Why is RCB vs KKR clash called ‘El Primero’ of IPL?

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. (Source -Twitter/X)

The much-anticipated clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 10th match of IPL 2024 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is just hours away. This marquee fixture, termed the ‘El Primero’ of the IPL, has a history and squares of the tournament’s most popular franchises against each other in an epic contest.

The RCB vs KKR match is dubbed ‘El Primero’ as it was the first-ever IPL encounter played back in the inaugural season in 2008. In that opening game, Brendon McCullum’s blistering 158* off 73 balls powered KKR to a massive 140-run win over RCB. This high-stakes clash set the tone for the entire tournament and brought in a new era of T20 cricket in India.

Also read: One team I wanted to beat every time and even in my dream was RCB: Gautam Gambhir

Since that opening game, the RCB-KKR rivalry has produced numerous memorable moments and heated battles. From the fiery exchanges between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir to Chris Gayle’s century against his former team, and RCB’s lowest total record of 49 all-out, this fixture has never failed to entertain.