The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings timeline is a history of some of the most highly anticipated matches ever played in the Indian Premier League (IPL). For as long as there has been an IPL, RCB and CSK have provided fans with memorable games that featured high-scoring contests, exciting finishes, outstanding individual performances, and crucial playoff qualification battles.
Chennai Super Kings had already established themselves as one of the IPL’s most dominant teams when the early seasons took place. Royal Challengers Bengaluru had developed a reputation for having some of the league’s top-performing batsmen and one of the largest followings. These two clubs’ rivalries were enhanced by the different ways that players like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja contributed to each team.
The rivalry continued in 2026, with RCB having defeated CSK by 43 runs in a match played on April 5 after posting 250/3.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline (2008–2026)
The RCB vs CSK rivalry has evolved through several phases. Chennai enjoyed considerable success during the early seasons, but Bengaluru has delivered some important victories in recent years.
2008–2010: The Beginning of the RCB vs CSK Rivalry
The first IPL season in 2008 allowed fans to experience the rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings. RCB, who had Rahul Dravid as captain for much of the time, were developing an identity as a competitive franchise; on the other hand, CSK immediately became one of the top franchises in the league with MS Dhoni as their leader.
In the first edition of the tournament, Chennai demonstrated that they were able to cope with the pressures of the event by reaching the finals. On the other hand, Bengaluru had a mixture of good and bad performances during the early part of the season, however, they slowly built a competitive team with key players like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Jacques Kallis.
The teams continued to face each other in league games during the next two years, with Chennai usually being the better team overall. Chennai Super Kings were the champions of the 2010 Indian Premier League (IPL) and Royal Challengers Bangalore made it to the playoffs in both 2009 and 2010; however, they finished as runners-up in 2009.
The first games between the two teams set the base for what has become a very strong rivalry as each team improved its roster.
2011–2015: CSK’s Dominant Years and the 2011 IPL Final
CSK experienced a very successful time during the years of 2011-2015. With Dhoni at the helm, CSK made it into the latter parts of each of those tournaments and won consecutive IPL titles in 2010 and 2011, as well as winning a third title in 2018.
The 2011 season was notable for being the first time that both RCB and CSK competed against each other in the IPL final. RCB had a very successful season leading up to the final, with Chris Gayle contributing greatly to their success as a batsman. On the other hand, Chennai performed extremely well in the final.
2011 IPL Final — key details
| Match detail | Information |
| Teams | CSK vs RCB |
| Date | May 28, 2011 |
| Venue | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| CSK score | 205/5 |
| RCB score | 147/8 |
| Result | CSK won by 58 runs |
2016–2017: Two Seasons Without RCB vs CSK Matches
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) did not play the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the 2016 and 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons due to the CSK being suspended from the IPL for two seasons because of sanctions imposed by the Lodha Committee. During the suspension, Rising Pune Supergiant, which had many former CSK players on its roster, played. Matches played by Rising Pune Supergiant during the suspension should not be considered official matches of the CSK when determining the RCB vs CSK head-to-head records.
RCB was a finalist in the 2016 IPL, however, they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Due to Chennai’s absence from the league, fans would have to wait for the franchise to return in 2018 for the rivalry to continue. When evaluating the overall timeline of the RCB vs CSK series between 2008-2026, the two years that passed before Chennai’s return are crucial to consider.
2018–2020: The Rivalry Returns
Chennai Super Kings returned to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a two-year ban, and won the title that same year. The comeback year for the team also brought back one of the best rivalries in the history of the IPL.
RCB continued to depend upon Kohli’s batting, while CSK was able to use the knowledge and experience of Dhoni, in addition to the help of players like Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson.
The rivalry had one of its best ending in 2019. Bengaluru was able to defend a small total against Chennai in a exciting finish at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
RCB vs CSK — April 21, 2019
| Match detail | Information |
| RCB score | 161/7 |
| CSK score | 160/8 |
| Result | RCB won by 1 run |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
2021–2023: CSK Maintains Its Competitive Edge
Between 2021 and 2023, Chennai continued to produce strong performances against Bengaluru, although RCB remained competitive in individual matches.
CSK won the 2021 IPL title, reinforcing their status as one of the competition’s most consistent franchises. RCB also reached the playoffs in 2021 and 2022 but could not progress to the final.
The 2022 season brought another important chapter to the rivalry. Bengaluru and Chennai had contrasting campaigns, with RCB finishing ahead of CSK in the league standings.
In 2023, the teams played a high-scoring contest in Bengaluru. CSK posted 226/6, with Devon Conway scoring 83 runs, before RCB finished on 218/8. Chennai won by eight runs in a match that showcased the batting strength of both sides.
These seasons reinforced the competitive nature of the rivalry. Chennai often used its experience and tactical flexibility to win close contests, while Bengaluru relied on aggressive batting and individual brilliance.
2024: RCB’s Memorable Comeback Against CSK
The 2024 season produced one of the most important matches in the modern RCB vs CSK timeline. Chennai defeated Bengaluru in their opening encounter, but the return fixture became a virtual knockout for the final playoff spot.
In the first meeting on March 22, 2024, CSK chased RCB’s 173/6 and won by six wickets, with Mustafizur Rahman making an impact with the ball.
The return match took place on May 18, 2024, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB needed a substantial victory to improve their qualification chances and put pressure on Chennai.
RCB scored 218/5 in 20 overs. Faf du Plessis led from the front, while Kohli and other batters helped build a strong total. Chennai responded with 191/7, leaving Bengaluru with a 27-run victory and a playoff berth.
This match became memorable because RCB recovered from a difficult position in the second half of the league stage and won six consecutive matches to qualify for the playoffs.
2025: RCB Wins Both Meetings Against CSK
The 2025 season marked a major shift in the recent rivalry. Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings in both league meetings, including a historic victory at Chennai’s home ground.
First meeting: March 28, 2025
RCB scored 196/7 and restricted CSK to 146/8, winning by 50 runs. The victory demonstrated Bengaluru’s ability to control the game with both bat and ball.
Second meeting: May 3, 2025
The second contest was much closer. RCB posted 213/5, while Chennai finished on 211/5. Bengaluru won by two runs after defending the target in a tense final over.
These two victories gave RCB a clean sweep over CSK in the 2025 league season. RCB subsequently won their maiden IPL championship, defeating Punjab Kings in the final on June 3, 2025.
2026: RCB’s Latest Victory Over CSK
The latest meeting in the RCB vs CSK timeline took place on April 5, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Chennai won the toss and elected to bowl, but RCB produced an explosive batting performance. The home team scored 250/3 in 20 overs, setting a challenging target for CSK.
| Match detail | Information |
| RCB score | 250/3 |
| CSK score | 207 all out |
| Result | RCB won by 43 runs |
| Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Tim David | 70 not out off 25 balls |
| Devdutt Padikkal | 50 off 29 balls |
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RCB vs CSK Head-to-Head Record in IPL
The overall head-to-head record shows Chennai Super Kings holding the historical advantage, although Bengaluru’s results improved considerably during the 2024–2026 period.
The following figures are based on reported IPL records through the April 5, 2026, encounter. Match databases can differ in how they count abandoned games and playoff fixtures, so the totals should be checked against the latest official records before publication.
| Statistic | Record |
| Total matches played | 36 |
| RCB wins | 14 |
| CSK wins | 21 |
| No result | 1 |
| RCB’s highest total | 250/3 |
| CSK’s highest total | 226/6 |
| Latest match | April 5, 2026 |
| Latest winner | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
RCB vs CSK All Match Results: Season-Wise Table
The table below summarizes the rivalry season by season. It includes seasons in which the teams did not meet and highlights the changing balance between the franchises.
| IPL season | RCB wins | CSK wins | No result |
| 2008 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
RCB vs CSK Last 10 Matches Results
These recent results illustrate how the rivalry has changed, with Bengaluru winning the latest four meetings through April 2026.
| Date | Match result | Winner |
| Apr 5, 2026 | RCB 250/3; CSK 207 all out | RCB by 43 runs |
| May 3, 2025 | RCB 213/5; CSK 211/5 | RCB by 2 runs |
| Mar 28, 2025 | RCB 196/7; CSK 146/8 | RCB by 50 runs |
| May 18, 2024 | RCB 218/5; CSK 191/7 | RCB by 27 runs |
| Mar 22, 2024 | CSK 176/4; RCB 173/6 | CSK by 6 wickets |
| Apr 17, 2023 | CSK 226/6; RCB 218/8 | CSK by 8 runs |
| May 4, 2022 | RCB 173/8; CSK 160/8 | RCB by 13 runs |
| Apr 12, 2022 | CSK 216/4; RCB 193/9 | CSK by 23 runs |
| Sep 24, 2021 | CSK 157/4; RCB 156/6 | CSK by 6 wickets |
| Apr 25, 2021 | CSK 191/4; RCB 122/9 | CSK by 69 runs |
RCB vs CSK Head-to-Head Record at Different Venues
Venue conditions can influence this matchup. Bengaluru generally offers opportunities for aggressive batting, while Chennai’s traditionally slower surface has often rewarded spin bowling and tactical use of the middle overs.
RCB vs CSK at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
RCB has a home stadium called M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This stadium is known to have some of the shortest boundaries, and the pitch tends to favor batters. These features combined make the stadium a prime location for high scoring games. Two great examples of how RCB used their home field advantage were the one run victory in 2019, and the playoff qualification game that took place in 2024. Another example of how this stadium can produce very high scoring matches was the game in 2026 where Bengaluru scored 250/3.
RCB vs CSK at MA Chidambaram Stadium
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) use the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, better known as Chepauk, for their home matches. Historically, CSK has found success on the pitches of Chepauk, especially when their spin bowlers have been able to keep teams under pressure during the middle part of the match. However, the victory by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Chepauk in 2025 marked a significant turning point in the series between these two franchises. This victory marked the first time that RCB had won at Chepauk over CSK, ending a long drought for RCB at Chepauk against CSK.
RCB vs CSK at Neutral Venues
The teams have played against one another in other locations than their respective homes (neutral grounds) such as in the United Arab Emirates. The teams’ ability to adapt, the depth of each team’s roster and how well they execute can all be seen in these neutral ground matches. Neutral ground matches help compare the teams based upon their overall performance as opposed to just looking at what happened when they played in front of their fans.
Memorable Matches in RCB vs CSK Timeline
CSK vs RCB in the 2011 IPL Final
The 2011 final is still considered to be one of the largest matches in the history of the rivalry. Bengaluru was beaten by 58 runs after Chennai posted a total of 205/5. Murali Vijay’s 95 off 52 balls helped CSK win the match. This outcome resulted in Chennai winning a second IPL title and further established their superiority in the first few seasons of the league.
RCB vs CSK’s Crucial 2024 Playoff Qualification Clash
The May 18, 2024, game was essentially a knockout match for Bengaluru. Their 27-run win against Chennai on that day earned them a spot in the playoffs after they had made an impressive comeback during the latter part of the season. In addition, the game highlighted the significance of net run rate and how well teams deal with the pressure of being involved in a close competition for the IPL league stage.
RCB vs CSK’s 2025 Matches
The Bangalore franchise had won all of their scheduled matches against Chennai during the year of 2025. One victory was achieved with a margin of 50 runs, while the other was accomplished with a margin of only two runs. However, the last victory was especially dramatic since the Chennai team was able to chase down almost 214 runs. These wins gave RCB the confidence they needed going into what would be their first-ever championship season.
RCB vs CSK in IPL 2026
The April 5, 2026, game added yet another significant outcome to the timeline. Although RCB won the game by 43 runs, with a score of 250/3, it was clear that the rivalry between RCB and CSK had drastically changed over the past few years. However, even though RCB has become much more competitive in recent years, CSK still holds the superior overall head-to-head record against RCB.
RCB vs CSK Highest and Lowest Scores
The rivalry has featured both high-scoring thrillers and batting collapses. These records help explain the different styles of cricket the two teams have produced over the years.
Highest Team Score in RCB vs CSK Matches
RCB’s 250/3 on April 5, 2026, is the highest total against CSK reported in the available head-to-head records. Tim David’s unbeaten 70 off 25 balls was a major factor in reaching that total.
CSK’s highest total against RCB in the historical head-to-head statistics is 226/6, scored in the 2023 encounter in Bengaluru. Devon Conway’s 83 helped Chennai secure an eight-run win.
Lowest Team Score in RCB vs CSK Matches
RCB’s lowest reported score in the fixture is 70, demonstrating that even powerful batting lineups can struggle against sustained bowling pressure.
CSK’s lowest reported total is 82 in commonly used head-to-head records. Historical statistics should be checked against the relevant scorecards before publishing, as databases may classify innings and abandoned matches differently.
Biggest Winning Margin
One of CSK’s most notable victories came in April 2021, when Chennai defeated RCB by 69 runs. CSK scored 191/4 before dismissing Bengaluru for 122/9.
RCB’s recent 50-run victory in March 2025 was another emphatic result. Its 43-run win in April 2026 also demonstrated Bengaluru’s ability to defend a substantial total.
Closest Finishes in the Rivalry
Two results stand out for their dramatic endings:
- RCB won by one run in 2019: Chennai needed two runs from the final ball but could not complete the chase.
- RCB won by two runs in 2025: Bengaluru successfully defended 213/5 in another tense finish against CSK.
Key Players in the RCB vs CSK Rivalry
Virat Kohli’s Record Against CSK
Virat Kohli has been an integral part of RCB’s image during most of the IPL era. The fact that he is able to score consistently, create innings and handle pressure well in big games has helped establish him as one of the key figures in this rivalry.
Virat Kohli has competed against many different groups of CSK bowlers over the course of the IPL. As such, he has adapted his game throughout the early stages of the IPL up until today’s faster-paced, higher scoring T20 format. In addition to contributing to the team through scoring runs individually, Virat Kohli has contributed significantly to the leadership of Bengaluru as well.
MS Dhoni’s Performances Against RCB
MS Dhoni is a key figure in the success of the Chennai Super Kings. His skill set as a wicketkeeper, his ability to make strategic on-field choices, and his ability to finish games have all helped the Super Kings succeed in many different IPL seasons.
Dhoni’s calm demeanor during pressure-filled situations contrasts with RCB’s aggressive batting approach. This has made CSK a challenging opponent, regardless of how much pressure they have faced.
Suresh Raina’s Contribution to CSK
Suresh Raina has been a key member of the batting order for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when they were at their highest level of success. He has always had an aggressive style of play, whether he is facing fast bowlers or spin bowlers. This has allowed him to be a very effective middle-order batsman.
During this time, Raina was able to help lead CSK to an early lead in the RCB vs CSK rivalry because of his contribution to the team’s success in reaching the playoffs and finals on numerous occasions.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Impact in RCB vs CSK Matches
Ravindra Jadeja brings a sense of balance to Chennai by being an all-rounder. Jadeja’s left-arm spin, rapid movement on the field, and quick scoring in the last few overs of a game make him a great asset for the team in this particular contest.
In matches that have pitches that offer some help to the spinners, or when the team needs to get wickets in the middle of the innings, Jadeja is particularly useful.
Conclusion
The royal challengers bengaluru vs chennai super kings timeline shows how two of the biggest IPL teams have developed. Chennai had the upper hand historically because they had a great start to the league, made it to the playoffs consistently and had an excellent leader in MS Dhoni. Bengaluru developed their own competitive identity by using Virat Kohli as well as a series of aggressive batsmen.
The 2011 championship game, the one run victory of 2019, the post-season deciding match of 2024 and the two wins for RCB in 2025 have all contributed to the history of this rivalry. The 2026 match provided another story line to the rivalry with Bengaluru scoring 250/3 and winning by 43 runs.
While CSK has been able to maintain a historical advantage over RCB in most commonly reported head-to-head statistics, RCB’s recent success shows how fast things can turn around. The mixture of history, star players, and close finishes is what makes this IPL rivalry so interesting for cricket fans.
FAQs
Q1. When did Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings first play each other?
RCB and CSK first met during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Their rivalry has continued across most IPL seasons since then, apart from 2016 and 2017, when Chennai were suspended from the competition.
Q2. Which team has won more matches between RCB and CSK?
Chennai Super Kings have historically won more matches than Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Records through the April 2026 meeting commonly list CSK with 21 wins and RCB with 14 wins, with one match ending without a result.
Q3. How many times have RCB and CSK faced each other in the IPL?
The commonly reported head-to-head total through April 2026 is 36 matches, including league and playoff encounters. Verify the latest official match database before publication if you need an exact current total.
Q4. What was the result of the latest RCB vs CSK match?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings by 43 runs on April 5, 2026. RCB scored 250/3, while CSK were dismissed for 207. Tim David scored an unbeaten 70 off 25 balls.
Q5. Did RCB and CSK meet in the IPL final?
Yes. RCB and CSK met in the 2011 IPL final in Chennai. CSK won by 58 runs after scoring 205/5 and restricting RCB to 147/8.
