Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Season-by-Season Timeline
Table of Contents
The IPL rivalry began in 2008 and has continued through multiple generations of players. The following table summarizes the season-by-season outcomes through IPL 2026.
| IPL Season | Matches | RCB Wins | CSK Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2012 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2013 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | — | — | — |
| 2017 | 0 | — | — | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 36 | 14 | 21 | 1 |
CSK did not participate in the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons, so the teams did not meet during those years. The table shows CSK’s historical advantage, although RCB have won the most recent meetings in 2025 and 2026.
2008: The First CSK vs RCB Matches
The first match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru took place on 28 April 2008. Chennai won by 13 runs, establishing an early advantage in the rivalry.
RCB responded in the return fixture later that season, defeating CSK by 14 runs. The split results set the tone for a rivalry in which both teams would enjoy periods of success.
The inaugural IPL season also introduced fans to the teams’ contrasting styles. Chennai built a reputation for composure and experienced leadership, while Bengaluru developed a strong following around its aggressive batting.
2009–2010: A Competitive Beginning
The 2009 season featured three meetings between the teams. RCB won two matches, while Chennai won one, giving Bengaluru a strong season in the rivalry.
In 2010, the teams again split their two league matches, with each winning once. These early seasons established that neither side could rely entirely on historical reputation when facing the other.
The matches also helped create the rivalry’s long-term appeal, as both teams regularly competed for playoff positions and sought advantages in the league table.
2011: CSK Dominate the Rivalry
The 2011 season was one of Chennai’s strongest campaigns against RCB. The teams met four times, including the IPL final.
Chennai won three of the four encounters and defeated RCB by 58 runs in the final. CSK scored 205/5 before restricting Bengaluru to 147/8.
The final victory confirmed Chennai’s position as one of the dominant teams of the early IPL era. MS Dhoni’s leadership and the team’s balanced lineup were central to their success.
2012–2014: Alternating Victories
The rivalry became more balanced during the following seasons. In 2012, CSK won one match while the other ended without a result. In 2013, both teams recorded a victory.
The 2014 season also produced one win for each side. These results reflected the competitive nature of the fixture, with the outcome often depending on batting partnerships, bowling execution, and conditions at the venue.
2015: Chennai Sweep the Series
Chennai had another dominant season against Bengaluru in 2015, winning all three of their meetings.
CSK’s results demonstrated their ability to handle different match situations, whether defending a total or chasing a target. RCB struggled to find a winning formula against Chennai during that season.
The 2015 results contributed to CSK’s growing historical advantage in the head-to-head record.
2018: The Rivalry Returns After CSK’s Suspension
Chennai Super Kings returned to the IPL in 2018 after missing the 2016 and 2017 seasons. They immediately re-established themselves as a competitive force and won both league matches against RCB.
The season culminated in Chennai winning the IPL title. Their performances reinforced the team’s reputation for combining experienced players with effective tactical decisions.
2019: RCB Win a One-Run Thriller
The 2019 meeting in Bengaluru became one of the closest matches in the rivalry’s history.
RCB scored 161/7, and Chennai’s chase went down to the final moments. CSK finished on 160/8, losing by just one run.
The result demonstrated the fine margins that often decide T20 matches. A single delivery, missed opportunity, or run-out can change the outcome, particularly in a close chase.
2020–2021: Chennai Regain Control
The teams split their two meetings in the 2020 season. In 2021, however, Chennai won both encounters, including a comprehensive 69-run victory.
CSK’s success came from their ability to combine disciplined bowling with effective batting partnerships. Their experienced core helped them manage pressure during important stages of the competition.
The 2021 season further strengthened Chennai’s advantage in the overall head-to-head record.
2022–2023: High-Scoring Contests
The 2022 season produced one win for each team. RCB won by 13 runs in one meeting, while CSK won the other by 23 runs.
In 2023, Chennai defeated Bengaluru by eight runs after scoring 226/6. RCB responded with 218/8, making it a high-scoring match that remained competitive until the closing overs.
The contest highlighted the attacking batting available on both sides. Even a total above 220 did not guarantee an easy victory, as RCB continued to score quickly throughout the chase.
2024: RCB’s Important Victory
The teams met twice in 2024, splitting the results. Chennai won the opening match by six wickets, while Bengaluru secured a 27-run victory in the return fixture.
The second game was especially significant because it played a major role in determining the playoff race. RCB needed a strong performance and successfully defended their total to advance to the playoffs.
The result became one of the most memorable recent encounters between the teams.
2025: RCB Win Both Meetings
RCB recorded victories in both 2025 meetings. On 28 March, Bengaluru defeated Chennai by 50 runs at Chepauk, a notable result at CSK’s home ground.
In the return match on 3 May, RCB won by two runs after posting 213/5. Chennai finished on 211/5, narrowly missing the target.
Winning both fixtures marked an important shift in recent momentum. Bengaluru’s performances demonstrated their ability to compete effectively against Chennai in both home and away conditions.
2026: RCB Win by 43 Runs
The latest meeting in this timeline took place on 5 April 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
RCB batted first and scored 250/3 in 20 overs. Chennai were dismissed for 207 in 19.4 overs, giving Bengaluru a 43-run victory.
Tim David produced a powerful finishing performance, scoring an unbeaten 70 from 25 balls. Devdutt Padikkal also contributed a half-century as RCB built a formidable total.
The result continued RCB’s recent success in the rivalry and made their 2026 meeting another memorable chapter in the timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru first play each other?
The teams first met on 28 April 2008 in the inaugural IPL season. Chennai Super Kings won the match by 13 runs.
Which team has won more matches between CSK and RCB?
Through their April 2026 meeting, Chennai Super Kings have won 21 matches, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won 14. One match ended without a result.
What was the closest match in the CSK vs RCB timeline?
One of the closest matches occurred in 2019, when RCB defeated CSK by just one run. Another tense contest came in May 2025, when RCB won by two runs.
Did CSK and RCB meet in an IPL final?
Yes. The teams met in the 2011 IPL final. Chennai Super Kings won by 58 runs after scoring 205/5 and restricting RCB to 147/8.
What happened in the latest CSK vs RCB match?
On 5 April 2026, RCB scored 250/3 and defeated CSK by 43 runs. Chennai managed 207 before being dismissed in 19.4 overs.
Conclusion
The Chennai Super Kings Vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline highlights one of the IPL’s most enduring rivalries. Since 2008, the teams have delivered dramatic finishes, high-scoring matches, playoff-defining encounters, and memorable individual performances.
Chennai hold the historical advantage with 21 victories compared with RCB’s 14, while one meeting ended without a result. However, Bengaluru’s victories in both 2025 matches and the 2026 encounter show that recent momentum has shifted.
From the 2011 IPL final to the one-run thriller in 2019 and the 250-run performance in 2026, the rivalry continues to offer compelling moments for cricket fans. Future seasons will add new results and performances to this evolving IPL timeline.
