Over the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has provided cricket fans with several thrilling rivalries. One of the most entertaining contests of recent seasons has been the one between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Lucknow Super Giants entered the IPL fold in 2022 but their duels with Kolkata Knight Riders have already been nail biting, high scoring games and unforgettable individual performances.
This detailed Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline takes you through each big match played between the two teams, their H2H record, standout performances and the growth of this budding IPL rivalry. Whether you are a hard-core LSG supporter or a passionate KKR fan, this guide is all that you need to know in a simple and easy-to-understand format.
Overview of Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders
| Team | Founded | Home Ground | IPL Titles |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 2022 | Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | 0 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2008 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 3 |
| Owners (LSG) | RPSG Group | – | – |
| Owners (KKR) | Knight Riders Group | – | – |
Lucknow Super Giants were one of the two new franchises that entered the IPL in 2022 and became a competitive side right away. In contrast, Kolkata Knight Riders is one of the most successful teams in IPL winning multiple championships. The Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline suggests a battle between an emerging force and an established winner.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline (2022-2026)
Here is the complete timeline of IPL matches between LSG and KKR.
| Year | Winner | Margin | Venue |
| 2022 | Lucknow Super Giants | 75 Runs | Pune |
| 2022 | Lucknow Super Giants | 2 Runs | Mumbai (Eliminator) |
| 2023 | Lucknow Super Giants | 1 Run | Kolkata |
| 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 Wickets | Kolkata |
| 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 98 Runs | Lucknow |
| 2025 | Lucknow Super Giants | 4 Runs | Kolkata |
| 2025 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 54 Runs | Lucknow |
Match-by-Match Breakdown
IPL 2022: LSG Announce Their Arrival
Match 1: Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders
- Date: May 18, 2022
- Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Pune
- Winner: Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giants scored an impressive 210/0 thanks to brilliant batting from Quinton de Kock (140*) and KL Rahul (68*). KKR struggled during the chase and were bowled out for 101.
This match became a historic moment in the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline because it showcased LSG’s dominance in only their debut IPL season.
Match 2: IPL 2022 Eliminator
The Eliminator between the two sides remains one of the greatest IPL knockout games.
- LSG: 176/7
- KKR: 174/8
- Result: LSG won by 2 runs.
Marcus Stoinis and Mohsin Khan played crucial roles as Lucknow held their nerves in the final over. Despite Rinku Singh‘s late heroics, Kolkata fell just short. This victory helped Lucknow reach Qualifier 2 in their inaugural season.
IPL 2023: Another Nail-Biter
Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants
- Venue: Eden Gardens
- Winner: Lucknow Super Giants
- Margin: 1 Run
The 2023 encounter added another exciting chapter to the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders saga.
Lucknow batted first and put up a challenging total. KKR had a comfortable chase but the LSG bowlers came back nicely in the death overs. Nicholas Pooran’s explosive batting and Ravi Bishnoi’s disciplined bowling were the decisive factors.
Key Performers:
| Player | Performance |
| Nicholas Pooran | Quick-fire fifty |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Crucial wickets |
| Andre Russell | Late hitting for KKR |
| Sunil Narine | Economical spell |
Lucknow’s one-run win further strengthened their head-to-head advantage.
IPL 2024: Kolkata’s Strong Comeback
After losing three consecutive matches to Lucknow, Kolkata Knight Riders finally turned the tide in IPL 2024.
Match 1: KKR vs LSG
KKR delivered a dominant performance at Eden Gardens.
- KKR: 235+
- LSG: Fell short comfortably.
- Result: KKR won by 8 wickets.
Sunil Narine’s aggressive batting at the top completely changed the game. Phil Salt also contributed significantly as Kolkata chased the target with ease.
Match 2: LSG vs KKR
The second encounter was even more one-sided.
- KKR: Massive total.
- LSG: Struggled throughout.
- Result: KKR won by 98 runs.
This became one of Lucknow’s heaviest defeats in IPL history.
The back-to-back victories shifted the momentum of the rivalry and made the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline much more competitive.
IPL 2025: Rivalry Gets Even Better
IPL 2025 witnessed both teams exchanging victories.
Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow secured a thrilling four-run victory in Kolkata.
Highlights:
- Strong middle-order performance.
- Excellent death bowling.
- The match was decided in the final over.
Young Indian players from both sides impressed fans and demonstrated the depth of talent in the IPL.
Match 2: Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata responded emphatically later in the season.
- KKR won by 54 runs.
- Batters dominated proceedings.
- Bowlers maintained pressure throughout.
This result ensured that neither team gained complete control over the rivalry heading into IPL 2026.
Head-to-Head Record
The Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline shows an evenly contested rivalry despite Lucknow’s early dominance.
| Statistic | LSG | KKR |
| Matches Played | 7 | 7 |
| Wins | 4 | 3 |
| Highest Total | 210/0 | 235+ |
| Lowest Total | 101 | 101+ |
| Biggest Win | 75 Runs | 98 Runs |
The numbers indicate how quickly Kolkata has closed the gap after Lucknow’s strong start.
Top Performers in LSG vs KKR Matches
Highest Run Scorers
| Player | Runs |
| Quinton de Kock | 200+ |
| Nicholas Pooran | 150+ |
| Sunil Narine | 140+ |
| Andre Russell | 120+ |
| KL Rahul | 100+ |
Leading Wicket Takers
| Player | Wickets |
| Ravi Bishnoi | 10+ |
| Sunil Narine | 8+ |
| Varun Chakravarthy | 7+ |
| Mohsin Khan | 6+ |
| Harshit Rana | 5+ |
These players have consistently influenced the outcome of matches in the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline.
Memorable Moments from the Rivalry
1. Quinton de Kock 140*
LSG posted 210 for no loss thanks to one of the best IPL innings in 2022 by the South African wicketkeeper.
2. 2022: The Eliminator Thriller
It was one of the great contests between the two sides, a two-run win in a knockout game.
3. Big Win for Kolkata by 98 Runs
KKR’s smashing victory in 2024 reaffirmed to the world why they are one of the most formidable franchises in IPL history.
4. Nicholas Pooran’s match-winning knocks
Pooran has a history of thriving against Kolkata under pressure.
5. Sunil Narine’s All-Round Magic
His batting and bowling contributions have made Narine one of the most influential players in this rivalry.
Why This Rivalry Is Growing
Several factors have contributed to the popularity of the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline:
- Close finishes.
- Star-studded lineups.
- Playoff encounters.
- Young Indian talents.
- Strong fan bases.
- Competitive head-to-head record.
Unlike some older IPL rivalries, this one has developed rapidly and continues to attract significant attention from cricket fans.
What to Expect in IPL 2026
The IPL 2026 season promises another exciting chapter.
Fans can expect:
- New player combinations.
- Tactical battles.
- High-scoring games.
- Potential playoff meetings.
- Emerging stars making an impact.
With both franchises possessing balanced squads, the rivalry is likely to remain highly competitive for years to come.
Conclusion
The Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline illustrates how quickly a new IPL rivalry can capture the imagination of cricket fans. Every time these two sides have met, there has been something to remember be it Quinton de Kock’s record-breaking innings, thrilling one-run finishes or Kolkata’s dominant comeback in 2024.
Lucknow has a slightly better overall record than Kolkata but Kolkata’s recent form suggests that the rivalry is not over by any stretch of imagination. IPL 2026 is just around the corner and fans are waiting with baited breath to see the next edition of the thrilling battle. One thing is for sure, when Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders come face to face, entertainment is guaranteed.
FAQs About Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
1. What is the overall head-to-head record in the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline?
As of the end of IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants lead the head-to-head record with 4 wins, while Kolkata Knight Riders have won 3 matches.
2. Which was the most memorable match between LSG and KKR?
The IPL 2022 Eliminator is widely considered the most memorable match, with Lucknow Super Giants winning by just two runs.
3. Who has scored the highest individual score in LSG vs KKR matches?
Quinton de Kock holds the record with an unbeaten 140 runs for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022.
4. Has Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Lucknow Super Giants by a big margin?
Yes. Kolkata Knight Riders registered a massive 98-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2024.
5. Why is the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline popular among IPL fans?
The rivalry is popular because of close finishes, playoff drama, star players like Sunil Narine and Nicholas Pooran, and its competitive nature despite being relatively new.