The Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline has become one of the most thrilling rivalries in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). It all started in 2008, when the inaugural match of the IPL saw Brendon McCullum smash a record-breaking 158 not out for KKR. That iconic performance kick-started a rivalry filled with drama, intense battles, and unforgettable moments. Over the years, MI and KKR have built their legacy with strong squads, passionate fanbases, and high-octane matches. The matches between these two sides often influence playoff scenarios and have consistently delivered entertainment to cricket lovers across the world.
Table of Contents
MI vs KKR Match Timeline (2008–2025)
| Year | Match No. | Winner | Venue | Top Performer | Match Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Match 1 | KKR | Eden Gardens | Brendon McCullum | McCullum’s explosive 158* |
| 2008 | Match 2 | MI | Wankhede | Sachin Tendulkar | MI bounced back with dominant win |
| 2009 | Match 1 | MI | Cape Town | Lasith Malinga | MI bowled KKR out cheaply |
| 2009 | Match 2 | MI | Port Elizabeth | JP Duminy | Duminy guided MI to a chase win |
| 2010 | Match 1 | MI | Brabourne | Saurabh Tiwary | Strong middle-order performance |
| 2010 | Match 2 | MI | Eden Gardens | Kieron Pollard | Pollard’s all-round display |
| 2011 | Match 1 | MI | Wankhede | Sachin Tendulkar | Vintage Sachin innings |
| 2011 | Match 2 | KKR | Eden Gardens | Gautam Gambhir | Gambhir led with calm chase |
| 2012 | Match 1 | KKR | Wankhede | Sunil Narine | Narine’s mystery spin dominated |
| 2012 | Match 2 | MI | Eden Gardens | Rohit Sharma | Match-winning half-century |
| 2013 | Match 1 | MI | Eden Gardens | Dwayne Smith | Late blitz stunned KKR |
| 2013 | Match 2 | MI | Wankhede | Harbhajan Singh | Bhajji’s 3-wicket haul |
| 2014 | Match 1 | KKR | Abu Dhabi | Jacques Kallis | Kallis’ balanced innings |
| 2014 | Match 2 | KKR | Cuttack | Robin Uthappa | Uthappa’s purple patch continues |
| 2015 | Match 1 | MI | Eden Gardens | Lendl Simmons | MI started strong |
| 2015 | Match 2 | MI | Wankhede | Rohit Sharma | Rohit led from the front |
| 2016 | Match 1 | MI | Wankhede | Jasprit Bumrah | Death bowling masterclass |
| 2016 | Match 2 | KKR | Eden Gardens | Andre Russell | Powerful knock ensured win |
| 2017 | Match 1 | MI | Wankhede | Nitish Rana | Rana’s quick 50 set tone |
| 2017 | Match 2 | MI | Eden Gardens | Krunal Pandya | All-round performance |
| 2017 | Qualifier 2 | MI | Bengaluru | Karn Sharma | MI reached finals again |
| 2018 | Match 1 | MI | Wankhede | Hardik Pandya | Quickfire cameo & wickets |
| 2018 | Match 2 | MI | Eden Gardens | Evin Lewis | Dominant opening stand |
| 2019 | Match 1 | MI | Wankhede | Rohit Sharma | MI maintained dominance |
| 2019 | Match 2 | KKR | Eden Gardens | Andre Russell | Brutal hitting from Russell |
| 2020 | Match 1 | MI | Abu Dhabi | Quinton de Kock | Easy chase by MI |
| 2020 | Match 2 | MI | Dubai | Trent Boult | Deadly spell in powerplay |
| 2021 | Match 1 | MI | Chennai | Rahul Chahar | 4-wicket haul on slow pitch |
| 2021 | Match 2 | KKR | Abu Dhabi | Venkatesh Iyer | Stunning debut innings |
| 2022 | Match 1 | KKR | Wankhede | Pat Cummins | Fastest IPL fifty (14 balls) |
| 2022 | Match 2 | MI | DY Patil | Tilak Varma | Youngster’s match-winning knock |
| 2023 | Match 1 | MI | Eden Gardens | Rohit Sharma | Anchored the chase |
| 2023 | Match 2 | KKR | Wankhede | Rinku Singh | Late heroics stole the show |
| 2024 | Match 1 | MI | Eden Gardens | Suryakumar Yadav | 70+ blitz to seal win |
| 2024 | Match 2 | KKR | Wankhede | Sunil Narine | Controlled the middle overs |
| 2025 | Match 1 | KKR | Wankhede | Shreyas Iyer | Captained a clinical chase |
| 2025 | Match 2 | MI | Eden Gardens | Arjun Tendulkar | Breakthrough 3-wicket haul |
Year-by-Year Analysis of MI vs KKR Matches
- IPL 2008 – The Beginning of the Rivalry
The rivalry began with a bang in 2008, when Brendon McCullum unleashed a never-seen-before assault on the Mumbai bowling attack. His 158 not out remains one of the greatest IPL innings ever. Although KKR took the early lead, Mumbai Indians came back stronger in the second game, thanks to a solid performance from Sachin Tendulkar. It was clear that this contest would be one of the marquee fixtures in the tournament.
- IPL 2010–2015 – MI’s Dominant Era
During this phase, Mumbai Indians were near-invincible against KKR. With players like Rohit Sharma, Pollard, and Malinga, MI often outclassed KKR in both home and away games. Their depth and consistency saw them win the IPL in 2013 and 2015, further asserting dominance. KKR, despite their strong squad, struggled to break MI’s stronghold.
- IPL 2017 – KKR’s Comeback
The 2017 season saw KKR putting up a better fight. Although MI won both league games and the qualifier, KKR had moments of brilliance, especially with Andre Russell and Sunil Narine putting on impactful performances. The rivalry became more balanced with emerging players like Nitish Rana switching sides.
- IPL 2020–2023 – Nail-Biting Matches
These seasons brought close encounters. Rinku Singh’s miraculous finishes, Pat Cummins’ 14-ball fifty, and Venkatesh Iyer’s impactful knocks made for unforgettable moments. The COVID-affected 2020 season in the UAE also saw tactical battles between the franchises. While MI continued their strong record, KKR showed grit and promise.
- IPL 2024 & 2025 – Recent Face-Offs
The most recent seasons have continued the seesaw pattern. With youngsters like Arjun Tendulkar stepping up for MI and Shreyas Iyer leading KKR smartly, the rivalry has taken a fresh shape. The teams have traded wins, keeping fans guessing. This new era shows that the Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is only getting richer.
Head-to-Head Stats of MI vs KKR
- Total matches played: 34 (as of 2025)
- Wins by MI: 21
- Wins by KKR: 13
- Highest total (MI): 210/4 (2018)
- Highest total (KKR): 205/5 (2019)
- Lowest total (MI): 115 all out (2012)
- Lowest total (KKR): 108 all out (2009)
Memorable Moments in MI vs KKR Timeline
- Rohit Sharma’s Big Innings
Rohit Sharma, the MI skipper, has consistently dominated KKR, with multiple fifties and match-winning performances. His 94 in 2015* and captaincy brilliance have left a huge mark on the rivalry.
- Rinku Singh’s Heroics
Rinku Singh’s finish at Wankhede in 2023 remains legendary. His sixes in the death overs turned a near-loss into a stunning KKR win, earning viral fame and solidifying his rising status.
- Andre Russell’s Explosive Finishes
No list of MI vs KKR moments is complete without Andre Russell. His brutal power-hitting, especially his 80 off 40 balls in 2019*, dismantled MI and gave KKR one of their most dominant wins.
Top Performers Over the Years
- Top run-scorers: Rohit Sharma (MI), Gautam Gambhir (KKR), Robin Uthappa (KKR)
- Top wicket-takers: Lasith Malinga (MI), Sunil Narine (KKR), Jasprit Bumrah (MI)
- Most sixes: Andre Russell (KKR), Kieron Pollard (MI)
- Best bowling figures: Lasith Malinga (5/13), Sunil Narine (4/15)
MI vs KKR at Iconic Venues
- Wankhede Stadium
The home of Mumbai Indians, Wankhede has seen thrilling finishes and roaring support. MI has a dominant record here, including big wins against KKR.
- Eden Gardens
KKR’s fortress, Eden has hosted some nail-biting games, including McCullum’s 158 and Shreyas Iyer’s composed chase in 2025.
- Neutral Venues (like UAE in 2020)
In 2020, due to COVID, matches were held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. MI continued their supremacy with smart bowling and clinical batting performances.
Social Media Buzz Around MI vs KKR
Every MI vs KKR clash becomes a digital carnival. Twitter trends explode with hashtags like #MIvsKKR and #BattleOfTheBluesAndPurple. Fans flood Instagram with memes, especially when Russell or Rohit go berserk. Rinku Singh’s 2023 finish became one of the most shared clips that season.
Future of the MI vs KKR Rivalry
With young stars like Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Arjun Tendulkar, and Venkatesh Iyer, the future looks bright. Both franchises are grooming talents and retaining core players. The Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is evolving into a rivalry of generations, with predictions pointing to more finals clashes and historic moments.
Conclusion
The Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is filled with iconic innings, match-turning spells, and unforgettable drama. From McCullum’s 2008 fireworks to Arjun Tendulkar’s 2025 breakthrough, this rivalry has stood the test of time. As both teams continue to innovate and invest in youth, fans can expect the saga of MI vs KKR to grow even grander in the coming IPL seasons.
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