The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings timeline is one of the most fascinating match histories in IPL cricket. From the first meeting in 2008 to the latest clash in 2026, RCB vs CSK has produced close finishes, dramatic chases, dominant bowling spells, playoff battles and some of the IPL’s most memorable individual performances.
The rivalry became even bigger because of the presence of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Kohli became the face of RCB and one of the most prolific batters in IPL history, while Dhoni built the CSK dynasty and became synonymous with Chennai’s yellow jersey.
The rivalry has not always been evenly balanced. CSK enjoyed a significant advantage for much of the IPL era, particularly in the early and middle years. However, RCB’s recent results have changed the momentum. RCB won both meetings against CSK in 2025 and also won the first meeting between the teams in 2026.
This complete RCB vs CSK timeline covers their season-by-season history, match results, head-to-head record, biggest wins, memorable encounters, key players and major turning points from 2008 through 2026.
Quick Facts: RCB vs CSK Rivalry
| Category | Details |
| Teams | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League |
| First Meeting | April 28, 2008 |
| First RCB Win | May 21, 2008 |
| Rivalry | RCB vs CSK |
| Key Players | Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja and others |
| Major Venues | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, MA Chidambaram Stadium and neutral venues |
| Format | T20 |
| Timeline Covered | 2008–2026 |
| 2025 Meetings | RCB won both |
| Latest Meeting | April 5, 2026 |
| Latest Result | RCB won by 43 runs |
The first RCB-CSK meeting took place in Bengaluru in April 2008, while RCB recorded its first victory over Chennai in the return fixture at Chepauk later that season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline: Year-by-Year History
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2008
The rivalry began during the inaugural IPL season. RCB and CSK met twice in 2008, with both teams winning once.
In the first encounter on April 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Chennai Super Kings defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by 13 runs. MS Dhoni played an important role for CSK, scoring 65 from 30 balls.
The return fixture on May 21 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium produced one of RCB’s most memorable early victories. RCB made 126/8 and then restricted CSK to 112/8, winning by 14 runs. Anil Kumble was the Player of the Match after taking 3/14, while Rahul Dravid top-scored with 47.
2008 record: RCB 1–1 CSK
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2009
The 2009 season was played in South Africa, giving the rivalry a completely different setting.
CSK dominated the first meeting, defeating RCB by a huge 92-run margin at Port Elizabeth. RCB responded strongly in the next encounter, winning by two wickets at Kingsmead.
The teams then met again in the second semi-final at Johannesburg. RCB produced an impressive six-wicket victory to eliminate CSK and advance to the final.
That semi-final was an important moment in RCB-CSK history because it showed that Bengaluru could compete with Chennai in high-pressure knockout matches.
2009 record: RCB 2–1 CSK
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RCB vs CSK Timeline 2010
The two teams met twice in 2010.
RCB won the first meeting in Bengaluru by 36 runs, producing a convincing performance with both bat and ball. CSK responded in Chennai by winning the return fixture by five wickets.
The season therefore ended with the rivalry level at one win apiece.
2010 record: RCB 1–1 CSK
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2011
The 2011 season became one of the most important chapters in the entire rivalry.
CSK won the first league meeting by 21 runs. RCB then defeated Chennai by eight wickets in Bengaluru, showing that the contest could go either way.
The teams met again in Qualifier 1 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. CSK won by six wickets and advanced to the final.
The biggest meeting came on May 28, 2011, when RCB and CSK faced each other in the IPL final at Chennai. CSK produced a commanding performance, scoring 205/5 before restricting RCB to 147/8. Chennai won the final by 58 runs and lifted the IPL trophy.
The 2011 final remains the only IPL final contested between RCB and CSK.
2011 record: CSK 3–1 RCB
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2012
The teams met twice in 2012.
CSK won the first encounter at Chepauk by five wickets. The second meeting in Bengaluru was abandoned without a result.
The abandoned game is significant because it remains the only no-result in the long RCB-CSK IPL head-to-head record.
2012 record: CSK 1 win, 1 no result
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2013
The rivalry continued in 2013 with two league-stage encounters.
CSK won the first meeting in Chennai by four wickets. RCB responded in Bengaluru by winning by 24 runs.
The Bengaluru match was particularly notable for Zaheer Khan, whose 4/17 remains one of the best bowling performances by an RCB bowler in this fixture.
2013 record: 1–1
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2014
The teams again split their two league meetings.
RCB won the first match at Ranchi by eight wickets. CSK answered in Bengaluru by winning the return fixture by five wickets.
The season demonstrated a recurring pattern in this rivalry: one team would dominate one venue, only for the other to respond in the return fixture.
2014 record: 1–1
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2015
2015 was another important season, with the teams meeting three times.
CSK won the first league match in Bengaluru by 27 runs and then defeated RCB in Chennai by 24 runs.
The third encounter came in Qualifier 2 at Ranchi. CSK won by three wickets and eliminated RCB from the playoffs.
Ashish Nehra produced one of the most memorable bowling performances of the rivalry during the 2015 season. His 4/10 against RCB remains the best bowling figures recorded by a CSK bowler in this matchup.
2015 record: CSK 3–0 RCB
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2016
There was no RCB vs CSK match in IPL 2016.
The reason was CSK’s two-season suspension from the IPL, which prevented the franchise from participating in the 2016 tournament.
RCB, meanwhile, enjoyed one of the greatest batting seasons in IPL history and reached the final, although they eventually lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2017
There was again no RCB vs CSK meeting in 2017 because CSK remained suspended.
Chennai returned to the IPL in 2018, immediately restoring one of the league’s biggest rivalries.
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2018
CSK’s return produced two highly anticipated meetings against RCB.
Chennai won the first encounter in Bengaluru by five wickets. The return fixture at Pune also went CSK’s way, with Chennai winning by six wickets.
The results reinforced CSK’s advantage over RCB during this period.
2018 record: CSK 2–0 RCB
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2019
The 2019 season produced one of the closest finishes in RCB-CSK history.
CSK won the first meeting in Chennai by seven wickets. RCB then edged Chennai by just one run in Bengaluru.
The one-run thriller became an iconic RCB-CSK match. RCB defended a modest total and held their nerve during the final over to secure victory.
2019 record: 1–1
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2020
The 2020 IPL was played in the UAE, and the two teams met twice.
CSK won the first encounter by eight wickets, but RCB bounced back in the second match with a 37-run victory.
The season was part of a broader period in which RCB gradually became more competitive against Chennai.
2020 record: 1–1
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2021
The 2021 season again belonged to Chennai.
CSK won both meetings. The first victory was particularly emphatic, with Chennai defeating RCB by 69 runs. The second meeting ended with CSK winning by six wickets.
The 2021 season therefore extended Chennai’s dominance in the head-to-head record.
2021 record: CSK 2–0 RCB
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2022
The 2022 season produced two very different results.
CSK won the first match by 23 runs after scoring 216/4. RCB responded in the second meeting by successfully defending 173/8 and winning by 13 runs.
The season ended 1–1, but RCB’s victory helped establish the competitive trend that would become more visible in subsequent seasons.
2022 record: 1–1
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2023
The 2023 meeting was one of the highest-scoring games in the rivalry.
CSK posted 226/6 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while RCB responded with 218/8. Chennai eventually won by eight runs. The match produced 444 combined runs and remains one of the clearest examples of the batting firepower associated with this rivalry.
The narrow result also demonstrated how little separated the teams on the night.
2023 record: CSK won by 8 runs
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2024
The 2024 season produced two hugely important matches.
CSK won the opening encounter at Chepauk by six wickets. RCB then produced an outstanding turnaround in the return fixture at Bengaluru.
On May 18, RCB scored 218/5 and defeated CSK by 27 runs. The result was especially significant because it had direct playoff qualification implications. RCB needed a strong result to keep their qualification hopes alive, while Chennai were competing for the same playoff position.
The dramatic match ended with RCB advancing to the playoffs while CSK’s campaign came to an end.
2024 record: 1–1
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2025
The 2025 season marked a major shift in the rivalry.
RCB and CSK met twice, and Bengaluru won both matches.
The first meeting took place at Chepauk on March 28. RCB scored 196/7 and then restricted CSK to 146/8, winning by 50 runs. Rajat Patidar was named Player of the Match after scoring 51 from 32 balls.
The second meeting at Bengaluru on May 3 was dramatically closer. RCB posted 213/5, while CSK finished on 211/5. RCB held on for a two-run victory, with Romario Shepherd named Player of the Match.
Winning at Chepauk by 50 runs was especially important because RCB had historically struggled in Chennai. The 2025 season therefore represented a significant change in the balance of the rivalry.
2025 record: RCB 2–0 CSK
RCB vs CSK Timeline 2026
The latest RCB vs CSK encounter came on April 5, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
CSK won the toss and chose to bowl, but RCB produced an enormous total of 250/3 in 20 overs. Chennai managed 207 all out in 19.4 overs, giving RCB a 43-run victory.
Tim David was named Player of the Match after making 70, while Sarfaraz Khan scored 50 for CSK.
The victory extended RCB’s recent dominance. Bengaluru had now won the last three meetings entering the 2026 season and continued its strong run against Chennai.
2026 result: RCB won by 43 runs
RCB vs CSK All Match Results
The table below summarizes the complete rivalry timeline. The 2016 and 2017 seasons are excluded because CSK did not participate in those editions. The 2012 abandoned match is included as a no-result.
| Year | Result | Winner | Margin |
| 2008 | RCB vs CSK | CSK | 13 runs |
| 2008 | CSK vs RCB | RCB | 14 runs |
| 2009 | RCB vs CSK | CSK | 92 runs |
| 2009 | CSK vs RCB | RCB | 2 wickets |
| 2009 | CSK vs RCB | RCB | 6 wickets |
| 2010 | RCB vs CSK | RCB | 36 runs |
| 2010 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 5 wickets |
| 2011 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 21 runs |
| 2011 | RCB vs CSK | RCB | 8 wickets |
| 2011 | RCB vs CSK | CSK | 6 wickets |
| 2011 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 58 runs |
| 2012 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 5 wickets |
| 2012 | RCB vs CSK | No Result | Abandoned |
| 2013 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 4 wickets |
| 2013 | RCB vs CSK | RCB | 24 runs |
| 2014 | CSK vs RCB | RCB | 5 wickets |
| 2014 | RCB vs CSK | CSK | 5 wickets |
| 2015 | RCB vs CSK | CSK | 27 runs |
| 2015 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 24 runs |
| 2015 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 3 wickets |
| 2018 | RCB vs CSK | CSK | 5 wickets |
| 2018 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 6 wickets |
| 2019 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 7 wickets |
| 2019 | RCB vs CSK | RCB | 1 run |
| 2020 | RCB vs CSK | CSK | 8 wickets |
| 2020 | CSK vs RCB | RCB | 37 runs |
| 2021 | RCB vs CSK | CSK | 69 runs |
| 2021 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 6 wickets |
| 2022 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 23 runs |
| 2022 | RCB vs CSK | RCB | 13 runs |
| 2023 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 8 runs |
| 2024 | CSK vs RCB | CSK | 6 wickets |
| 2024 | RCB vs CSK | RCB | 27 runs |
| 2025 | CSK vs RCB | RCB | 50 runs |
| 2025 | RCB vs CSK | RCB | 2 runs |
| 2026 | RCB vs CSK | RCB | 43 runs |
RCB vs CSK Head-to-Head Record
Through the 2026 meeting, the teams have played 36 IPL matches, with one ending without a result. Chennai Super Kings have won 21 matches, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won 14. That leaves CSK ahead on the overall head-to-head, although the recent results have strongly favored RCB.
| Head-to-Head Category | RCB | CSK |
| Matches with result | 35 | 35 |
| Wins | 14 | 21 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Overall win share of decided matches | 40% | 60% |
| Latest Result | RCB won | RCB won |
| Latest Meeting | 2026 | 2026 |
The most striking feature is the change in recent momentum. RCB won both matches in 2025 and the first meeting in 2026.
RCB vs CSK Head-to-Head at Different Venues
Venue has played a major role in this rivalry.
| Venue | Meetings | RCB Wins | CSK Wins | No Result |
| M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 12 | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| MA Chidambaram Stadium | 10 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| Wankhede Stadium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| MCA Stadium, Pune | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| JSCA Stadium, Ranchi | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Dubai International Stadium | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| DY Patil Stadium | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Wanderers Stadium | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Kingsmead | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| St George’s Park | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
The Chepauk record explains much of CSK’s historical advantage. Chennai has traditionally been extremely difficult for RCB to beat at home. RCB’s 50-run win there in 2025 was therefore an important milestone.
RCB vs CSK Biggest Wins
The biggest margin of victory in this rivalry belongs to Chennai.
In 2009, CSK defeated RCB by 92 runs at Port Elizabeth. RCB were bowled out for 87 after Chennai posted a strong total.
RCB’s biggest win by runs before 2025 was a 69-run victory in 2021, while its more recent 50-run victory at Chepauk became one of the team’s most significant wins against CSK.
Biggest RCB vs CSK Wins by Runs
| Team | Biggest Win | Year |
| CSK | 92 runs | 2009 |
| RCB | 69 runs | 2021 |
Biggest Wins by Wickets
RCB’s biggest successful chase against CSK came when it won by eight wickets in 2011. CSK also recorded eight-wicket victories against RCB, including the 2014 encounter.
RCB vs CSK Highest Team Scores
The rivalry has produced several enormous totals in recent years.
| Team | Highest Score | Year | Venue |
| RCB | 218/8 | 2023 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium |
| CSK | 226/6 | 2023 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium |
The 2023 game remains one of the highest-scoring RCB vs CSK matches, with 444 runs scored across the two innings.
RCB’s 2026 total of 250/3 was higher than its previous best against CSK, meaning the latest meeting established a new RCB team-score record in this rivalry.
RCB vs CSK Lowest Team Scores
The fixture has also witnessed some major batting collapses.
RCB’s lowest total against CSK is 70, recorded in the 2019 match at Chennai. CSK’s lowest completed total against RCB is 112/8, recorded during RCB’s famous 2008 victory at Chepauk.
| Team | Lowest Score | Year |
| RCB | 70 | 2019 |
| CSK | 112/8 | 2008 |
RCB vs CSK Most Memorable Matches
2009 Semi-Final
The 2009 semi-final was an early landmark in the rivalry. RCB defeated CSK by six wickets in Johannesburg and progressed to the IPL final.
2011 IPL Final
The 2011 final remains the biggest knockout match between the teams. CSK scored 205/5 and defeated RCB by 58 runs to win the title.
2015 Qualifier 2
CSK defeated RCB by three wickets in Ranchi, ending Bengaluru’s playoff campaign.
2019 One-Run Thriller
The 2019 Bengaluru match was one of the closest finishes in the rivalry, with RCB winning by just one run.
2023 Run Fest
CSK’s 226/6 and RCB’s 218/8 produced 444 runs, making the game one of the most entertaining batting contests in the fixture’s history. CSK won by eight runs.
2024 Playoff Decider
The May 18, 2024 meeting had enormous playoff implications. RCB’s 27-run victory allowed Bengaluru to move into the playoffs while eliminating Chennai.
2025 Chepauk Breakthrough
RCB’s 50-run victory in Chennai was another major turning point because Bengaluru had historically struggled against CSK at Chepauk.
2026 Record Chase
RCB’s 250/3 in 2026 produced its highest score against CSK and resulted in a 43-run victory. Tim David’s 70 was central to the huge total.
Virat Kohli vs MS Dhoni: The Face of RCB vs CSK
It is impossible to discuss the RCB vs CSK rivalry without mentioning Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.
Kohli has been the defining batting figure for RCB. He has spent his entire IPL career with Bengaluru and became the franchise’s most recognizable player. His consistency, longevity and emotional connection with the RCB fan base have made him central to the rivalry.
Dhoni represents a completely different kind of legacy. As CSK captain for most of the franchise’s history, he led Chennai to multiple IPL titles and developed a reputation for calm decision-making under pressure.
The two players also represent contrasting cricketing identities. Kohli’s aggressive intensity became associated with Bengaluru, while Dhoni’s composure became a symbol of Chennai.
Their rivalry is therefore about much more than individual batting statistics. It represents two of the biggest fan bases, two iconic IPL personalities and two contrasting leadership styles.
RCB vs CSK Key Players Over the Years
RCB
- Virat Kohli has been the most important long-term RCB player in the fixture and is among the leading run-scorers in RCB-CSK history.
- AB de Villiers provided RCB with explosive middle-order batting and played several important innings against Chennai.
- Chris Gayle brought extraordinary power to the contest, especially during the peak of his RCB career.
- Faf du Plessis later became important to the rivalry from the RCB side after previously representing CSK.
Other important RCB names include Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vinay Kumar and Rajat Patidar.
CSK
- MS Dhoni remains the defining player and leader in CSK’s history.
- Suresh Raina played a major role in Chennai’s batting dominance during the early and middle years of the rivalry.
- Ravindra Jadeja has been a key all-rounder and one of CSK’s most valuable players.
- Dwayne Bravo delivered important bowling performances and became one of CSK’s leading wicket-takers.
- Faf du Plessis also played an important role for Chennai before becoming RCB captain.
Other notable CSK performers include Murali Vijay, Albie Morkel, Ashish Nehra, Ravichandran Ashwin and several generations of Chennai players.
RCB vs CSK Rivalry Statistics
Several individual records highlight the long history between the teams.
| Statistic | RCB | CSK |
| Leading Run-Scorer | Virat Kohli | MS Dhoni |
| Highest Individual Score | Virat Kohli 90* | Murali Vijay 95 / Shivam Dube 95* |
| Best Bowling Figures | Zaheer Khan 4/17 | Ashish Nehra 4/10 |
| Notable Wicket-Taker | Yuzvendra Chahal | Ravindra Jadeja |
| Highest Team Score | 250/3 in 2026 | 226/6 in 2023 |
Historical databases differ slightly on individual totals depending on whether they count the latest matches and how statistical categories are defined, but Virat Kohli remains the leading RCB batter in the fixture.
Ashish Nehra’s 4/10 in 2015 remains the standout CSK bowling performance, while Zaheer Khan’s 4/17 in 2013 is one of RCB’s best spells against Chennai.
RCB vs CSK Playoff and Knockout History
The rivalry has produced several important knockout encounters.
| Year | Stage | Winner | Result |
| 2009 | Semi-Final | RCB | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2011 | Qualifier 1 | CSK | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2011 | Final | CSK | Won by 58 runs |
| 2015 | Qualifier 2 | CSK | Won by 3 wickets |
CSK’s knockout record is another major reason for its overall advantage in the rivalry. Chennai won the 2011 Qualifier 1, the 2011 final and the 2015 Qualifier 2, while RCB’s most significant knockout win came in the 2009 semi-final.
The 2011 final remains particularly significant because it is the only IPL final between these two franchises.
RCB vs CSK Rivalry: How It Has Changed Over the Years
The rivalry has gone through several distinct phases.
Early IPL Years
CSK started strongly, but RCB quickly showed that the contest would not be one-sided. The 2008 season ended 1–1, while RCB’s 2009 semi-final victory demonstrated its ability to beat Chennai in important matches.
CSK’s Dominant Middle Period
From 2011 through 2015, Chennai enjoyed a clear advantage. The 2011 final, the 2015 Qualifier 2 and several league-stage victories established CSK as the more consistent side.
CSK’s Return in 2018
After missing two IPL seasons, CSK returned in 2018 and immediately won both matches against RCB. This reinforced the perception that Chennai remained one of Bengaluru’s toughest opponents.
RCB’s Resurgence
The balance began shifting more noticeably from 2022 onward. RCB won one of the two 2022 matches, secured a dramatic victory in 2024 and then won both 2025 meetings.
The Recent RCB Advantage
RCB’s recent run is the biggest change in the modern rivalry. Bengaluru won the final meeting of 2024, both matches in 2025 and the first meeting of 2026.
RCB vs CSK Timeline: Key Turning Points
The First Meeting in 2008
The opening chapter established the rivalry as a competitive battle rather than a one-sided contest.
RCB’s 2009 Semi-Final Victory
Eliminating CSK from the playoffs gave RCB an important early knockout victory.
The 2011 Final
CSK’s 58-run win became one of the most important results in the rivalry.
CSK’s 2015 Dominance
Winning all three meetings, including Qualifier 2, demonstrated Chennai’s superiority during that period.
The 2019 One-Run Finish
The dramatic one-run victory showed how closely matched the teams could be.
The 2023 444-Run Thriller
The eight-run CSK victory highlighted the batting quality on both sides.
The 2024 Qualification Battle
RCB’s 27-run win changed the playoff picture and ended CSK’s campaign.
The 2025 Chepauk Victory
RCB’s 50-run win in Chennai was one of the biggest symbolic victories of the modern rivalry.
The 2026 250-Run Explosion
RCB’s 250/3 and 43-run victory continued Bengaluru’s recent dominance and established a new team-high score in the fixture.
RCB vs CSK Latest Match
The latest RCB vs CSK match was played on April 5, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
CSK won the toss and chose to bowl first. RCB responded with a huge 250/3 in 20 overs. Chennai’s chase reached 207 before the side was bowled out in 19.4 overs.
RCB won by 43 runs.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Date | April 5, 2026 |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Toss | CSK elected to bowl |
| RCB Score | 250/3 |
| CSK Score | 207 all out |
| Result | RCB won by 43 runs |
| RCB Top Performer | Tim David – 70 |
| CSK Top Performer | Sarfaraz Khan – 50 |
| Player of the Match | Tim David |
Tim David’s 70 was the standout batting contribution for RCB, while Sarfaraz Khan scored 50 for Chennai.
RCB vs CSK Rivalry Records
| Record | Details |
| Most RCB-CSK Wins | CSK – 21 |
| RCB Wins | 14 |
| No Results | 1 |
| Biggest CSK Win | 92 runs, 2009 |
| Biggest RCB Win by Runs before 2026 | 69 runs, 2021 |
| RCB’s Highest Score | 250/3, 2026 |
| CSK’s Highest Score | 226/6, 2023 |
| RCB’s Lowest Score | 70, 2019 |
| CSK’s Lowest Completed Score | 112/8, 2008 |
| Highest Combined Score | 444 runs, 2023 |
| Best CSK Bowling | Ashish Nehra 4/10 |
| Best RCB Bowling | Zaheer Khan 4/17 |
| Closest RCB Win | 1 run, 2019 |
| Latest Winner | RCB, 2026 |
The historical head-to-head still favors CSK, but the recent record tells a different story. RCB’s wins in 2024, both meetings in 2025 and the 2026 victory have significantly narrowed the gap in terms of current momentum.
Conclusion: RCB vs CSK Timeline
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings timeline is a story of changing dominance, iconic players and unforgettable IPL moments.
CSK established a significant advantage during the middle years of the rivalry, winning major knockout matches including the 2011 IPL final and the 2015 Qualifier 2. RCB, however, has gradually changed the narrative with memorable victories in 2019, 2022, 2024 and especially the back-to-back wins over Chennai in 2025.
The 2025 season was particularly important because RCB won at Chepauk by 50 runs and then survived a two-run thriller in Bengaluru. The momentum continued in 2026, when RCB posted 250/3 and defeated CSK by 43 runs.
Even though CSK still lead the all-time head-to-head record, the recent timeline shows that RCB have become increasingly competitive. With Kohli’s enduring legacy on one side and Dhoni’s historic connection with Chennai on the other, RCB vs CSK remains much more than another IPL fixture.
It is a rivalry built on history, personalities, pressure and moments that IPL fans continue to remember long after the final ball.
FAQs
1. When was the first RCB vs CSK match played?
The first RCB vs CSK IPL match was played on April 28, 2008, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. CSK won by 13 runs.
2. Who has won more RCB vs CSK matches?
Chennai Super Kings have won more matches in the overall IPL head-to-head. Through the 2026 meeting, CSK have 21 wins compared with RCB’s 14, with one match ending without a result.
3. How many times have RCB and CSK played each other?
RCB and CSK have faced each other 36 times in the IPL through the April 5, 2026 meeting. One match ended without a result.
4. What is RCB’s highest score against CSK?
RCB’s latest 250/3 in 2026 is its highest team total against CSK. It came at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
5. What is CSK’s highest score against RCB?
CSK’s highest score against RCB is 226/6, scored in the 2023 match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
6. Who has scored the most runs in RCB vs CSK matches?
Virat Kohli is the leading RCB run-scorer in the rivalry and is the overall leading RCB batter in the fixture.
7. Who has taken the most wickets in RCB vs CSK matches?
The leading wicket-taking figures vary between statistical databases depending on the cutoff date, but Yuzvendra Chahal has been one of RCB’s leading wicket-takers, while Ravindra Jadeja has been among CSK’s most successful bowlers in the matchup.
8. What is the biggest RCB win over CSK?
RCB’s biggest win by runs before the 2026 season was 69 runs in 2021. RCB then recorded a 43-run victory in the latest 2026 meeting and a 50-run win at Chepauk in 2025.
9. What is the biggest CSK win over RCB?
CSK’s biggest victory over RCB came in 2009 when Chennai won by 92 runs at Port Elizabeth.
10. When was the most recent RCB vs CSK match?
The most recent RCB vs CSK match was played on April 5, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB won by 43 runs after scoring 250/3.
11. What is the RCB vs CSK head-to-head record?
Through the latest 2026 meeting, CSK lead the rivalry with 21 wins, while RCB have won 14. One match ended without a result.
12. Why is RCB vs CSK considered a major IPL rivalry?
RCB vs CSK is considered a major IPL rivalry because of its long history, contrasting fan bases, repeated close matches, playoff encounters and the presence of iconic players such as Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.
