Although Gujarat Titans (GT) joined the Indian Premier League in 2022, their rivalry with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has already delivered unforgettable moments. Every meeting has featured high-quality cricket, dramatic finishes, and standout individual performances. From Gujarat’s dream debut season to Rinku Singh’s legendary five sixes and Kolkata’s championship-winning campaign, this fixture has quickly become one of the IPL’s most entertaining matchups.
Unlike many long-established IPL rivalries, GT vs KKR is still writing its history. Every season has introduced a new storyline, making each encounter highly anticipated by cricket fans.
This complete timeline explores every chapter of the rivalry, including memorable matches, head-to-head statistics, iconic performances, and the moments that have shaped this young but exciting contest.
Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
| Year | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in their first-ever IPL meeting during GT’s debut season. |
| 2022 | Gujarat went on to win the IPL title in their inaugural season. |
| 2023 | Kolkata stunned Gujarat in Ahmedabad thanks to Rinku Singh’s unforgettable five consecutive sixes. |
| 2023 | Gujarat won the return fixture at Eden Gardens by seven wickets. |
| 2023 | Rashid Khan claimed his only IPL hat-trick against Kolkata. |
| 2024 | Gujarat defeated Kolkata despite KKR eventually winning the IPL championship. |
| 2025 | Gujarat won by 39 runs at Eden Gardens, powered by Shubman Gill’s captain’s innings. |
| 2025 | Another scheduled meeting ended with no result because of rain. |
| 2026 | Gujarat continued their strong head-to-head record with another victory. |
Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders Head-to-Head Record
Despite being one of the IPL’s newest rivalries, Gujarat Titans have established a clear advantage over Kolkata Knight Riders.
| Record | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 6 |
| Gujarat Titans Wins | 4 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders Wins | 1 |
| No Result | 1 |
| GT Lowest Total | 156 |
| KKR Lowest Total | 148 |
| IPL Titles | GT – 1, KKR – 3 |
The statistics show Gujarat’s impressive consistency against one of the IPL’s most successful franchises. While Kolkata have enjoyed greater overall IPL success with three championships, Gujarat have controlled this particular matchup since entering the league.
Why This Rivalry Became Popular So Quickly
Most IPL rivalries develop over a decade or more, but GT vs KKR became exciting almost immediately.
There are several reasons why this fixture attracts so much attention:
- Gujarat won the IPL in their very first season.
- Kolkata remain one of the league’s biggest and most supported franchises.
- The rivalry has already produced one of the greatest finishes in IPL history.
- Several future Indian stars have played central roles in these matches.
- Every meeting has carried playoff implications or championship significance.
Unlike some rivalries that are defined purely by statistics, Gujarat vs Kolkata has become memorable because nearly every encounter has created a lasting highlight.
The Story Begins: Gujarat’s Dream Debut
When Gujarat Titans entered the IPL in 2022, expectations were modest.
Expansion franchises usually require several seasons to build competitive squads, establish team chemistry, and challenge established teams. Gujarat ignored that script completely.
Led by Hardik Pandya, the Titans immediately became one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
Their first meeting against Kolkata Knight Riders ended with Gujarat securing an important victory, giving the new franchise an early psychological advantage.
More importantly, the victory demonstrated that Gujarat were capable of defeating experienced IPL teams despite being newcomers.
2022 Timeline
First GT vs KKR Match
- Gujarat Titans won.
- Lockie Ferguson played a major role.
- Gujarat strengthened their position in the league standings.
The result would later become even more interesting because Ferguson eventually represented Kolkata after moving franchises.
Gujarat Complete a Fairytale Season
The victory over Kolkata became just one chapter in an unforgettable debut campaign.
Throughout the 2022 season, Gujarat consistently found ways to win close matches.
Several factors contributed to their remarkable success:
- Outstanding captaincy
- Balanced bowling attack
- Reliable middle-order batting
- Match-winning all-rounders
- Calm performances under pressure
By the end of the season, Gujarat had achieved something no expansion franchise had previously managed—they became IPL champions in their very first year.
Winning the title instantly transformed Gujarat from the league’s newest team into one of its biggest contenders.
Why the 2022 Victory Was Important
Although it was only one league match, defeating Kolkata carried long-term significance.
KKR were already one of the IPL’s most respected franchises, with:
- Multiple championships
- Experienced international players
- Massive fan support
- One of cricket’s most iconic home venues
For Gujarat to defeat such an established opponent in their debut season sent a clear message to the rest of the IPL.
The Titans were not simply participating in the tournament—they intended to compete for trophies immediately.
Gujarat vs Kolkata: A Clash of Different Histories
One of the most fascinating aspects of this rivalry is the contrast between the two franchises.
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Founded in 2008
- Original IPL franchise
- Three-time IPL champions
- Eden Gardens home ground
- One of the league’s largest fan bases
Gujarat Titans
- Founded in 2022
- Expansion franchise
- IPL champions in debut season
- Narendra Modi Stadium home ground
- Built around young Indian talent and smart recruitment
The rivalry represents two completely different journeys.
Kolkata built their legacy over more than a decade, winning championships under different captains and squads.
Gujarat achieved immediate success, becoming champions before many new franchises would even expect to reach the playoffs.
Early Rivalry Timeline
| Season | Winner | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans | First-ever meeting |
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans | Went on to win IPL title |
| 2023 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Rinku Singh created IPL history |
| 2023 | Gujarat Titans | Won return fixture |
| 2024 | Gujarat Titans | Continued head-to-head dominance |
| 2025 | Gujarat Titans | Shubman Gill starred |
| 2026 | Gujarat Titans | Extended rivalry lead |
A Rivalry That Changed IPL History
Most rivalries are remembered for close records.
GT vs KKR is different.
This rivalry is remembered because one extraordinary match changed how cricket fans viewed both teams.
That unforgettable contest came during the 2023 IPL season, producing one of the greatest finishes in T20 cricket history and creating a moment that continues to define the rivalry today.
2023: The Season That Defined the Rivalry
If there is one season that every cricket fan associates with the Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry, it is IPL 2023. The teams met twice, and both matches produced unforgettable moments. One became famous for an incredible last-over finish, while the other reminded everyone why Gujarat Titans were among the league’s strongest sides.
Although Gujarat continued to enjoy the better head-to-head record, Kolkata created a moment that is still replayed whenever this rivalry is discussed.
April 9, 2023: Rinku Singh Creates IPL History
The first meeting of the 2023 season took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Gujarat Titans posted a challenging total and looked certain to win as Kolkata needed 29 runs from the final over. Few believed the match could still be rescued.
Then came one of the greatest finishes in IPL history.
With Kolkata needing five consecutive sixes to win, Rinku Singh delivered exactly that. He smashed five successive maximums in the final over, completing an astonishing chase and giving Kolkata a dramatic three-wicket victory.
The innings instantly became one of the most iconic moments in IPL history and transformed Rinku Singh into one of India’s most talked-about finishers.
Why Rinku Singh’s Knock Was Special
Several factors made this innings unforgettable:
- Five consecutive sixes under extreme pressure
- One of the greatest successful finishes in IPL history
- A memorable away victory against the defending champions
- A defining moment in Rinku Singh’s career
- One of the IPL’s most-watched highlights
Years later, fans still remember the match simply as “Rinku’s five sixes.”
Match Summary
| Match | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT vs KKR (2023) | Narendra Modi Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 3 wickets |
Rashid Khan’s Hat-Trick Goes Unnoticed
One remarkable aspect of this match is that Rashid Khan claimed a hat-trick, yet it is rarely the first thing fans remember.
Normally, an IPL hat-trick dominates headlines. However, Rinku Singh’s extraordinary finish overshadowed Rashid’s achievement, making it one of the rare occasions where both teams produced historic individual performances in the same match.
It remains the only IPL hat-trick of Rashid Khan’s career and highlights how extraordinary the contest was.
The Return Match: Gujarat Respond
The rivalry shifted back in Gujarat’s favor when the teams met again later in the season at Eden Gardens.
Unlike the dramatic finish in Ahmedabad, Gujarat controlled the contest and secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
Their disciplined bowling restricted Kolkata before the batters completed the chase with confidence, leveling the season series at one win each.
The result also demonstrated Gujarat’s ability to bounce back after one of the most painful defeats in franchise history.
2023 Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2023 | Rinku Singh hit five consecutive sixes to win the match for Kolkata. |
| April 2023 | Rashid Khan took his first IPL hat-trick. |
| Later in 2023 | Gujarat defeated Kolkata at Eden Gardens by seven wickets. |
| End of Season | Gujarat reached another IPL final. |
Shubman Gill’s Growing Influence
The 2023 season also marked the rise of Shubman Gill as Gujarat Titans’ batting leader.
Interestingly, Gill had begun his IPL career with Kolkata Knight Riders before moving to Gujarat, adding another layer of intrigue whenever the two teams faced each other.
Against his former franchise, Gill consistently produced valuable innings, combining elegant stroke play with remarkable consistency.
His performances helped Gujarat remain one of the strongest batting sides in the tournament.
Why Gujarat Continued to Hold the Edge
Despite Kolkata’s unforgettable victory, Gujarat remained the stronger team across the rivalry.
Several reasons explain their success:
- A settled batting lineup
- Rashid Khan’s match-winning bowling
- Excellent pace attack
- Calm leadership under Hardik Pandya
- Strong performances in pressure situations
While Kolkata owned the rivalry’s most famous moment, Gujarat continued to collect victories more consistently.
The Match Everyone Still Talks About
Ask any IPL fan about GT vs KKR, and the conversation almost always begins with Rinku Singh’s five sixes.
That single over became larger than the rivalry itself.
It inspired countless highlight videos, social media clips, and discussions among cricket fans. Even today, whenever Gujarat and Kolkata prepare to face each other, broadcasters revisit those unforgettable final five deliveries.
The match proved that a single extraordinary performance can become the defining memory of an entire rivalry.
End of the 2023 Season
Although Gujarat lost one of the most dramatic matches in IPL history, they still enjoyed another outstanding campaign, reaching the IPL final for the second consecutive season.
Kolkata, meanwhile, gained confidence from one of the greatest victories in franchise history—a result that would help lay the foundation for their championship-winning campaign the following year.
The rivalry had now developed two distinct identities:
- Gujarat Titans owned the better overall record.
- Kolkata Knight Riders owned the rivalry’s most unforgettable moment.
This contrast is what makes Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders one of the IPL’s most fascinating modern rivalries.
2024: Gujarat Wins the Match, Kolkata Wins the Trophy
The 2024 IPL season added another fascinating chapter to the Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline. Although Gujarat Titans defeated Kolkata in their league-stage meeting, the bigger picture unfolded differently by the end of the tournament.
Kolkata Knight Riders went on to dominate the season, finishing as IPL 2024 champions and lifting their third IPL trophy. Gujarat, meanwhile, missed out on the playoffs despite adding another victory to their head-to-head record against KKR.
This season proved that a single rivalry result does not always reflect a team’s overall campaign.
2024 Match Summary
| Venue | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Narendra Modi Stadium | Gujarat Titans | GT won the league match |
While Gujarat celebrated another victory over Kolkata, KKR had the final laugh by becoming IPL champions later that season.
Shubman Gill Takes Charge
Following Hardik Pandya’s departure, Shubman Gill became Gujarat Titans’ captain.
Leading the franchise against his former team added extra significance to every GT vs KKR encounter. Gill continued to impress with his elegant batting and composed leadership, becoming the face of Gujarat’s next generation.
Against Kolkata, Gill regularly anchored the innings and provided the stability that Gujarat’s batting lineup depended on.
Gujarat’s Formula for Success
One reason Gujarat continued to dominate the rivalry was their balanced squad.
Their success was built around:
- Aggressive opening partnerships
- Shubman Gill’s consistency
- Rashid Khan’s match-winning spells
- Reliable pace bowling
- Calm decision-making under pressure
Unlike many franchises that relied heavily on individual brilliance, Gujarat consistently won through collective performances.
2025: Titans Continue Their Strong Record
The rivalry resumed in IPL 2025, with Gujarat once again proving difficult for Kolkata to overcome.
Playing at Eden Gardens, Gujarat produced another disciplined performance and defeated KKR by 39 runs.
Captain Shubman Gill led from the front, scoring a superb 90 off 55 deliveries to set up an imposing total. His innings combined elegant stroke play with calculated aggression and once again highlighted why he has become one of the most dependable batters in the rivalry.
2025 Timeline
| Event | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill scored 90 | Gujarat posted a competitive total |
| Gujarat won by 39 runs | GT strengthened their head-to-head lead |
| Rain affected another meeting | Match ended with No Result |
The victory further extended Gujarat’s advantage in the rivalry and reinforced their reputation as one of the toughest opponents for Kolkata.
Eden Gardens No Longer Guarantees Home Advantage
Historically, Eden Gardens has been one of the IPL’s most intimidating venues.
However, Gujarat Titans have consistently performed well in Kolkata.
Several factors explain their success:
- Strong top-order batting
- Quality fast bowlers
- Effective use of spin in the middle overs
- Excellent fielding standards
- Calm finishing under pressure
Winning away from home has become one of Gujarat’s biggest strengths in this rivalry.
2026: Another Chapter Begins
The 2026 IPL season continued the story between these two franchises.
By this stage, Gujarat Titans had established themselves as one of the IPL’s strongest modern teams, while Kolkata remained one of the competition’s biggest brands.
The rivalry entered another exciting phase with Gujarat chasing a playoff place and Kolkata attempting to regain championship-winning consistency. The Titans continued to hold the historical advantage in head-to-head meetings heading into their 2026 encounters.
Rivalry Timeline (2024–2026)
| Year | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Gujarat defeated Kolkata in the league stage. |
| 2024 | Kolkata won their third IPL title. |
| 2025 | Gujarat beat KKR by 39 runs at Eden Gardens. |
| 2025 | One scheduled match ended with no result because of rain. |
| 2026 | Gujarat entered the season with the better head-to-head record and continued the rivalry as a playoff contender. |
Gujarat vs Kolkata: Key Players
Several stars have shaped this rivalry despite its relatively short history.
Shubman Gill
- Gujarat Titans captain
- Former Kolkata Knight Riders player
- Consistent run-scorer against KKR
- One of the rivalry’s most influential batters
Rashid Khan
- Match-winning leg-spinner
- Only IPL hat-trick came against Kolkata
- One of Gujarat’s biggest difference-makers
Rinku Singh
- Hero of the famous five-sixes victory
- One of Kolkata’s most reliable finishers
- Produced the rivalry’s most iconic moment
Andre Russell
- Match-winning all-rounder
- Dangerous against both pace and spin
- Has delivered crucial performances against Gujarat
How the Rivalry Has Evolved
Although Gujarat Titans have won more matches, Kolkata Knight Riders have ensured this rivalry remains memorable through unforgettable performances and championship success.
Every meeting now carries additional significance because of:
- Shubman Gill facing his former franchise
- Rashid Khan’s impact with the ball
- Rinku Singh’s legendary finish
- The contrasting histories of both franchises
- Playoff implications in recent seasons
The rivalry may be one of the IPL’s youngest, but it has already produced enough drama to rank among the competition’s most entertaining modern contests.
Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders Head-to-Head Records
Although this rivalry is still in its early years, Gujarat Titans have established themselves as the dominant side in head-to-head meetings. Since entering the IPL in 2022, the Titans have consistently challenged Kolkata with disciplined bowling, dependable batting, and excellent performances under pressure.
Overall Head-to-Head Record
| Record | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 6 |
| Gujarat Titans Wins | 4 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders Wins | 1 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Gujarat Win Percentage | 66.7% |
| Kolkata Win Percentage | 16.7% |
| No Result | 16.6% |
These numbers highlight Gujarat’s strong start against one of the IPL’s oldest and most successful franchises.
Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline at a Glance
| Season | Winner | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans | Won first-ever meeting during debut season |
| 2023 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Rinku Singh’s five consecutive sixes |
| 2023 | Gujarat Titans | Seven-wicket victory at Eden Gardens |
| 2024 | Gujarat Titans | Extended head-to-head advantage |
| 2025 | Gujarat Titans | Shubman Gill’s brilliant 90-run innings |
| 2025 | No Result | Rain abandoned one fixture |
| 2026 | Gujarat Titans | Continued dominance in the rivalry |
Highest Team Totals
The rivalry has produced several competitive batting performances.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | 204+ |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 207+ |
Both teams possess explosive batting line-ups capable of posting and chasing big totals.
Memorable Matches
2022 – The First Meeting
The inaugural contest between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders marked the beginning of this rivalry. Gujarat looked like an experienced franchise despite playing their debut IPL season and secured a comfortable victory before eventually winning the championship.
2023 – Rinku Singh’s Miracle Finish
No match has shaped this rivalry more than the famous Ahmedabad thriller.
Needing 29 runs from the final over, Kolkata appeared to have no chance of winning.
Rinku Singh then produced one of cricket’s greatest finishes by smashing five consecutive sixes, completing an unbelievable chase and creating one of the IPL’s most iconic moments.
Even today, this remains the defining image of the rivalry.
2023 – Rashid Khan’s Hat-Trick
The same match also featured Rashid Khan’s only IPL hat-trick.
Remarkably, such a rare achievement became a secondary talking point because of Rinku Singh’s extraordinary batting.
Few IPL matches have produced two historic individual performances on the same day.
2024 – Gujarat Continue Winning
Although Kolkata enjoyed an outstanding season and eventually lifted the IPL trophy, Gujarat once again defeated them during the league stage.
It demonstrated that success in one fixture does not always predict overall tournament results.
2025 – Gill Leads from the Front
Shubman Gill’s elegant 90-run innings helped Gujarat defeat Kolkata by 39 runs, extending the Titans’ impressive head-to-head record.
Best Players in GT vs KKR Matches
Shubman Gill
The former Kolkata opener has become Gujarat’s most dependable batter.
His elegant technique, consistency, and calm temperament have made him one of the rivalry’s biggest stars.
Rashid Khan
One of the world’s greatest T20 bowlers, Rashid has repeatedly troubled Kolkata’s batting lineup.
His IPL hat-trick against KKR remains one of the most remarkable bowling performances in this fixture.
Rinku Singh
Although Gujarat have won more matches, no player has created a bigger individual moment than Rinku Singh.
His five sixes transformed him into an IPL superstar overnight.
Andre Russell
Russell’s all-round abilities always make him one of Kolkata’s biggest threats against Gujarat.
Whether with bat or ball, he has the ability to change matches within a few overs.
Why Gujarat Have Dominated
Several factors explain Gujarat’s strong record against Kolkata.
- Stable leadership
- Excellent auction strategy
- Balanced bowling attack
- Dependable top order
- Match-winning all-rounders
- Strong performances under pressure
Unlike many new franchises, Gujarat built a championship-winning culture almost immediately after entering the IPL.
Why Kolkata Remain Dangerous
Despite trailing in the head-to-head record, Kolkata continue to be one of the IPL’s strongest teams.
Their strengths include:
- Explosive batting depth
- Match-winning all-rounders
- Experienced spin attack
- Passionate home support at Eden Gardens
- Championship-winning experience
Every meeting between these teams remains unpredictable because Kolkata possess enough firepower to defeat any opponent.
Interesting Facts
- Gujarat Titans won the IPL in their debut season (2022).
- Kolkata Knight Riders have won three IPL championships.
- Rinku Singh’s five consecutive sixes are considered one of the greatest finishes in IPL history.
- Rashid Khan’s only IPL hat-trick came against Kolkata.
- Shubman Gill has represented both franchises during his IPL career.
- One GT vs KKR match ended without a result due to rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders head-to-head record?
Gujarat Titans hold the advantage with four wins compared to one victory for Kolkata Knight Riders, while one match ended with no result.
When did GT and KKR first play each other?
The rivalry began during the 2022 IPL season, Gujarat Titans’ inaugural year in the competition.
What is the most famous match between GT and KKR?
The 2023 Ahmedabad match, where Rinku Singh hit five consecutive sixes in the final over, is widely regarded as the most memorable contest between the two teams.
Who is the best player in this rivalry?
Several players have made significant contributions, including Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Rinku Singh, and Andre Russell.
Why is this rivalry so popular?
Although it is one of the IPL’s newest rivalries, it has already produced dramatic finishes, championship-winning teams, world-class individual performances, and memorable moments that have captured the imagination of cricket fans.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline may be shorter than many traditional IPL rivalries, but it has already delivered unforgettable cricket. Gujarat Titans have enjoyed greater success in head-to-head meetings, establishing themselves as one of the few expansion franchises to consistently outperform an established IPL powerhouse.
Kolkata Knight Riders, however, have ensured this rivalry will never be remembered solely for statistics. From Rinku Singh’s iconic five sixes to their 2024 IPL championship, KKR have created moments that continue to define this fixture.
As both franchises continue to evolve with new captains, emerging stars, and championship ambitions, the Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry promises to remain one of the most exciting matchups in the IPL for years to come.
