Introduction: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline

The rivalry between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is the most celebrated and compelling narrative in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). From their first encounter in 2008 to the thrilling face-offs of the 2025 season, this matchup has consistently delivered dramatic twists, tactical masterclasses, legendary performances, and unforgettable finishes. It is a rivalry rooted not just in statistics but in emotion, leadership philosophies, contrasting team cultures, and the unending pursuit of supremacy in India’s premier cricket tournament.

Across nearly two decades, MI and CSK have captivated cricket fans around the world — two teams with five IPL trophies each, captains whose names are synonymous with success, and a head-to-head ledger that reflects how closely matched these giants truly are. Whether in league matches or in high-stakes finals, this rivalry has repeatedly defined IPL seasons and produced moments that remain etched in the sport’s rich history.

The Anatomy of the Rivalry: MI vs CSK

Two franchises stand head and shoulders above others in terms of both success and fan following. Chennai Super Kings, led by the calm and calculated MS Dhoni, brought consistency, strategic brilliance, and legendary finishing skills to the IPL stage early on. Mumbai Indians, guided by Rohit Sharma and backed by astute management, blended youth with experience, explosive batting with relentless bowling across seasons.

What makes the MI vs CSK rivalry unique is not just the numbers — though those are impressive — but the stories embedded within them: final glory and heartbreak, underdog triumphs and crushing defeats, tactical brilliance and raw aggression. Each match feels like a chance to rewrite narratives and reinvent legacies.

Head-to-Head Overview

Before we dive deep into the full timeline, here’s a snapshot of how MI and CSK have fared against each other overall:

Statistic	Value
Matches Played (by end of 2025)	39
Mumbai Indians Wins	21
Chennai Super Kings Wins	18
Tied / No Result Matches	0
First Match Played	24 April 2008
First Match Winner	CSK
IPL Final Meetings	4
Equal IPL Titles	5 each

This head-to-head closeness underscores how finely balanced this rivalry has been over nearly 20 years. Neither team has truly dominated the other, and momentum has often shifted back and forth across seasons.

Legendary Beginnings: Early Chapters (2008–2012)

The CSK-MI story began with the very first IPL season in 2008. Their first clash was a high-scoring thriller:

• 24 April 2008 – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
  CSK posted a massive total and ultimately held off a strong MI chase to win by 6 runs — an instant classic that ignited one of the IPL’s greatest rivalries.

Over the next few years, these teams began to craft narratives of how contrasting styles would play out:

• CSK relied on MS Dhoni’s tactical mastery, patient chases, and a potent spin attack at home.
• MI leaned on Lasith Malinga’s death bowling, explosive power hitters, and an ever-evolving bowling unit.

Both teams ended seasons with solid individual performances but only glimpses of the true rivalry that would unfold.

Timeline of MI vs CSK Matches (2008–2025)

Below is a comprehensive timeline of every official MI vs CSK match across IPL seasons through 2025, including results, winners, and match outcomes:

Season	Match Date	Venue	Winner	Result / Margin
2008	24 Apr 2008	Chennai	CSK	Won by 6 runs (first encounter in IPL history)
2008	–	–	MI	Won by 9 wickets
2009	–	–	MI	Won by 19 runs
2009	–	–	CSK	Won by 7 wickets
2010	–	–	MI	Won by 5 wickets
2010	–	–	CSK	Won by 24 runs
2010	–	–	CSK	Won by 22 runs
2011	–	–	MI	Won by 8 runs
2012	–	–	MI	Won by 8 wickets
2012	–	–	MI	Won by 2 wickets
2012	–	–	CSK	Won by 38 runs
2013	–	–	MI	Won by 9 runs
2013	–	–	MI	Won by 60 runs
2013	–	–	CSK	Won by 48 runs
2013	–	–	MI	Won by 23 runs
2014	–	–	CSK	Won by 7 wickets
2014	–	–	CSK	Won by 4 wickets
2014	–	–	CSK	Won by 7 wickets
2015	–	–	CSK	Won by 6 wickets
2015	–	–	MI	Won by 6 wickets
2015	–	–	MI	Won by 25 runs
2015	–	–	MI	Won by 41 runs
2018	–	–	CSK	Won by 1 wicket
2018	–	–	MI	Won by 8 wickets
2019	–	–	MI	Won by 37 runs
2019	–	–	MI	Won by 46 runs
2019	–	–	MI	Won by 6 wickets
2019 Final	12 May 2019	Hyderabad	MI	Won by 1 run (thrilling final)
2020	–	–	CSK	Won by 5 wickets
2020	–	–	MI	Won by 10 wickets
2021	19 Sep 2021	Dubai	CSK	Won by 20 runs
2021	1 May 2021	Delhi	MI	Won by 4 wickets
2022	21 Apr 2022	Mumbai	CSK	Won by 3 wickets
2022	12 May 2022	Mumbai	MI	Won by 5 wickets
2023	8 Apr 2023	Mumbai	CSK	Won by 7 wickets
2023	6 May 2023	Chennai	CSK	Won by 6 wickets
2024	14 Apr 2024	Mumbai	CSK	Won by 20 runs
2025	23 Mar 2025	Chennai	CSK	Won by 4 wickets
2025	20 Apr 2025	Mumbai	MI	Won by 9 wickets

This chronology reflects every official league and final match between MI and CSK through the 2025 IPL season.

Era-by-Era Analysis: How MI vs CSK Evolved

2008–2012: Foundations of a Rivalry

In the early IPL seasons, MI and CSK were still crafting identities. CSK, with its experienced lineup and Wisden-winning leadership, symbolized consistency. MI, through strategic acquisitions and inspired captaincy, began molding a squad built for big moments. These matches often set the tone for how these teams would approach the next decade — focused on grit, adaptability, and the hunger for trophies.

2013–2019: The Finals Era

This is the golden era of the rivalry — when MI and CSK began meeting in IPL finals and playoff matches, not just league fixtures:

• IPL 2013 Final — MI lifted their first trophy over CSK in a fiercely contested match.
• IPL 2015 Final — MI asserted dominance with a comprehensive win over CSK.
• IPL 2019 Final — A match for the ages: MI edged out CSK by just one run in a breathtaking finale.

These finals weren’t just about who won the trophy — they were complete narratives of pressure, momentum shifts, and defining moments that shaped the legacies of players and franchises alike.

2020–2025: Modern Warfares and Tactical Battles

The most recent seasons have highlighted how unpredictable and competitive this rivalry can be. CSK gained momentum in some phases, winning multiple meetings across 2022–2025 before MI fought back with emphatic performances, especially in high-scoring chases and dominant bowling displays.

What’s striking about this period is how both teams adapted to changes — pitches, new players, international retirements, and evolving game plans — yet remained inseparably competitive.

The Stars Who Defined the Rivalry

Some players have become synonymous with this rivalry due to their repeated standout performances:

Icons for Mumbai Indians

• Rohit Sharma – Captain, batting stalwart, and tactically astute leader.
• Jasprit Bumrah – Fast bowler known for his late-innings strikes.
• Hardik Pandya & Kieron Pollard – All-round match-turners in crucial moments.

Icons for Chennai Super Kings

• MS Dhoni – The coolest captain in tense situations, known for finishing and match control.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad & Ravindra Jadeja – Crucial figures in recent editions with consistent match-impacting performances.
• Dwayne Bravo & Deepak Chahar – Bowlers who repeatedly put MI’s batting under pressure.

These names don’t just represent stats — they represent moments, turning points, and memories that make MI vs CSK more than just a fixture.

The Rivalry by Numbers (Stats That Tell the Story)

• Total Matches Played: 39 (as of IPL 2025)
• MI Wins: 21
• CSK Wins: 18
• No Results/Ties: 0
• Finals Meetings: 4
• Overall Balance: Extremely close, illustrating how any season can swing either way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which team has more wins in MI vs CSK history?

By the end of the 2025 season, Mumbai Indians lead with 21 wins to CSK’s 18 in 39 meetings — a tight margin that reflects how competitive this rivalry is.

Q2: How many times have MI and CSK met in IPL finals?

They have met four times in IPL finals — in 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2019 — with MI winning three of those encounters.

Q3: What has been the closest match between these two teams?

The 2019 IPL final is widely considered the closest and most thrilling match between MI and CSK, with MI winning by just one run.

Q4: Which venue has seen more MI vs CSK games?

Both the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai have hosted numerous clashes, each with nearly equal thrill levels. MI enjoy a slight statistical edge at Wankhede, but CSK’s home advantage has often shown itself in big matches.

Q5: Who are the standout performers in this rivalry?

Several players have defined MI vs CSK encounters over time — from Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah for MI to MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK. These players have repeatedly turned the tide in crucial moments.

Final Thoughts: Why This Rivalry Matters

The Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings rivalry isn’t just about numbers or wins — it’s about stories, legends, and memories. Every time they meet, thousands of fans brace themselves for tension, strategy, and unforgettable cricket. Each year renews the narrative, bringing new heroes and fresh chapters to a long saga that has become cricketing legend.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual follower, or a new viewer exploring T20 cricket, the MI vs CSK timeline represents the heartbeat of the IPL — a rivalry built on balance, respect, competition, and sheer cricketing brilliance.