Few Indian Premier League rivalries generate as much excitement as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Whether it’s Virat Kohli facing Chennai’s experienced bowlers or MS Dhoni walking out to finish a tense run chase, these matches have given cricket fans plenty to remember.

The royal challengers bengaluru vs chennai super kings timeline began on April 28, 2008. Since then, the teams have competed in unforgettable league matches, dramatic playoff battles, and the 2011 IPL final.

Chennai dominated much of their early history, but Bengaluru has turned the tables recently. RCB won four consecutive meetings between May 2024 and April 2026, making this rivalry even more competitive.

Let’s explore the complete history, major results, head-to-head statistics, and defining moments through the 2026 IPL season.

RCB vs CSK Head to Head Record (2008–2026)

Chennai Super Kings still holds the advantage in the overall IPL record, although Royal Challengers Bengaluru has significantly reduced the gap.

Head-to-Head Statistics	Record
Total matches	36
Chennai Super Kings wins	21
Royal Challengers Bengaluru wins	14
No result	1
First meeting	April 28, 2008
Latest meeting	April 5, 2026
Highest RCB total	250/3
Highest CSK total	226/6
Most recent winner	RCB, by 43 runs

Records updated through November 2026. myKhel+1

Despite Chennai’s historical advantage, the recent results suggest the rivalry has entered a new phase.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline: Complete IPL History

The following timeline highlights the matches and turning points that have shaped this rivalry since the IPL’s inaugural season.

2008–2010: The Rivalry Takes Shape

The first encounter took place on April 28, 2008, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Chennai Super Kings won by 13 runs, making an immediate statement in the inaugural IPL season.

Bengaluru responded in their second meeting on May 21, defeating CSK by 14 runs in Chennai.

In 2009, the franchises met three times. One particularly important encounter came in the semifinal, where Bengaluru defeated Chennai by six wickets to reach the final.

The 2010 season was evenly contested, with each team winning one match.

These early encounters established the rivalry as an exciting contest between two ambitious IPL franchises.

2011: Chennai Defeat Bengaluru in the IPL Final

The 2011 season produced one of the rivalry’s most significant moments.

On May 28, 2011, Chennai Super Kings faced Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL final at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.

CSK batted first and posted an imposing 205/5.

Murali Vijay delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 95 runs from just 52 balls. Michael Hussey supported him with 63 runs.

Bengaluru struggled to respond, finishing on 147/8.

Chennai won by 58 runs, securing its second consecutive IPL championship.

For CSK supporters, the victory remains a defining achievement. For RCB, it was a painful reminder of how difficult championship finals can be. ICC

2012–2015: Chennai Strengthens Its Dominance

Between 2012 and 2015, Chennai continued building its advantage.

Players such as MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Ravichandran Ashwin played important roles during this period.

Bengaluru possessed outstanding batting talent, including Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers, but CSK regularly performed better in crucial moments.

The 2015 season was particularly successful for Chennai.

CSK defeated Bengaluru in all three encounters, including Qualifier 2, where Chennai secured a three-wicket victory to advance to the final.

This period established Chennai as the stronger team in the rivalry.

2016–2017: A Two-Year Break

The teams did not meet during the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons.

Chennai Super Kings was suspended from the tournament for two years, temporarily interrupting the rivalry.

When CSK returned in 2018, fans once again had the opportunity to watch two of the IPL’s most popular franchises compete.

2018–2021: Chennai’s Return and Close Finishes

Chennai returned strongly in 2018, winning both encounters against Bengaluru.

The 2019 season featured one of their closest matches.

On April 21, RCB defended 161/7 and defeated CSK by just one run in Bengaluru.

The final delivery decided the result, demonstrating how unpredictable this rivalry could become.

Both teams won one encounter in 2020.

However, Chennai regained control in 2021, securing victories by 69 runs and six wickets.

These results helped CSK maintain its commanding overall head-to-head advantage.

2022–2023: High-Scoring Encounters Continue

The 2022 season was evenly balanced.

CSK won the first meeting by 23 runs after scoring 216/4, while Bengaluru responded with a 13-run victory in their second encounter.

In 2023, the teams produced another exciting contest at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Chennai scored 226/6, setting Bengaluru a challenging target of 227.

RCB responded aggressively but finished on 218/8.

CSK won by eight runs in a match that featured powerful hitting and frequent momentum changes.

2024: Bengaluru’s Dramatic Playoff Qualification

The rivalry took a memorable turn on May 18, 2024.

RCB entered its final league-stage match against Chennai needing a victory by a sufficient margin to qualify for the playoffs.

Bengaluru posted 218/5, with Faf du Plessis contributing an important half-century.

Chennai needed 219 to win but could still qualify by reaching 201.

As the match approached its conclusion, the qualification equation became increasingly tense.

Yash Dayal bowled the final over and successfully defended the required margin.

CSK finished on 191/7, giving Bengaluru a 27-run victory.

The win completed RCB’s remarkable late-season comeback and secured its playoff qualification.

The official IPL 2024 match report describes the dramatic final over. Match Report

2025: RCB Win Both Matches Against Chennai

The 2025 season brought two more memorable victories for Bengaluru.

March 28: RCB Win by 50 Runs in Chennai

Bengaluru scored 196/7 at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium before restricting CSK to 146/8.

Rajat Patidar played a valuable innings, while Josh Hazlewood delivered an impressive bowling performance.

RCB won by 50 runs, registering its first IPL victory over CSK at Chepauk since 2008. Match Report

May 3: Bengaluru Survive a Two-Run Thriller

The return fixture was even more exciting.

RCB posted 213/5, boosted by Romario Shepherd’s explosive unbeaten 53 from just 14 balls.

Chennai fought back through Ayush Mhatre, who scored 94, and Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 77.

However, CSK finished on 211/5.

Bengaluru secured a thrilling two-run victory and completed a season double over Chennai. Match Report

2026: RCB Continue Their Winning Streak

The latest chapter came on April 5, 2026, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Chennai won the toss and elected to field, but Bengaluru’s batting lineup delivered a spectacular performance.

RCB scored 250/3 in 20 overs.

Tim David smashed an unbeaten 70 from just 25 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed 50 runs.

Chennai attempted to chase the massive total but was dismissed for 207 in 19.4 overs.

Bengaluru won by 43 runs, recording its fourth consecutive IPL victory against CSK.

The total of 250/3 was also the highest score against Chennai in IPL history at that point.

The official IPL 2026 match report confirms the result and Tim David’s match-winning performance. Match Report

Recent RCB vs CSK Match Results

Date	Winner	Winning Margin
April 5, 2026	RCB	43 runs
May 3, 2025	RCB	2 runs
March 28, 2025	RCB	50 runs
May 18, 2024	RCB	27 runs
March 22, 2024	CSK	6 wickets
April 17, 2023	CSK	8 runs
May 4, 2022	RCB	13 runs
April 12, 2022	CSK	23 runs

The results show a clear shift in momentum. Chennai still leads the historical record, but RCB has been the more successful side in recent encounters. Cricxet+1

Key Players Behind the RCB vs CSK Rivalry

Several outstanding cricketers have influenced this rivalry.

• Virat Kohli: His consistency, aggressive batting, and long association with Bengaluru have made him a central figure.
• MS Dhoni: His calm leadership, finishing ability, and tactical decisions helped Chennai win numerous important matches.
• Suresh Raina: A dependable middle-order batter who played a crucial role in CSK’s earlier dominance.
• AB de Villiers: His innovative batting and ability to accelerate made Bengaluru dangerous in challenging situations.
• Ravindra Jadeja: His all-round performances have repeatedly strengthened Chennai’s batting and bowling.
• Tim David: His explosive innings in 2026 became one of the rivalry’s memorable recent performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who has won more matches between RCB and CSK?

Chennai Super Kings leads the IPL head-to-head record with 21 victories, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru has won 14 matches. One of their 36 meetings ended without a result.

2. When did RCB and CSK first meet in the IPL?

The teams first played against each other on April 28, 2008, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. CSK won by 13 runs.

3. Who won the 2011 IPL final between RCB and CSK?

Chennai Super Kings defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by 58 runs in the 2011 IPL final, with Murali Vijay scoring 95 runs.

4. What happened in the latest RCB vs CSK match?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings by 43 runs on April 5, 2026. RCB scored 250/3 before dismissing Chennai for 207.

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

Royal Challengers Bengaluru holds the highest team total in this rivalry, scoring 250/3 against Chennai Super Kings on April 5, 2026.

Conclusion

The royal challengers bengaluru vs chennai super kings timeline captures one of the IPL’s most entertaining rivalries, featuring dramatic finishes, remarkable batting performances, and historic championship encounters.

Chennai’s early dominance and memorable 2011 final victory helped establish its strong overall record. However, Bengaluru’s recent successes have changed the competitive balance.

With four consecutive RCB victories between 2024 and 2026, the rivalry has entered an exciting new phase.

As both franchises continue developing their squads, future meetings promise more memorable moments for cricket fans.