Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline: The Greatest IPL Rivalry

Cricket fans love a good rivalry. And there is no rivalry in the Indian Premier League quite like this one. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings timeline is packed with thrillers, heartbreaks, and legendary finishes.

This fight is not just about points on a table. It is about pride. It is about two proud cities. It is about legends like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who gave everything on the field for their teams. Every single season, fans wait for this match. They know something special will happen.

In this article, we will walk through the full Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings timeline, year by year. We will look at every big match, every record, and every twist. By the end, you will know this rivalry inside and out.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline (2008–Present)

The story of RCB vs CSK began in the very first IPL season. Since then, these two teams have played each other more than 30 times. CSK built a strong lead early on. But RCB has fought back hard in recent years, especially after winning their first IPL title. Let’s go back to where it all started.

2008: The Rivalry Begins

The IPL kicked off in 2008, and RCB and CSK met twice in that debut season. CSK, led by MS Dhoni, showed early tactical strength and won both matches. This gave Chennai an early edge that would shape the rivalry for years.

Match 1: CSK Claims the First Victory (April 28, 2008)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: CSK won by 13 runs
• CSK batted first and posted a modest total of 126 runs.
• RCB fell short, managing only 112/9 in their 20 overs.
• Manpreet Gony picked up 3 wickets and led CSK’s tight bowling effort.
• This was CSK’s very first win in IPL history.

Match 2: CSK Completes the Season Sweep (May 21, 2008)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: CSK won by 3 wickets
• RCB posted a strong 178/5, thanks to knocks from Rahul Dravid and Jacques Kallis.
• Parthiv Patel scored 57 runs to guide CSK’s chase.
• CSK won with just one ball to spare.
• This gave Chennai a clean sweep in the very first season.

2009: CSK Builds Early Momentum

The 2009 season was played in South Africa because of the election dates back home. Even on foreign soil, CSK looked comfortable. They won both matches against RCB and showed great team balance with bat and ball.

Match 1: Chennai Wins in South Africa (April 20, 2009)

• Venue: St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth
• Result: CSK won by 92 runs
• CSK posted 179/5, with Matthew Hayden smashing a quick 65.
• RCB collapsed while chasing, getting bowled out for just 87 runs.
• Muttiah Muralitharan spun a web around RCB’s batters, taking 3 wickets.
• This remains one of the biggest wins in the rivalry’s history.

Match 2: CSK Continues Their Winning Run (May 14, 2009)

• Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
• Result: CSK won by 2 wickets
• RCB set a target of 145 runs for CSK to chase.
• The chase was tight, with CSK losing wickets at regular intervals.
• Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni steadied the innings under pressure.
• CSK held their nerve and won with 2 wickets in hand.

2010: RCB Fights Back

After two seasons of pure CSK dominance, RCB finally found a way to win. The 2010 season was a turning point, as both teams shared the spoils. This year also ended with CSK lifting their first IPL trophy.

Match 1: Bengaluru Secures an Important Win (March 23, 2010)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: RCB won by 36 runs
• RCB posted 171/5, powered by Robin Uthappa’s fast 68.
• CSK fell well short, ending their innings at 135/7.
• Jacques Kallis picked up key wickets to seal the win for RCB.
• This was RCB’s first away win over CSK.

Match 2: Chennai Responds Strongly (April 21, 2010)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: CSK won by 5 wickets
• RCB set CSK a target of 161 runs.
• MS Dhoni played a captain’s innings to guide the chase.
• CSK won with 2 balls to spare.
• This victory gave CSK momentum heading into the playoffs, where they went on to win their first IPL title.

2011: CSK Wins the IPL Final

The 2011 season was CSK’s finest hour against RCB. Chennai beat Bengaluru three times that year, including in the IPL Final. This made CSK the first team to defend an IPL title.

Match 1: League Stage Encounter (April 16, 2011)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: CSK won by 21 runs
• CSK posted 183/5, led by Suresh Raina’s blazing 63.
• RCB, captained by Virat Kohli, managed only 162/7 in reply.
• CSK’s bowlers stayed tight in the closing overs.
• This win set the tone for CSK’s strong season.

Match 2: Qualifier Clash (May 24, 2011)

• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Result: CSK won by 6 wickets
• Chris Gayle smashed 89 runs to help RCB post 175/4.
• MS Dhoni led a calm and calculated chase for CSK.
• Michael Hussey’s half-century supported the winning effort.
• CSK booked their place in the IPL Final with this win.

Match 3: IPL Final (May 28, 2011)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: CSK won by 58 runs
• CSK posted a massive 205/5, with Murali Vijay smashing 95 off just 52 balls.
• RCB’s batting lineup could not handle the pressure.
• RCB were bowled out for 147/8.
• CSK lifted their second straight IPL title in front of their home crowd.

2012: High-Scoring Encounters

The 2012 season gave fans two thrilling, run-filled matches. Both teams won once, showing that this rivalry was becoming more balanced with every passing year.

Match 1: Chennai Completes a Remarkable Chase (April 12, 2012)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: CSK won by 5 wickets
• RCB posted a huge total of 205/8, led by Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli.
• CSK chased the target down on the very last ball.
• Albie Morkel hit 28 runs off one over from Kohli, changing the game.
• This remains one of the best chases in the rivalry’s history.

Match 2: RCB Ends the Season on a High (May 25, 2012)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: RCB won by 5 wickets
• CSK set RCB a target of 128 runs.
• Chris Gayle got RCB off to a quick start with 34 runs.
• AB de Villiers played a match-winning knock in the middle overs.
• RCB completed the chase with 5 wickets in hand.

2013: Chennai Maintains the Edge

CSK went back to full control in 2013. They swept both games against RCB, showing why they were among the most consistent teams in IPL history.

Match 1: CSK Wins a Close Contest (April 13, 2013)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: CSK won by 4 wickets
• RCB set a target of 165, backed by Virat Kohli’s 58.
• Ravindra Jadeja played a key role, scoring 38 off just 20 balls.
• CSK finished the chase in dramatic fashion.
• This win kept CSK’s home record against RCB intact.

Match 2: Chennai Completes the Double (May 18, 2013)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: CSK won by 8 wickets
• RCB posted only 134 runs.
• Michael Hussey and Suresh Raina added 75 runs together.
• CSK cruised to victory with ease.
• This gave CSK a clean sweep for the second time in the rivalry.

2014: AB de Villiers Inspires RCB

The 2014 season split evenly. CSK won at home, but RCB fired back thanks to one of the greatest individual knocks this rivalry has ever seen, from AB de Villiers.

Match 1: CSK Dominates at Home (May 18, 2014)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: CSK won by 8 wickets
• RCB set CSK a target of 154 runs.
• MS Dhoni led the chase with an unbeaten 49.
• Ashish Nehra kept RCB’s big hitters quiet with the ball.
• CSK won comfortably at home.

Match 2: AB de Villiers Leads Bengaluru (May 24, 2014)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: RCB won by 5 wickets
• CSK posted 138 runs batting first.
• AB de Villiers smashed an unbeaten 89 off just 41 balls.
• RCB completed the chase in 19.3 overs.
• This is still remembered as one of the best individual displays in the rivalry.

2015: Final Meetings Before the Suspension

The 2015 season was the last time RCB and CSK met before CSK’s two-year break from the league. Fans got one classic from each side, headlined by a stunning knock from Chris Gayle.

Match 1: Chennai Holds Home Advantage (April 22, 2015)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: CSK won by 27 runs
• CSK posted 181/8, led by Brendon McCullum’s 56.
• RCB struggled in the chase, finishing at 154/8.
• Dinesh Karthik’s 46 was not enough to close the gap.
• CSK secured another home win in the rivalry.

Match 2: RCB Finishes with a Strong Win (May 4, 2015)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: RCB won by 37 runs
• Chris Gayle played a breathtaking innings of 85 off 50 balls, hitting 7 sixes.
• RCB posted a big total of 181/8.
• MS Dhoni’s 48 kept CSK in the hunt, but it was not enough.
• RCB won comfortably by 37 runs.

2016: CSK Suspended from the IPL

In 2016, CSK did not take part in the IPL at all. This meant there was no RCB vs CSK match this year. Fans of the rivalry had to wait for its return.

Why CSK Missed the 2016 IPL Season

CSK was suspended for two years after the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal. Because of this ban, the team could not field a side in 2016. Without their fiercest rival on the field, RCB had a strong season and finished as runners-up, with Virat Kohli scoring a record 973 runs that year. But the rivalry itself stayed on pause.

2017: Second Season of Suspension

CSK’s suspension continued into 2017. This meant a second straight year without any RCB vs CSK clash.

CSK Remained Suspended Throughout the 2017 Season

With CSK still banned, RCB played the season without their biggest rival. RCB had a tough year and finished at the bottom of the table. Fans across India were eager for CSK’s return in 2018, hoping to see this famous rivalry come back to life.

2018: Chennai Returns in Style

CSK made a grand comeback in 2018, and the rivalry picked up right where it left off. MS Dhoni delivered one of his most iconic finishes, and CSK swept both matches against RCB.

Match 1: Dhoni’s Match-Winning Finish (April 25, 2018)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: CSK won by 5 wickets
• CSK were chasing a big target of 205 runs.
• MS Dhoni smashed an explosive 70 off 34 balls, not out.
• His six-hitting spree in the final overs sealed the win.
• This is remembered as one of Dhoni’s finest finishing acts.

Match 2: CSK Completes the Double (May 5, 2018)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: CSK won by 6 wickets
• RCB struggled with the bat and managed only 127/9.
• Suresh Raina scored an unbeaten 42 to guide the chase.
• CSK completed an easy win at home.
• This gave CSK a full sweep in their comeback season.

2019: A Memorable One-Run Finish

The 2019 season gave fans one of the tightest finishes in IPL history. CSK won the first match easily, but RCB struck back with a nail-biting one-run victory.

Match 1: Chennai Starts with a Victory (March 23, 2019)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: CSK won by 7 wickets
• RCB were bundled out for just 70 runs.
• Imran Tahir picked up 3 wickets in a strong bowling display.
• CSK chased the small total down with ease.
• This was a one-sided contest from start to finish.

Match 2: Bengaluru Wins by One Run (April 21, 2019)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: RCB won by 1 run
• CSK needed 26 runs off the final over to win.
• MS Dhoni nearly pulled off a miracle, scoring 24 runs in that over.
• A direct hit from Parthiv Patel sealed the win for RCB.
• This was RCB’s first win over CSK in four years, and one of the closest finishes ever seen in the rivalry.

2020: UAE Season Rivalry

The 2020 IPL was played in the UAE due to the pandemic. Both teams shared the honours, but CSK’s win came at a costly time for RCB’s playoff hopes.

Match 1: RCB Registers a Comfortable Win (October 10, 2020)

• Venue: Dubai International Stadium, UAE
• Result: RCB won by 37 runs
• Virat Kohli led the way with an unbeaten 90.
• RCB posted a strong total of 169/4.
• CSK’s chase fell short at 132/8.
• This gave RCB a clear and convincing win.

Match 2: CSK Gets Revenge (October 25, 2020)

• Venue: Dubai International Stadium, UAE
• Result: CSK won by 8 wickets
• RCB posted a total of 145 runs.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad scored an unbeaten 65 to guide the chase.
• CSK won comfortably, damaging RCB’s top-two hopes.
• This was Gaikwad’s breakout performance in the rivalry.

2021: Jadeja Creates History

The 2021 season belonged to Ravindra Jadeja. He produced one of the greatest all-round performances in IPL history, and CSK won both matches against RCB that year.

Match 1: Jadeja’s Record-Breaking Over (April 25, 2021)

• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Result: CSK won by 69 runs
• Ravindra Jadeja smashed 37 runs off a single over from Harshal Patel, the most runs ever hit in one over in IPL history.
• Jadeja also picked up 3 wickets with the ball.
• CSK posted 191/4 and bowled RCB out for just 122.
• This remains one of the most one-sided wins in the rivalry.

Match 2: Chennai Continues Their Dominance (September 24, 2021)

• Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
• Result: CSK won by 6 wickets
• RCB posted 156/6, led by Devdutt Padikkal’s 70.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis guided CSK’s chase.
• CSK won comfortably with 6 wickets in hand.
• This win kept CSK’s momentum going toward another title.

2022: Both Teams Share the Season

The 2022 season saw both teams trade blows, with each side winning once. Big totals and hard-fought finishes defined this year’s meetings.

Match 1: CSK Posts a Big Total (April 12, 2022)

• Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai
• Result: CSK won by 23 runs
• CSK posted a massive 216/4, powered by Shivam Dube’s 95 not out and Robin Uthappa’s 88.
• RCB’s chase fell short, finishing at 193/9.
• This was one of the highest-scoring games in the rivalry.
• CSK’s power-hitting was too much for RCB to handle.

Match 2: RCB Answers Back (May 4, 2022)

• Venue: MCA Stadium, Pune
• Result: RCB won by 13 runs
• RCB posted 173/8, with Faf du Plessis top-scoring at 38.
• CSK’s chase faltered, and they finished at 160/8.
• This win kept RCB’s season on track.
• It also balanced the record for the year.

2023: Two Entertaining Contests

The 2023 season delivered two run-fests, each team winning one match. Fans got to see huge scores and dramatic finishes on both occasions.

Match 1: Chennai Wins a High-Scoring Match (April 17, 2023)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: CSK won by 8 runs
• CSK posted a huge total of 226/6, led by Devon Conway’s 83 off 45 balls.
• RCB fought back hard, with Faf du Plessis (62) and Glenn Maxwell (76) forming a quick partnership.
• RCB finished at 218/8, just short of the target.
• Tushar Deshpande held his nerve in the final overs to seal the win for CSK.

Match 2: Bengaluru Levels the Season (May 6, 2023)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: RCB won by 13 runs
• RCB posted 185/6, led by strong knocks from Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell.
• Mohammad Siraj bowled a sharp spell to slow down CSK’s chase.
• CSK could only manage 172/9.
• This win kept RCB’s playoff hopes alive that season.

2024: A Playoff-Deciding Classic

The 2024 season produced one of the most dramatic matches in the rivalry’s history. It was a true playoff decider, and it changed the fortunes of both teams on the very same night.

Match 1: RCB Eliminates CSK from Playoff Qualification (May 18, 2024)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: RCB won by 27 runs
• RCB posted 218/5, with Faf du Plessis scoring 54 and Cameron Green adding 38.
• MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja added a record 61-run partnership for CSK’s seventh wicket.
• CSK still fell short, finishing at 191/7.
• This win completed RCB’s sixth straight victory and sent them into the playoffs, while defending champions CSK were eliminated on the very same night.

2025: Latest IPL Meetings

The 2025 season marked a huge shift in this rivalry. RCB beat CSK in both matches, including a historic first-ever win at Chepauk since 2008. RCB went on to win their maiden IPL title that year.

Match 1: Season Opener (March 28, 2025)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Result: RCB won by 50 runs
• RCB posted 196/7, led by Rajat Patidar’s 51 and Phil Salt’s 32.
• Josh Hazlewood took 3 wickets, and Yash Dayal picked up 2, as CSK were restricted to 146/8.
• MS Dhoni provided a late cameo, but it was far too little, too late.
• This was RCB’s first win over CSK at Chepauk since the very first IPL season, ending a 17-year wait.

Match 2: Return Fixture (May 3, 2025)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: RCB won by 2 runs
• RCB posted 213/5, thanks to Romario Shepherd’s blistering 53 not out off just 14 balls.
• CSK fought back hard, with Ayush Mhatre scoring 94 and Ravindra Jadeja adding 58.
• MS Dhoni came in to bat but could not finish the job this time.
• Yash Dayal held his nerve in the final over to seal a nail-biting 2-run win for RCB.

2026: Most Recent Encounters

RCB carried their winning form into the 2026 season, extending their dominance over CSK with another big win. This meeting also produced a new record total against CSK.

Match 1: First Meeting of the Season (April 5, 2026)

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: RCB won by 43 runs
• RCB posted a massive 250/3, their highest-ever total against CSK in IPL history.
• Tim David played a blistering innings, striking three sixes in a single over.
• Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal also chipped in with strong knocks.
• CSK were bowled out for 207, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking 3 wickets and reaching 200 career IPL wickets in the same match.
• This was RCB’s fourth win in a row over CSK, their best-ever run in the rivalry.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Head-to-Head Record

Here is a full look at the numbers behind this famous rivalry, based on all their meetings through the 2026 IPL season.

Even though CSK still leads this rivalry by a wide margin, RCB has closed the gap fast. Since 2022, RCB has won three of their last five meetings against CSK. RCB’s maiden IPL title in 2025 has also changed the mood of this fixture. They are no longer the underdogs. They are champions too.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Match Results Table

Below is a season-by-season summary of the biggest CSK vs RCB matches from 2008 to 2026.

Note: This table lists the major, well-documented meetings between the two sides. A small number of early matches carry slightly different records across different sources.

Most Memorable RCB vs CSK Matches

 

Some matches in this rivalry stand far above the rest. Here are the ones fans still talk about today:

• The 2011 IPL Final: CSK beat RCB by 58 runs to defend their title, becoming the first team ever to do so.
• Jadeja’s 37-run over (2021): Ravindra Jadeja hit the most runs off a single over in IPL history, against Harshal Patel.
• RCB’s 1-run win (2019): One of the closest finishes ever, decided by a direct-hit run out off the very last ball.
• AB de Villiers’ 89 not out (2014): A brilliant, fearless innings that snatched victory away from CSK.
• The 2024 playoff decider: RCB beat CSK by 27 runs to reach the playoffs and knock the defending champions out on the very same night.
• RCB’s historic Chepauk win (2025): RCB finally broke a 17-year losing streak at Chennai, winning by 50 runs.
• RCB’s record 250 (2026): Tim David powered RCB to their highest-ever total against CSK, extending their winning streak to four matches in a row.

Read Related Post : Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans Timeline

Conclusion

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings timeline tells the story of two great teams and two passionate fan bases. For many years, CSK held the upper hand. Their calm leadership under MS Dhoni and their strong spin attack made them very hard to beat.

But cricket always changes. RCB has grown stronger in recent seasons. Their power-hitting, sharp bowling, and never-give-up attitude have flipped the script. Winning their first IPL title in 2025 gave RCB a new kind of confidence. They are no longer chasing CSK’s shadow. They are champions in their own right.

As new seasons arrive, this rivalry will only grow bigger. Whether you support the Yellow Army or the Red Army, one thing is certain. Every RCB vs CSK match is a must-watch cricket.

FAQs

Who has won more matches between CSK and RCB?

Chennai Super Kings lead the head-to-head record with 21 wins from 36 matches. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won 14 times, and one match ended without a result due to weather.

Which player has scored the most runs in this rivalry?

Virat Kohli holds the record with more than 1,067 runs against CSK. MS Dhoni sits second on the list with over 807 runs, many scored in tense, match-winning situations.

What is the highest team score in RCB vs CSK history?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru hold the record with 250/3, set in April 2026. This is also the highest total any team has ever scored against CSK in the IPL.

Has RCB ever won at Chepauk against CSK?

Yes, but it took a long time. RCB’s only Chepauk win came in 2008 and again in March 2025, when they finally broke a 17-year losing streak at CSK’s home fortress.

Who is the top wicket-taker in the RCB vs CSK rivalry?

Ravindra Jadeja leads for CSK with 18 wickets against RCB. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Yuzvendra Chahal holds the top spot with 14 wickets in this fixture.