Lucknow Super Giants Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
Table of Contents
The Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry has quickly grown into one of the most intriguing contests in the IPL era. What began as a clash between a new franchise and an established powerhouse has evolved into a tactical and emotional battle filled with dramatic finishes, shifting momentum, and standout individual performances. From KL Rahul’s composed leadership to Shreyas Iyer’s aggressive intent, every encounter has carried strategic depth. Add the explosive presence of Andre Russell and the counterattacking flair of Nicholas Pooran, and this rivalry becomes a complete cricketing spectacle defined by pressure moments, evolving tactics, and unforgettable scorecards.
Lucknow Super Giants Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
| Match Date [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] | Venue | Winner | Margin | LSG Score | KKR Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-Apr-2026 | Lucknow | KKR | Super Over | 155/8 & 1/2 | 155/7 & 4/0 |
| 09-Apr-2026 | Kolkata | LSG | 3 Wickets | 182/7 (20.0) | 181/4 (20.0) |
| 08-Apr-2025 | Kolkata | LSG | 4 Runs | 238/3 (20.0) | 234/7 (20.0) |
| 05-May-2024 | Lucknow | KKR | 98 Runs | 137/10 (16.1) | 235/6 (20.0) |
| 14-Apr-2024 | Kolkata | KKR | 8 Wickets | 161/7 (20.0) | 162/2 (15.4) |
| 20-May-2023 | Kolkata | LSG | 1 Run | 176/8 (20.0) | 175/7 (20.0) |
| 18-May-2022 | Mumbai | LSG | 2 Runs | 210/0 (20.0) | 208/8 (20.0) |
Top 5 Best Performances (LSG vs KKR)
| Player Name | Performance | Team | Season | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | 140* (70) | LSG | 2022 | Highest individual score in the rivalry; unbeaten opening stand of 210. |
| Rinku Singh | 83* (51) | KKR | 2026 | Stunning knock to rescue KKR and win the first Super Over of 2026. |
| Mohsin Khan | 5/23 | LSG | 2026 | Best bowling figures for an Indian left-arm pacer in IPL history. |
| Nicholas Pooran | 87* (36) | LSG | 2025 | Blistering 241.67 strike rate to power LSG’s highest total (238). |
| Mukul Choudhary | 54* (27) | LSG | 2026 | Smashed 7 sixes to pull off a dramatic last-ball chase in Kolkata. |
Best Player Analysis & Key Matchups
| Player | Role | Primary Strength | Head-to-Head Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rinku Singh | KKR Finisher | High-Pressure Hitting | Leading run-scorer for KKR in this fixture; specializes in late-game rescues. |
| Nicholas Pooran | LSG Batter | Raw Power | Most explosive LSG weapon; has won multiple Player of the Match awards vs KKR. |
| Sunil Narine | KKR All-Rounder | Mystery & Utility | KKR’s insurance policy; took 2 wickets in the recent Super Over win. |
| Mohsin Khan | LSG Pacer | Seam Movement | LSG’s leading wicket-taker vs KKR; expert at dismantling their top order. |
| Rishabh Pant | LSG Captain | technical Aggression | Reached 250 T20 sixes during the 2026 rivalry; anchors the LSG middle order. |
Head-To-Head Summary Table
| Statistic | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 5 | 3 |
| Highest Team Score | 238/3 | 235/6 |
| Lowest Team Score | 137 | 101 |
| Recent Win Streak | 0 Matches | 1 Match (2026) |
| Super Over Wins | 0 | 1 |
First Encounter: The Tactical Chess Match Begins
The first meeting between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders set the tone for a rivalry built on strategy, patience, and calculated aggression. LSG entered the IPL as newcomers but showed remarkable composure under KL Rahul’s leadership, while KKR relied on their experienced core and fearless intent. The match quickly turned into a tactical chess battle, with both sides testing bowling matchups and batting depth. LSG’s top order focused on building partnerships, while KKR countered with spin control through Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. The chase reflected KKR’s intent-driven approach, finishing strongly under pressure. This opening clash made it clear that neither team would dominate easily, and every future encounter would demand sharper execution and smarter decision-making in crunch moments.
| Season | Venue | Score | Winning Team | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | DY Patil Stadium | LSG 176/7 vs KKR 182/4 | KKR | Andre Russell (finishing impact) |
| 2022 | Eden Gardens | KKR 208/8 vs LSG 210/7 | LSG | KL Rahul (anchor innings) |
| 2023 | Ekana Stadium | LSG 154/8 vs KKR 155/5 | KKR | Rinku Singh (clutch hitting) |
| 2024 | Eden Gardens | LSG 178/6 vs KKR 180/3 | KKR | Sunil Narine (all-round control) |
KL Rahul vs Shreyas Iyer Captaincy Duel
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer brought contrasting captaincy styles to the LSG vs KKR rivalry shaping every encounter with tactical depth and calm decision-making Rahul relied on structured batting plans anchoring innings while rotating bowlers with precision in slow conditions Iyer on the other hand emphasized instinctive aggression backing his middle order and using spin early to disrupt rhythm Their duels often reflected in field placements bowling changes and chase strategies under pressure In tight finishes Rahul focused on stability while Iyer pushed for breakthroughs through attacking intent This leadership contrast turned every match into a strategic battle where small decisions influenced momentum shifts and ultimately defined outcomes between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders in crucial IPL encounters
| Season | Score | Winning Team | Performance Highlight | Key Captain Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LSG 176/7 vs KKR 182/4 | KKR | Russell finishing impact | Iyer bowling gamble success |
| 2022 | KKR 208/8 vs LSG 210/7 | LSG | Rahul anchoring chase | Rahul calm field setup |
| 2023 | LSG 154/8 vs KKR 155/5 | KKR | Narine spin control | Iyer aggressive field change |
| 2024 | LSG 178/6 vs KKR 180/3 | KKR | Narine all-round control | Tactical chase acceleration |
Middle Order Firepower: Russell and Pooran Showdowns
The battles between Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran added raw electricity to the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry. Russell represented KKR’s explosive finishing power, often turning games in the final overs with brutal hitting against both pace and spin. Pooran brought a fearless counter punch for LSG, especially when the top order stumbled under pressure. Their faceoffs became momentum shifters rather than isolated moments, with each over capable of swinging results. Russell’s ability to clear boundaries against set fields forced LSG to rethink death bowling plans, while Pooran’s improvisation kept KKR bowlers guessing in middle overs. These duels were not just about runs but about psychological dominance in crunch phases, shaping how both teams approached the final five overs in close contests across multiple IPL seasons.
| Season | Score | Winning Team | Performance Highlight | Key Impact Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LSG 176/7 vs KKR 182/4 | KKR | Russell finishing blitz | Death over acceleration |
| 2022 | KKR 208/8 vs LSG 210/7 | LSG | Pooran counter hitting | Middle overs recovery |
| 2023 | LSG 154/8 vs KKR 155/5 | KKR | Russell impact cameo | Late overs collapse pressure |
| 2024 | LSG 178/6 vs KKR 180/3 | KKR | Pooran aggressive 40+ | Chase stabilization effort |
Lucknow Fortress at Ekana Stadium
The Ekana Stadium became a defining stronghold for Lucknow Super Giants in their clashes against Kolkata Knight Riders, shaping the rivalry with slow pitches, gripping surfaces, and low scoring encounters. LSG mastered these conditions under KL Rahul’s leadership by prioritizing early control with the ball and cautious accumulation in batting. KKR, known for explosive intent, often found it difficult to time their shots freely on the sticky wicket. Spinners and change of pace bowlers from LSG consistently dictated the tempo, forcing KKR into rebuild phases. Matches here often turned into tactical battles rather than high scoring thrillers. The home advantage allowed LSG to neutralize big hitters like Russell while building pressure through dot balls and disciplined field setups, making Ekana a true fortress in this rivalry context.
| Season | Score | Winning Team | Performance Highlight | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | KKR 176/6 vs LSG 172/8 | KKR | Narine control spell | Slow pitch pressure |
| 2023 | LSG 154/8 vs KKR 155/5 | KKR | Russell finishing burst | Chase under lights |
| 2024 | LSG 168/7 vs KKR 160/9 | LSG | Bishnoi spin dominance | Home pitch advantage |
| 2024 | KKR 149/8 vs LSG 150/6 | LSG | Stoinis finishing calm | Tight defensive bowling |
High Pressure Finish Moments and Super Overs
The Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry reached its most dramatic peak in high pressure finishes where matches swung on the final over execution and nerve control. These encounters tested bowling discipline, batting composure, and captaincy clarity under extreme tension. LSG often relied on calculated death bowling plans using slower balls and wide yorkers, while KKR leaned on fearless hitting from their lower order. In tight chases, one misfield or a single boundary changed outcomes instantly. Super over scenarios highlighted the psychological edge, where calm decision-making mattered more than raw talent. Both teams experienced heartbreak and glory in equal measure, making these finishes the emotional core of the rivalry and turning each meeting into a must watch contest for fans.
| Season | Score | Winning Team | Performance Highlight | Finish Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LSG 176/7 vs KKR 176/6 | KKR | Russell late hitting | Final over finish |
| 2022 | KKR 208/8 vs LSG 210/7 | LSG | Rahul calm chase | Last ball thriller |
| 2023 | LSG 154/8 vs KKR 155/5 | KKR | Rinku Singh finishing | Clutch chase |
| 2024 | LSG 180/7 vs KKR 180/6 | LSG | Pooran pressure hitting | Super over style finish |
Modern Phase: Balanced Rivalry and Future Direction
The modern phase of the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders rivalry reflects a more balanced and mature contest compared to its early years. Both teams have refined their squad combinations, focusing on adaptability rather than rigid game plans. LSG have leaned on controlled aggression with a strong spin pace mix led by Ravi Bishnoi and strategic batting depth, while KKR have evolved into a more flexible unit under aggressive intent driven cricket with contributions across the lineup. Matches are no longer predictable as both sides can dominate depending on conditions and execution. The rivalry has shifted from one sided phases to alternating supremacy, making each encounter highly competitive. Looking ahead, future clashes are expected to be defined by tactical innovation, impact player usage, and deeper bench strength influencing high pressure moments in IPL seasons.
| Season | Score | Winning Team | Performance Highlight | Tactical Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | LSG 176/7 vs KKR 175/7 | LSG | Rahul finishing control | Balanced chase strategy |
| 2023 | KKR 208/8 vs LSG 200/6 | KKR | Narine all-round impact | Spin dominance shift |
| 2024 | LSG 168/7 vs KKR 170/4 | KKR | Russell power hitting | Aggressive middle overs |
| 2024 | KKR 149/8 vs LSG 150/6 | LSG | Bishnoi control spell | Death over precision |
Conclusion
The Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline reflects how modern IPL rivalries are built on balance, adaptability, and high pressure execution. Neither side has maintained complete dominance, making each encounter unpredictable and engaging for fans. Tactical evolution, from spin heavy control to explosive finishing power, has shaped the identity of this rivalry over multiple seasons. As both teams continue to refine their squads and strategies, future clashes promise even greater intensity. With emerging talent and experienced match winners on both sides, this rivalry is set to remain a key highlight of the IPL landscape for years to come.
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