Introduction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline

The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one of the most celebrated fixtures in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known as the Southern Derby, this contest has produced some of the most thrilling moments, record-breaking performances, and nail-biting finishes since the inaugural season of IPL in 2008. The fixture goes beyond just cricket—it is a battle of regional pride, fan culture, star power, and tactical brilliance.

As of January 2026, CSK holds a slight edge with 21 wins out of 35 encounters, while RCB has 13 victories, and one match ended with no result. However, the 2025 IPL season was a turning point in this rivalry, as RCB achieved a historic double over CSK, including their first win at Chepauk after 17 years and a thrilling 2-run victory in Bengaluru. These matches are etched into the memories of cricket fans and have redefined the Southern Derby narrative.

This article provides a complete timeline of RCB vs CSK encounters, detailed head-to-head statistics, notable matches, IPL 2025 highlights, top performers, records, and interesting trivia.

Origins of the RCB vs CSK Rivalry

The Birth of the Southern Derby

The rivalry between RCB and CSK began with the launch of the IPL in 2008. CSK, under the calm and strategic leadership of MS Dhoni, quickly established themselves as a consistent, balanced team. With a core of players like Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, and Ravindra Jadeja, CSK focused on team cohesion, tactical bowling, and dependable batting.

In contrast, RCB built a reputation for star power and explosive batting. Players such as Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and later AB de Villiers made RCB a team capable of thrilling victories—but often inconsistent. This contrast in philosophy created the perfect foundation for a rivalry full of drama and unpredictability.

Fan Culture and Regional Pride

Fan engagement has been a defining feature of this rivalry. CSK supporters, famously called the “Yellow Army”, are among the most loyal in IPL history, while RCB fans have remained vocal and passionate despite years without an IPL title. Matches between these two teams are often electrified by regional pride, massive fan turnout, and social media buzz.

The Southern Derby isn’t just about cricket; it’s a cultural spectacle that unites and excites fans from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and beyond.

Overall Head-to-Head Stats (As of 2026)

Venue-wise Breakdown:

• Chepauk, Chennai: CSK historically dominant with 11 wins; RCB broke the 17-year jinx in March 2025.
• M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: RCB slightly ahead with 6 wins; CSK 5 wins.
• Neutral Venues: CSK 5 wins; RCB 2 wins.

Batting First vs Chasing:

• Batting first has produced 18 wins (CSK 10, RCB 8)
• Chasing sides have managed 16 victories (CSK 11, RCB 5)

These statistics highlight how closely contested the Southern Derby has been over the years, with matches often decided in the final overs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline

Here’s a detailed match timeline, capturing all key contests in the IPL, including individual performances and thrilling finishes.

Phase-Wise Analysis of the Rivalry

2008–2011: CSK’s Early Dominance

CSK’s early supremacy was marked by tactical brilliance and consistent team performances. Dhoni’s calm leadership, Raina’s explosive batting, and Jadeja’s all-round contributions made CSK dominant. RCB, despite talented players like Dravid and Kallis, often faltered under pressure.

2012–2015: Emergence of RCB Superstars

The arrival of Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Gayle allowed RCB to challenge CSK more seriously. Matches were closer, but CSK still maintained a psychological edge. Iconic finishes like the 2014 1-run thriller reinforced the Southern Derby’s intensity.

2016–2019: Thrilling Contests

RCB began producing memorable performances, including the 2019 1-run thriller in Bengaluru. Kohli’s record-breaking seasons and AB de Villiers’ match-winning innings brought balance to the rivalry.

2020–2022: Neutral Venues & Strategy

Pandemic-affected seasons moved matches to neutral venues. Both teams adapted strategies; CSK relied on experience, while RCB leveraged young talent and aggressive bowling.

2023–2025: RCB’s Historic Resurgence

The 2025 season was transformative. RCB won at Chepauk after 17 years and followed it with a 2-run Bengaluru thriller, marking the first league double over CSK in 18 years. These games are remembered as turning points in the Southern Derby’s history.

Top Performers and Records

• Most Runs: Virat Kohli – 1098+ runs
• Most Wickets: Ravindra Jadeja – 18+
• Highest Margin Wins: CSK – 68 runs (2021); RCB – 50 runs (2025)
• Closest Matches: 1 run (2019), 2 runs (2025)
• Highest Team Totals: RCB – 213/5 (2025), CSK – 210/4 (2022)

The rivalry has also featured legendary duels like Dhoni vs Kohli, Jadeja vs RCB batsmen, and Romario Shepherd’s record-breaking 14-ball 53 in 2025.

Interesting Facts

1. RCB broke the Chepauk jinx in March 2025 after 17 years.
2. IPL 2025 marked the first league double over CSK in 18 years.
3. Closest match ever: 1-run thriller in Bengaluru, 2019.
4. Largest margin: 68 runs, CSK at Bengaluru 2021.
5. Romario Shepherd delivered one of the fastest 50s in rivalry history.
6. IPL 2024 playoff: RCB knocked CSK out at home.

FAQs

Q1. Who has more wins in RCB vs CSK history?
A: CSK leads with 21 wins; RCB has 13.

Q2. When was the first RCB vs CSK match?
A: IPL 2008, Bengaluru – CSK won by 13 runs.

Q3. What happened in IPL 2025?
A: RCB won both matches—Chepauk by 50 runs and Bengaluru by 2 runs.

Q4. Who scored the most runs in RCB vs CSK?
A: Virat Kohli – 1098+ runs.

Q5. Who has the most wickets?
A: Ravindra Jadeja – 18+ wickets.

Q6. When did RCB break the Chepauk jinx?
A: March 28, 2025.

Q7. What’s the closest match ever?
A: 1-run thriller in Bengaluru, 2019.

Q8. Key players in IPL 2025 RCB wins?
A: Rajat Patidar, Romario Shepherd, Yash Dayal.

Conclusion

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings timeline captures one of IPL’s most enduring and dramatic rivalries. From CSK’s early dominance to RCB’s historic 2025 resurgence, the Southern Derby is filled with records, thrilling finishes, and unforgettable performances. With legends like Dhoni, Kohli, Jadeja, Patidar, and Shepherd etching their names in history, this rivalry continues to captivate fans season after season. As IPL 2026 approaches, the anticipation for the next chapter in this epic rivalry is at an all-time high.