gujarat titans vs kolkata knight riders timeline
Introduction
The Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline has quickly become one of the most thrilling rivalries in the Indian Premier League. Even though Gujarat Titans joined the IPL only in 2022, matches between these two franchises have already produced unforgettable moments, dramatic finishes, and record-breaking performances.
From Rinku Singh’s historic five consecutive sixes in Ahmedabad to dominant batting displays by Shubman Gill, the Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry has given cricket fans nonstop entertainment. Every encounter between these teams carries extra emotion because of star players, tactical battles, and playoff implications.
In this detailed guide, we explore the complete Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline, including match-by-match history, major turning points, records, statistics, memorable performances, and the latest updates through the 2026 IPL season. Whether you are a GT supporter or a loyal KKR fan, this article covers every major chapter of this growing IPL rivalry.
Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline Overview
The rivalry between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) officially began in IPL 2022 when Gujarat Titans entered the tournament as a new franchise. While KKR already had a rich IPL legacy with championship victories in 2012 and 2014, GT arrived with fresh energy under captain Hardik Pandya.
Many expected Gujarat Titans to struggle in their debut season. Instead, they immediately became one of the strongest teams in the league. Their clashes with Kolkata Knight Riders quickly developed into high-pressure contests featuring elite bowling attacks and explosive batting lineups.
Several factors make this rivalry special:
- The presence of superstar players like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill, and Rashid Khan
- Dramatic finishes and last-over thrillers
- Tactical battles between spin and pace attacks
- Young Indian players stepping up on the big stage
The rivalry gained worldwide attention during IPL 2023 when Rinku Singh smashed five sixes in the final over against GT to complete one of the greatest chases in T20 history.
Since then, every Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders fixture has become must-watch cricket.
Early Era (2022–2023)
IPL 2022: The Rivalry Begins
The first-ever meeting between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders took place on April 23, 2022, at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.
GT batted first and posted 156/9 in 20 overs. Despite losing early wickets, Gujarat managed a competitive total thanks to valuable contributions from Hardik Pandya and David Miller.
KKR struggled during the chase against Gujarat’s disciplined bowling unit. Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, and Lockie Ferguson applied pressure consistently.
KKR were eventually restricted to 148/8, giving Gujarat Titans an 8-run victory.
Key Highlights of the Match
- First GT vs KKR IPL encounter
- Rashid Khan dominated with the ball
- Hardik Pandya impressed as captain
- Gujarat continued their dream debut season
This victory helped Gujarat Titans strengthen their position at the top of the IPL 2022 points table.
IPL 2023: The Rivalry Explodes
The rivalry reached another level during IPL 2023.
April 9, 2023 — Ahmedabad Thriller
This match became one of the most iconic games in IPL history.
Batting first, Gujarat Titans posted 204/4 thanks to brilliant innings from:
- Vijay Shankar
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill
At one stage, KKR appeared out of the contest. They needed 29 runs from the final over against Gujarat pacer Yash Dayal.
Then came the miracle.
Rinku Singh’s Historic Finish
KKR batter Rinku Singh smashed five consecutive sixes in the final five balls of the innings, stunning the cricket world.
KKR won by 3 wickets, and Rinku instantly became an IPL superstar.
The moment transformed the rivalry forever.
Why This Match Was Historic
- One of the greatest IPL chases ever
- Rinku Singh became a national sensation
- GT suffered a heartbreaking defeat
- The match went viral globally
Even years later, fans still discuss this incredible finish whenever the Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is mentioned.
IPL 2023 Reverse Fixture
The second GT vs KKR clash of IPL 2023 took place at Eden Gardens.
This time, Gujarat Titans dominated.
Shubman Gill, facing his former franchise, played a mature innings and guided GT to victory. Gujarat’s bowlers controlled the game effectively, limiting KKR’s explosive batting lineup.
GT won comfortably by 7 wickets.
Key Talking Points
- Shubman Gill starred against his old team
- Rashid Khan controlled middle overs
- Gujarat completed season revenge
By the end of IPL 2023, the rivalry had already produced unforgettable memories.
Mid Era (2024–2025)
IPL 2024: Rain Frustrates Fans
Fans eagerly awaited another GT vs KKR showdown during IPL 2024. However, nature had other plans.
The scheduled match in Ahmedabad was abandoned due to heavy rain before a ball could be bowled.
Even though the match ended without result, the anticipation around the rivalry remained extremely high.
IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans Take Control
The 2025 season saw Gujarat Titans dominate the rivalry once again.
Match 1 — Eden Gardens
GT produced a complete performance against KKR at Eden Gardens.
Batting first, Gujarat posted a strong total powered by aggressive batting from:
- Shubman Gill
- David Miller
- Rahul Tewatia
KKR failed to maintain the required run rate during the chase.
GT won by 39 runs.
Match 2 — Ahmedabad
In the second fixture, Gujarat Titans chased confidently and secured a 7-wicket victory.
The bowling unit led by Rashid Khan and Mohit Sharma restricted Kolkata effectively before GT batters finished the chase professionally.
Important 2025 Trends
- GT developed a psychological advantage
- KKR struggled against Rashid Khan
- Gujarat’s top order became more consistent
- Eden Gardens contests attracted huge television ratings
By the end of IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans had established a superior head-to-head record.
Modern Era (2025–2026)
The modern phase of the Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline reflects the evolution of both franchises.
Gujarat Titans’ Rise
GT continued building around a strong core featuring:
- Shubman Gill
- Rashid Khan
- Sai Sudharsan
- Mohammed Shami
Their balanced squad made them one of the IPL’s most consistent teams.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Rebuilding Phase
KKR focused on aggressive T20 cricket with players like:
- Andre Russell
- Rinku Singh
- Sunil Narine
- Varun Chakravarthy
Their fearless batting style kept them competitive in every GT encounter.
Tactical Rivalry
One reason fans love this matchup is the tactical complexity:
| Gujarat Titans Strength | Kolkata Knight Riders Strength |
|---|---|
| Fast bowling depth | Explosive power hitters |
| Calm finishing ability | Mystery spin attack |
| Strong middle order | Aggressive opening partnerships |
The rivalry became known for momentum swings and close finishes.
Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline: 2025–2026 Update
The latest chapter in the rivalry arrived during IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 Fixture at Eden Gardens
The scheduled GT vs KKR match in IPL 2026 generated massive excitement because both teams entered the tournament with playoff ambitions.
Major Storylines
- Shubman Gill returning to Eden Gardens
- KKR fans expecting another Rinku Singh special
- Rashid Khan vs Andre Russell battle
- Spin-friendly Eden Gardens conditions
Key 2026 Developments
Gujarat Titans
GT continued focusing on disciplined bowling and stable batting partnerships.
Their strategy emphasized:
- Controlling powerplay overs
- Building partnerships
- Using Rashid Khan aggressively in middle overs
Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR maintained their aggressive philosophy.
Their approach involved:
- Fast starts in the powerplay
- Big finishing overs from Russell and Rinku
- Heavy spin attack in home conditions
Why the 2026 Match Matters
The latest clash is important because:
- Both teams are playoff contenders
- The rivalry now has emotional history
- Younger players see this as a marquee IPL fixture
By 2026, GT vs KKR had evolved into one of the IPL’s premier rivalries.
Complete Timeline Table
| Date | Season | Venue | Toss Winner | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result | Margin | Top Batter | Top Bowler | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Apr 2022 | IPL 2022 | DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai | GT | GT – 156/9 (20 ov) | KKR – 148/8 (20 ov) | GT won | 8 runs | Hardik Pandya – 67 (49) | Rashid Khan – 2/22 | First-ever GT vs KKR match |
| 23 Apr 2022 | IPL 2022 | Mumbai | KKR chase | 148 runs needed off 120 balls | Fell short by 8 runs | GT dominance | KKR lost wickets regularly | Andre Russell – 48 (25) | Mohammed Shami – 2 wickets | GT bowling controlled death overs |
| 9 Apr 2023 | IPL 2023 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | GT | GT – 204/4 (20 ov) | KKR – 207/7 (20 ov) | KKR won | 3 wickets | Vijay Shankar – 63* (24) | Sunil Narine – 3/33 | One of IPL’s greatest matches |
| 9 Apr 2023 | IPL 2023 | Ahmedabad | KKR chase | 205 target | Chased in final ball | Historic finish | Rinku Singh – 48* (21) | Rashid Khan – hat-trick | Rinku hit 5 consecutive sixes | |
| 9 Apr 2023 | IPL 2023 | Ahmedabad | GT innings | Gill anchored innings | 39-ball fifty | GT strong batting | Shubman Gill – 39 (31) | Varun Chakravarthy – economical spell | Gill faced former franchise | |
| 9 Apr 2023 | IPL 2023 | Ahmedabad | Final over drama | 29 needed off 6 balls | 28 off last 5 legal balls | KKR miracle | Last-ball win | Rinku Singh – five sixes | Yash Dayal conceded 31 runs | Viral IPL moment |
| 29 Apr 2023 | IPL 2023 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR | KKR – 179/7 (20 ov) | GT – 180/3 (17.5 ov) | GT won | 7 wickets | Shubman Gill – 49 (35) | Joshua Little – 2/25 | Gujarat completed revenge |
| 29 Apr 2023 | IPL 2023 | Kolkata | GT chase | 180 target | Comfortable chase | GT clinical finish | Vijay Shankar – 51* (24) | Noor Ahmad – middle-over wickets | Strong finishing display | |
| 29 Apr 2023 | IPL 2023 | Eden Gardens | Powerplay battle | GT aggressive start | KKR under pressure | GT momentum | Wriddhiman Saha – 10-ball 26 | Rashid Khan economical spell | Fast GT start decided game | |
| 13 May 2024 | IPL 2024 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | — | Match abandoned | No play possible | No Result | Rain washout | — | — | Heavy rain spoiled contest |
| 13 May 2024 | IPL 2024 | Ahmedabad | Wet outfield issue | Covers stayed on | Fans disappointed | Shared points | No cricket played | — | — | Playoff race affected |
| 2025 | IPL 2025 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | GT | GT – 198/5 (20 ov) | KKR – 159/8 (20 ov) | GT won | 39 runs | Shubman Gill – 72 (44) | Rashid Khan – 3/24 | GT dominated away fixture |
| 2025 | IPL 2025 | Kolkata | KKR chase | Required 199 | Lost regular wickets | GT control | Andre Russell – 41 (20) | Mohit Sharma – death-over wickets | Rashid controlled middle overs | |
| 2025 | IPL 2025 | Ahmedabad | KKR | KKR – 171/7 (20 ov) | GT – 172/3 (18.4 ov) | GT won | 7 wickets | Sai Sudharsan – 68 (45) | Rashid Khan – 2/26 | Comfortable GT chase |
| 2025 | IPL 2025 | Ahmedabad | GT chase | 172 target | Won with 8 balls left | GT batting depth | David Miller – finishing cameo | Varun Chakravarthy – 1 wicket | GT strengthened H2H lead | |
| 17 Apr 2026 | IPL 2026 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | Upcoming fixture | GT vs KKR | Scheduled match | Pending | — | Shubman Gill key player | Rashid Khan key bowler | High playoff expectations |
| 17 Apr 2026 | IPL 2026 | Ahmedabad | Tactical clash | GT strong pace attack | KKR explosive batting | Upcoming battle | — | Andre Russell danger player | Sunil Narine impact expected | Spin vs power-hitting battle |
| 16 May 2026 | IPL 2026 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Upcoming fixture | KKR vs GT | Scheduled match | Pending | — | Rinku Singh in spotlight | Mohammed Shami threat | Eden Gardens blockbuster |
| 16 May 2026 | IPL 2026 | Kolkata | Rivalry grows bigger | Massive crowd expected | Playoff implications | Awaited contest | — | Gill returns to Kolkata | Varun Chakravarthy key spinner | Emotional former-team storyline |
| 2022–2026 | Overall Rivalry | Multiple Venues | — | GT scored highest 204/4 | KKR highest chase 207/7 | GT lead rivalry | 4 wins to 1 | Shubman Gill most consistent | Rashid Khan most impactful bowler | Rivalry known for dramatic finishes |
| 2022–2026 | Statistical Era | Ahmedabad & Kolkata | — | Multiple 180+ totals | High-scoring games common | Entertaining contests | Close finishes | Rinku Singh iconic finisher | Rashid dominates middle overs | GT vs KKR became marquee rivalry |
Head-to-Head Stats / Key Statistics Table
| Category | Gujarat Titans | Kolkata Knight Riders |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 6 | 6 |
| Wins | 4 | 1 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Total | 204/4 | 207/7 |
| Lowest Total | 156/9 | 148/8 |
| Biggest Win Margin | 39 runs | 3 wickets |
| Most Runs | Shubman Gill | Rinku Singh |
| Best Bowling Figures | Rashid Khan | Sunil Narine |
| Most Sixes | David Miller | Andre Russell |
| Most Memorable Match | IPL 2023 Ahmedabad | IPL 2023 Ahmedabad |
| Home Ground Advantage | Narendra Modi Stadium | Eden Gardens |
| Best Chase | 191+ | 205 chase |
| Captaincy Impact | Hardik Pandya/Shubman Gill | Shreyas Iyer/Nitish Rana |
Top Records & Milestones
1. Rinku Singh’s Five Sixes
The greatest moment in the rivalry remains Rinku Singh’s five consecutive sixes against GT in IPL 2023.
Needing 29 runs from the last over, Rinku achieved the impossible and completed one of the most dramatic victories in IPL history.
2. Highest Team Total
GT’s 204/4 in Ahmedabad during IPL 2023 remains one of the biggest totals in the rivalry.
3. Best Bowling Performance
Rashid Khan has consistently dominated KKR’s middle order with his economical spells and wicket-taking ability.
4. Shubman Gill’s Emotional Battles
After leaving KKR and joining Gujarat Titans, Gill often delivered strong performances against his former team.
These matches added emotional intensity to the rivalry.
5. Most Viral IPL Finish
The GT vs KKR 2023 thriller became one of the most viewed IPL highlights ever across social media platforms.
Interesting Facts
- GT reached IPL success faster than most expansion teams
- KKR remain one of IPL’s most popular franchises
- Eden Gardens crowds create electric atmospheres
- GT vs KKR games often feature scores above 180
FAQs
Q1: When did Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders first play each other?
A: Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders first faced each other during IPL 2022 at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Gujarat Titans won the match by 8 runs while defending a total of 156 runs.
Q2: What is the most famous GT vs KKR match?
A: The most famous match happened in IPL 2023 when Rinku Singh hit five consecutive sixes in the final over to help KKR chase 205 against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
Q3: Who has won more matches between GT and KKR?
A: Gujarat Titans currently lead the head-to-head record with more victories than Kolkata Knight Riders, including dominant wins during IPL 2025.
Q4: Which players are most important in this rivalry?
A: Key players include Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, and David Miller. These stars have produced several match-winning performances.
Q5: Why is the GT vs KKR rivalry so popular?
A: The rivalry became popular because of close finishes, aggressive batting, elite bowling, and unforgettable moments like Rinku Singh’s historic final-over heroics in IPL 2023.
Q6: Which venue hosts the biggest GT vs KKR matches?
A: Most major GT vs KKR clashes take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and Eden Gardens in Kolkata, both known for passionate crowds and high-scoring matches.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline may be relatively short compared to older IPL rivalries, but it has already delivered unforgettable cricket moments. From Gujarat Titans’ impressive debut dominance to Rinku Singh’s miraculous five-sixes finish, this rivalry continues to captivate IPL fans worldwide.
Both franchises represent contrasting cricket philosophies — GT’s calm tactical approach versus KKR’s fearless attacking style. That contrast creates exciting contests every season.
As IPL 2026 progresses, the rivalry promises even more drama, records, and emotional moments. With star players on both sides and passionate fan bases behind them, GT vs KKR is set to remain one of the IPL’s most entertaining matchups for years to come
About the Author
