A look at KKR’s dominance in IPL opening matches over the years

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always kicked off with high-octane clashes, setting the tone for the season. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may have faltered in IPL 2025’s opening match, but their record in season openers remains one of the strongest in tournament history. Over the past 17 editions, KKR has consistently set the tone with dominant performances, winning the opening fixture on six occasions—a feat matched by few. Interestingly, winning the first match of the season hasn’t always translated into championship glory. In IPL history, only two teams—Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2011 and 2018, and KKR in 2014—have lifted the trophy after winning the season opener. 

Here’s a look at every time KKR kicked off an IPL season with a statement win:

KKR made a thunderous entry into the IPL with a 140-run demolition of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Brendon McCullum’s legendary 158 off 73 balls remains one of the most iconic knocks in T20 history. RCB collapsed to just 82 runs, setting the stage for KKR’s reputation as a strong tournament starter.

Facing the then-defending champions Deccan Chargers, KKR secured a 11-run victory at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy. Sourav Ganguly’s leadership and the bowlers' disciplined effort helped them defend a modest total in a tight contest.

After winning their maiden IPL trophy in 2012, KKR began their title defence with a 6-wicket victory over Delhi Daredevils at Eden Gardens. Sunil Narine’s exceptional spin bowling dismantled Delhi’s batting order, proving why KKR were the reigning champions.

KKR defeated Mumbai Indians by 41 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with Jacques Kallis’ all-round brilliance and Narine’s spin attack paving the way. This was the only season where KKR’s opening win led to them lifting the trophy, marking a historic campaign.

KKR once again dominated Mumbai Indians, this time at their fortress, Eden Gardens, securing a 7-wicket win. Gautam Gambhir’s steady batting guided the chase, reinforcing KKR’s ability to start strong.

KKR asserted their dominance with a 6-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. Umesh Yadav’s early breakthroughs and a composed batting performance ensured KKR’s comfortable victory, proving their consistency in IPL openers.

A strong start doesn’t always guarantee IPL silverware

Despite their impressive record in season openers, KKR’s 2014 campaign remains the only instance where an opening-match winner went on to claim the IPL title. Notably, in IPL history, only two teams have turned an opening-match win into championship success—CSK (2011, 2018) and KKR (2014).

While IPL 2025 saw RCB cruise to a 7-wicket win over KKR, the Knight Riders’ history in season openers proves their ability to make early statements. Whether this season marks a bump in their legacy or the start of another strong campaign remains to be seen.