lucknow quickly reclaimed their advantage.
IPL 2026: Two Games, Two Incredible Conclusions
The 2026 season arguably showcased the most captivating chapter in the rivalry to date. Kolkata and Lucknow played twice, with each team securing one victory, yet neither win came without a struggle.
April 9, 2026 – Lucknow Clinches It on the Final Delivery
At Eden Gardens, Kolkata registered a score of 181 runs for 4 wickets. Ajinkya Rahane contributed significantly with 41 runs off 24 balls, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi added 45 runs from 33 balls.
The chase by Lucknow seemed shaky at various moments; however, Ayush Badoni scored 54 runs, and Mukul Choudhary delivered the match-winning innings. Choudhary remained not out with a score of 54 runs off just 27 balls, helping LSG achieve 182 runs for 7 wickets on the last ball, securing victory by three wickets.
The IPL’s official report emphasized Choudhary’s impressive seven sixes and the pivotal eighth-wicket stand with Avesh Khan. This late-game twist was exactly the sort of excitement that has become characteristic of this match-up.
Lucknow increased their wins against Kolkata to five, but the rematch of the season promised even more unexpected developments.
April 26, 2026 – KKR Claims Victory in a Super Over Thriller
At Ekana Stadium, the timeline of KKR versus LSG reached an exciting peak.
KKR managed to score only 155 runs while losing 7 wickets, as Mohsin Khan dismantled their batting lineup, taking five wickets. Nevertheless, Rinku Singh came through with a crucial 83 runs off 51 deliveries, keeping Kolkata in the competition.
Lucknow also ended their innings at 155 runs, with Mohammed Shami hitting a six off the final ball, resulting in a tie.
For the first instance in this competition, a Super Over was necessary.
Sunil Narine then emerged as the pivotal player as Kolkata triumphed in the one-over showdown, transforming what appeared to be a challenging evening into one of their most incredible victories over LSG.
This victory narrowed Lucknow’s overall lead to 5-3 and confirmed that the 2026 season series concluded at 1-1.
Complete KKR versus LSG Head-to-Head Results
The comprehensive timeline of KKR against LSG through the IPL 2026 consists of eight completed matches:
- May 7, 2022: LSG scored 176 runs for 7 wickets; KKR managed 101 runs – LSG won by 75 runs.
- May 18, 2022: LSG tallied 210 runs without losing any wickets; KKR scored 208 runs for 8 wickets – LSG won by 2 runs.
- May 20, 2023: LSG got 176 runs for 8 wickets; KKR reached 175 runs for 7 wickets – LSG won by 1 run.
- April 14, 2024: LSG made 161 runs for 7 wickets; KKR completed 162 runs for 2 wickets – KKR won by 8 wickets.
- May 5, 2024: KKR posted 235 runs for 6 wickets; LSG only scored 137 runs – KKR won by 98 runs.
- April 8, 2025: LSG reached 238 runs for 3 wickets; KKR scored 234 runs for 7 wickets – LSG won by 4 runs.
- April 9, 2026: KKR put up 181 runs for 4 wickets; LSG responded with 182 runs for 7 wickets – LSG won by 3 wickets.
- April 26, 2026: KKR made 155 runs for 7 wickets; LSG reached 155 runs for 8 wickets – match tied; KKR won in the Super Over.
Following these eight encounters, Lucknow leads Kolkata 5-3.
What Distinguishes KKR vs LSG?
Simply looking at statistics does not clarify why this rivalry has rapidly gained excitement.
To start, there is no consistent pattern in the matches. We have experienced successful run chases, impressive first-innings scores, batting failures, commanding victories, tense finishes, and a Super Over.
Additionally, the close results consistently create pressure. Four of Lucknow’s initial five wins against Kolkata were determined by margins of two runs, one run, four runs, and a finish with three wickets lost on the last ball.
Furthermore, both home grounds have been the setting for significant events. Eden Gardens has held numerous high-scoring or tightly contested matches, while Ekana witnessed KKR’s 98-run triumph in 2024 and the thrilling Super Over in 2026.
The timeline of KKR versus LSG thus seems less predictable compared to its relatively brief history.
Major Turning Points in the Rivalry
Three key instances stand out prominently.
The first was Lucknow’s score of 210 runs without losing a wicket in 2022, followed by a narrow two-run victory.
This transformed the contest from a standard league game into a memorable event for fans.
The second was KKR’s impressive 98-run win in Lucknow during 2024.
After losing their initial three encounters, KKR managed to secure back-to-back victories, demonstrating that the rivalry could shift dramatically.
The third highlight was the Super Over in 2026.
Rinku Singh’s incredible performance, Shami’s critical six on the last ball, and Narine’s impact in the eliminator included various momentum shifts within a single evening.
These matches illustrate why the rivalry should not be solely evaluated by the 5-3 head-to-head record.
KKR versus LSG Record Following IPL 2026
At the conclusion of the 2026 league meetings, the statistics lean in favor of Lucknow.
LSG has achieved five wins, in contrast to KKR’s three, which includes their Super Over victory. Lucknow also triumphed in their first three matchups and has consistently shown the capability to navigate through very close outcomes.
Kolkata, on the other hand, holds the record for the most significant victory between these teams: their win by 98 runs in 2024. Additionally, they became the inaugural team in this rivalry to secure a win through a Super Over in 2026.
The timeline of KKR versus LSG thus unfolds as a tale of two differing strengths. Lucknow has excelled at amassing victories throughout the rivalry, whereas Kolkata has produced some of its most impressive and dramatic responses.
Final Thoughts
While eight matches might seem insufficient to establish a notable IPL rivalry, Kolkata and Lucknow have packed a remarkable level of excitement into those contests.
LSG began with three consecutive victories. KKR made a comeback with two strong wins in 2024. Lucknow then responded with a thrilling encounter that totaled 472 runs in 2025 and later snagged another game on the final delivery in 2026. Kolkata retaliated with a Super Over victory later the same month.
This progression illustrates why the KKR vs LSG Timeline merits attention beyond just the numerical score of 5-3. Although it is still an emerging rivalry, it already features nail-biting one-run losses, impressive totals, commanding victories, extraordinary individual displays, and a Super Over.
If the upcoming seasons follow this same trajectory, the matchup between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants could evolve into one of the most reliably unpredictable contemporary contests in the IPL.
