When the Gujarat Titans entered the Indian Premier League in 2022, there was curiosity across the cricketing world. A brand new team, new faces, and high expectations how quickly would they adapt to the pressure of the IPL?
One team that has played a key role in shaping Gujarat Titans’ IPL journey is the Kolkata Knight Riders.
The Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline may be short compared to long standing IPL rivalries, but it is already filled with dramatic finishes, iconic moments, and unforgettable performances that cricket fans continue to talk about.
Contents
- 1 The Beginning of a New Rivalry (IPL 2022)
- 2 IPL 2023 – The Rivalry Turns Iconic
- 3 Gujarat Titans Strike Back (Later in IPL 2023)
- 4 IPL 2024 – Tactical Cricket Takes Centre Stage
- 5 IPL 2025 – A Statement from Gujarat Titans
- 6 Head to Head Overview (Till Now)
- 7 Players Who Defined the Timeline
- 8 Why This Rivalry Works
- 9 Final Thoughts – A Timeline Still Being Written
- 10 FAQs:
- 10.1 Q1. When did Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders first play against each other?
- 10.2 Q2. Who won the first GT vs KKR match?
- 10.3 Q3. Which GT vs KKR match is considered the most iconic?
- 10.4 Q4. How many times have Gujarat Titans beaten Kolkata Knight Riders?
- 10.5 Q5. Who has been the best performer for Gujarat Titans against KKR?
- 10.6 Q6. Why is the GT vs KKR rivalry popular among fans?
- 10.7 Q7. Which IPL season strengthened the GT vs KKR rivalry the most?
- 10.8 Q8. Has GT vs KKR become a major IPL rivalry?
- 10.9 Q9. Where can fans watch Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders matches live?
- 10.10 Q10. Will the GT vs KKR rivalry grow stronger in future IPL seasons?
The Beginning of a New Rivalry (IPL 2022)
First Ever GT vs KKR Match – April 23, 2022
The first meeting between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders took place during IPL 2022, GT’s debut season. On paper, KKR looked stronger with their experience and established core, while Gujarat were still finding their feet.
However, Gujarat Titans showed composure beyond expectations. After posting a competitive total, their bowlers stuck to clear plans and applied pressure at the right moments. KKR remained in the chase but were unable to finish strongly.
This match offered an early insight into GT’s mindset calm under pressure and disciplined in execution.
Match Snapshot – IPL 2022
| Match | Venue | Winner | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT vs KKR | Navi Mumbai | Gujarat Titans | Controlled bowling under pressure |
IPL 2023 – The Rivalry Turns Iconic
IPL 2023 completely changed the narrative of this rivalry. What was competitive suddenly became historic.
Rinku Singh’s Unforgettable Night
One match, one over, and one performance rewrote the GT vs KKR story.
With Kolkata Knight Riders needing an almost impossible number of runs in the final over, Rinku Singh delivered one of the greatest finishes in IPL history. He smashed five sixes in five balls, pulling off a chase that stunned players, fans, and experts alike.
That moment:
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Shocked Gujarat Titans
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Created one of the most memorable IPL finishes ever
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Turned Rinku Singh into a nationwide fan favourite
For Gujarat Titans supporters, it was heartbreak. For KKR fans, it was pure celebration. For cricket lovers, it was a moment that will be replayed for years.
Iconic Match – IPL 2023
| Season | Moment | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| IPL 2023 | Rinku Singh’s five sixes | One of the greatest finishes in IPL history |
Gujarat Titans Strike Back (Later in IPL 2023)
Rivalries gain depth when teams respond, and Gujarat Titans did exactly that later in the same season.
GT bounced back with a composed performance, showing better control during the chase and sharper execution with both bat and ball. This win reinforced GT’s reputation as a team built on consistency rather than chaos.
The back-and-forth results added balance to the rivalry, making future encounters even more anticipated.
IPL 2024 – Tactical Cricket Takes Centre Stage
By IPL 2024, both sides had evolved.
Gujarat Titans’ Strengths
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Strong and stable top order
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Smart bowling rotations
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Calm finishing in tight games
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Strengths
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Explosive middle order
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Aggressive batting intent
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Match-winners capable of changing games quickly
The 2024 contest was less about drama and more about tactics and execution. Captains made calculated decisions, bowlers stuck to plans, and margins were small. Gujarat Titans once again stayed slightly ahead by making fewer mistakes.
IPL 2025 – A Statement from Gujarat Titans
The latest chapter in the Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline came in IPL 2025, and it strongly favoured Gujarat.
A dominant batting performance set the tone, followed by disciplined bowling that never allowed KKR to settle. The match remained under GT’s control from start to finish.
A key contribution came from Shubman Gill, whose composed top-order knock highlighted his growing influence as a leader and run scorer.
Also read: Top 10 Highest Team Scores in IPL History
IPL 2025 Match Summary
| Team | Key Performer | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | Shubman Gill | Classy top-order knock |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Middle order | Failed to build momentum |
Head to Head Overview (Till Now)
| Team | Matches Won | Biggest Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | Majority wins | Consistent team performances |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Fewer wins | Rinku Singh’s last-over miracle |
Players Who Defined the Timeline
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Shubman Gill (GT): Calm, elegant, and dependable at the top
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Rashid Khan (GT): A match-changer with the ball in key moments
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Rinku Singh (KKR): One innings that redefined the rivalry
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Andre Russell (KKR): A constant threat, even on quieter days
Why This Rivalry Works
This rivalry connects with fans because it combines:
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New team hunger versus legacy-team pride
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Emotional highs and lows
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Tactical battles
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Moments of pure entertainment
Every GT vs KKR match carries uncertainty and expectation.
Final Thoughts – A Timeline Still Being Written
The Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is still evolving, but it already includes moments that have earned a place in IPL history.
As future seasons unfold, this rivalry is expected to grow stronger, louder, and more competitive. One thing remains certain:
Whenever Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders face each other, cricket fans are guaranteed a spectacle.
FAQs:
Q1. When did Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders first play against each other?
Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders first faced each other in IPL 2022, during Gujarat Titans’ debut season in the Indian Premier League.
Q2. Who won the first GT vs KKR match?
The Gujarat Titans won the first-ever match against Kolkata Knight Riders by successfully defending a competitive total.
Q3. Which GT vs KKR match is considered the most iconic?
The IPL 2023 match in which Rinku Singh hit five sixes in the final over is widely regarded as the most iconic GT vs KKR encounter.
Q4. How many times have Gujarat Titans beaten Kolkata Knight Riders?
Gujarat Titans have won the majority of matches played against Kolkata Knight Riders so far, giving them an edge in the head-to-head record.
Q5. Who has been the best performer for Gujarat Titans against KKR?
Shubman Gill has been one of the most consistent performers for Gujarat Titans against KKR, delivering key top-order innings across multiple seasons.
Q6. Why is the GT vs KKR rivalry popular among fans?
The rivalry is popular due to dramatic finishes, emotional moments, tactical battles, and individual brilliance, especially the unforgettable last-over chase in IPL 2023.
Q7. Which IPL season strengthened the GT vs KKR rivalry the most?
IPL 2023 strengthened the rivalry the most, as it produced one of the greatest finishes in IPL history and added emotional depth to the matchup.
Q8. Has GT vs KKR become a major IPL rivalry?
While still a young rivalry, GT vs KKR has quickly gained attention due to high quality matches and iconic moments, making it one of the most exciting modern IPL matchups.
Q9. Where can fans watch Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders matches live?
GT vs KKR matches are broadcast live on official IPL broadcasters and streaming platforms during the IPL season, depending on regional availability.
Q10. Will the GT vs KKR rivalry grow stronger in future IPL seasons?
Yes. With both teams featuring strong squads and rising stars, the GT vs KKR rivalry is expected to grow stronger and deliver more memorable moments in future IPL seasons.
