The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one of the most iconic in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This blog presents a detailed timeline of matches, key performances, and historical moments between the two teams from the inaugural season in 2008 to the most recent face-off in 2024. If you’re a true cricket lover or an IPL fan, this timeline is your ultimate guide to the RCB vs CSK saga.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings timeline showcases one of IPL’s fiercest rivalries, with intense battles since 2008. From Dhoni’s captaincy masterclass to Kohli’s explosive knocks, their encounters are filled with drama, strategic brilliance, and unforgettable moments. CSK leads the head-to-head with more wins, but RCB’s loyal fanbase and top performers keep this rivalry thrilling every season.
Head-to-Head Record — CSK vs RCB Overall Stats
🔹 Total Matches Played (2008–2024):
- RCB Wins: 10
- CSK Wins: 20
- No Result: 1
🔹 Win Percentage:
- Chennai Super Kings: 66.66%
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 33.33%
🔹 Highest Team Score:
- RCB: 205/8
- CSK: 226/6
🔹 Lowest Team Score:
- RCB: 70 all out
- CSK: 112 all out
Key Takeaway: While CSK dominates the overall record, RCB has pulled off some stunning wins over the years.
Year-Wise Timeline of RCB vs CSK Matches
🏏 2008 – The Inaugural Clash
- CSK defeated RCB by 13 runs in their first-ever IPL meeting.
- Key Highlight: Michael Hussey’s blistering 116 off 54 balls.
🔥 2010 – Final Showdown
- CSK beat RCB in the semifinals and went on to win their first IPL title.
- Notable Player: MS Dhoni’s strategic captaincy was pivotal.
🧨 2012 – Last Ball Thriller
- CSK chased down 206 with a last-ball six from Jadeja.
- Top Performance: Faf du Plessis and Dhoni played fiery knocks.
🌩️ 2013 – Gayle Storm
- Chris Gayle smashed a 175 off 66 balls*, the highest individual score in T20 history.
- RCB posted: 263/5 — still the highest IPL total.
🧊 2015 – Playoff Battle
- CSK knocked out RCB in Qualifier 2.
- Brendon McCullum and Ashwin starred in a dominant performance.
🔄 2018 – CSK’s Comeback After Suspension
- CSK won both league encounters, including a famous chase of 206.
- Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni stole the show.
🛑 2020 – Neutral Venue Drama
- Played in UAE due to COVID-19; CSK won the first, RCB claimed revenge in the second match.
- Key Performers: Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli.
🚀 2021 – Du Plessis and Ruturaj Dominate
- Openers gave CSK explosive starts.
- Moeen Ali added crucial middle-order firepower.
🔥 2023 – Kohli vs Dhoni (Possibly the Last?)
- Close encounter where RCB fell short in a high-scoring thriller.
- Key Highlight: Dhoni’s lightning stumping of Glenn Maxwell.
🟢 2024 – Bengaluru’s Turnaround
- RCB finally defeated CSK in a crucial league game.
- Mohammed Siraj and Maxwell delivered under pressure.
Top 5 Iconic Moments in RCB vs CSK History
1. MS Dhoni’s Finishing Masterclass (2018)
CSK chased 206 with Dhoni hitting 70* off 34 balls.
2. Gayle’s 175 in 2013*
The most destructive innings in T20 cricket history.
3. Jadeja’s Last-Ball Heroics (2012)
48 off 18 balls and a final over win.
4. Dhoni’s Dismissal of AB de Villiers (2020)
A game-changing stumping that swung momentum.
5. Kohli’s Captaincy Comeback (2024)
RCB sealed a do-or-die match under his intense leadership.
Key Player Battles to Watch
✅ Virat Kohli vs MS Dhoni
- Battle of legacy captains — both with unmatched fan bases.
✅ Faf du Plessis vs Ravindra Jadeja
- Du Plessis, now leading RCB, often faces his former teammate.
✅ Moeen Ali vs Glenn Maxwell
- Spin-allrounders battling for middle-over dominance.
✅ Siraj vs Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Siraj’s swing against Ruturaj’s technical elegance is a highlight.
Performance Comparison — RCB vs CSK
| Category | RCB | CSK |
|---|---|---|
| Most Runs | Virat Kohli (1000+) | MS Dhoni (800+) |
| Most Wickets | Yuzvendra Chahal (15+) | Ravindra Jadeja (15+) |
| Best Win Margin | 37 Runs | 92 Runs |
| Highest Partnership | Kohli & AB (157 runs) | Ruturaj & Faf (129 runs) |
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❓ FAQ Section — People Also Ask
1. Who has won more matches between RCB and CSK?
Chennai Super Kings have won more matches in the rivalry, with a clear lead over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the overall head-to-head record.
2. Which match between RCB and CSK is most iconic?
The 2013 clash where Chris Gayle scored 175* remains one of the most iconic RCB vs CSK matches in IPL history.
3. Who is the highest run scorer in RCB vs CSK matches?
Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs in RCB vs CSK clashes, with consistent performances year after year.
4. What was the highest total in a CSK vs RCB match?
RCB scored 263/5 in 2013, thanks to Gayle’s 175*, which remains the highest total in IPL history.
5. When did RCB last beat CSK?
RCB last beat CSK in the 2024 IPL league stage in a high-pressure match, turning the tide of their recent poor form against Chennai.
✅ Final Thoughts
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings timeline reflects more than just cricket—it’s about passion, legacy, leadership, and fan loyalty. From Dhoni’s cool composure to Kohli’s fire, this rivalry captures the essence of the IPL. Whether you’re Team Yellow or bleed Red and Gold, one thing is certain: RCB vs CSK is always unmissable.
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