Date: March 28, 2025
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) rivalry is one of the most storied in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the league’s inception in 2008, these two teams have delivered thrilling encounters, high-scoring matches, and unforgettable moments. As they prepare to clash again at Chepauk Stadium on March 28, 2025, let’s take a deep dive into their head-to-head records, key performances, and memorable matches from 2008 to 2024.
CSK vs RCB: Head-to-Head Overview
As of 2024, CSK and RCB have faced each other 33 times in the IPL, with CSK dominating the rivalry with 21 wins compared to RCB’s 11 victories. One match ended in no result127.
Key Statistics (2008-2024)
| Metric | CSK | RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 33 | 33 |
| Wins | 21 | 11 |
| Losses | 11 | 21 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Score | 226 | 218 |
| Lowest Score | 82 | 70 |
| Biggest Win Margin | 92 runs | 36 runs |
CSK’s dominance is particularly evident at Chepauk Stadium, where they have won 8 out of 9 matches, with RCB’s only victory coming way back in 200857.
Season-by-Season Recap (2008-2024)
1. IPL 2008: The Early Battles
- First-ever meeting (April 28, 2008): CSK won by 13 runs in Bengaluru.
- Second match (May 21, 2008): RCB’s only win at Chepauk, defending 126 runs thanks to Anil Kumble’s 3/1457.
2. IPL 2009: CSK’s 92-Run Demolition
- April 20, 2009 (Port Elizabeth): CSK bundled RCB for 87 after posting 179, securing a 92-run win—their biggest margin in this rivalry37.
3. IPL 2011: The Final Showdown
- May 28, 2011 (Chennai): CSK crushed RCB by 58 runs in the IPL final, with Murali Vijay’s 95 and Ravichandran Ashwin’s 3/16 sealing their second title67.
4. IPL 2015: CSK’s Hat-Trick of Wins
- CSK won all three encounters, including a 27-run win in Bengaluru and a 24-run win in Chennai7.
5. IPL 2019: The 1-Run Thriller
- April 21, 2019 (Bengaluru): RCB edged CSK by 1 run in a last-over thriller, with MS Dhoni’s 84 (48)* falling just short7.
6. IPL 2020: Split Results in Dubai
- October 10, 2020: RCB won by 37 runs (Virat Kohli’s *90 (52)**).
- October 25, 2020: CSK bounced back with an 8-wicket win7.
7. IPL 2021: CSK’s 69-Run Rout
- April 25, 2021 (Mumbai): CSK posted 191/4, then bowled RCB out for 122, winning by 69 runs7.
8. IPL 2023: CSK’s 8-Run Defense
- April 17, 2023 (Bengaluru): CSK defended 226/6 despite Faf du Plessis’ 62, winning by 8 runs37.
9. IPL 2024: RCB’s Playoff-Clinching Win
- May 18, 2024 (Bengaluru): RCB kept their playoff hopes alive with a 27-run win, posting 218/5 (Faf du Plessis 54, Rajat Patidar 41)8.
Chepauk Stadium: CSK’s Fortress
- Matches Played: 9
- CSK Wins: 8
- RCB Wins: 1 (2008)
- Last Meeting (March 22, 2024): CSK won by 6 wickets57.
RCB’s struggles at Chepauk stem from the pitch’s spin-friendly nature, favoring CSK’s slow bowlers like Ravindra Jadeja (18 wickets vs RCB)46.
Top Performers in CSK vs RCB Matches
Batting Leaders
| Player | Team | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 1053 | 90* | 126.25 |
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 765 | 84* | 146.83 |
| Suresh Raina | CSK | 616 | 73* | 129.41 |
Bowling Leaders
| Player | Team | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | 18 | 3/13 | 7.23 |
| Dwayne Bravo | CSK | 17 | 3/24 | 7.96 |
| Vinay Kumar | RCB | 15 | 4/17 | 8.09 |
What to Expect in IPL 2025?
With CSK’s home advantage and RCB’s revamped squad, today’s match (March 28, 2025) promises fireworks. Key players to watch:
- CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja.
- RCB: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell.
Given CSK’s Chepauk dominance, RCB will need a special performance to break their 17-year jinx57.
Conclusion
The CSK vs RCB rivalry has given fans 17 years of drama, from Dhoni’s last-over heroics to Kohli’s masterclasses. While CSK leads the head-to-head battle, RCB’s recent resurgence makes this 2025 clash unmissable. Will CSK continue their Chepauk supremacy, or will RCB finally turn the tide? Tune in tonight to find out!
