The Bangalore vs Chennai head-to-head in IPL is one of the most talked-about rivalries in Indian Premier League history. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have produced numerous high-scoring matches, thrilling finishes and memorable individual performances since the IPL began in 2008.
The rivalry has traditionally been dominated by Chennai, although RCB have enjoyed a significant improvement in recent seasons. Entering the 2026 season, CSK had won 22 of the 36 meetings, while RCB had won 13, with one match ending without a result.
In the 2026 IPL, the two sides met once, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB recorded a comprehensive 43-run victory, scoring 250/3 and restricting CSK to 207 all out.
After that result, the overall head-to-head record became 37 matches: RCB 14 wins, CSK 22 wins and one no-result.
RCB vs CSK Head-to-Head Record
| Head-to-Head Statistic | RCB | CSK |
|---|---|---|
| Matches played | 37 | 37 |
| Matches won | 14 | 22 |
| Matches lost | 22 | 14 |
| No result | 1 | 1 |
| Tied matches | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 meetings | 1 | 1 |
| 2026 result | Won | Lost |
The overall numbers show CSK’s historical advantage in this fixture. However, RCB have narrowed the gap in recent encounters, including victories in both meetings during the 2025 season. Bangalore vs Chennai Head-to-Head in IPL
History of the Bangalore vs Chennai Rivalry
RCB and CSK have been part of the IPL since the inaugural season in 2008. From the early years, their meetings attracted considerable attention because of the presence of major Indian stars and the contrasting styles of the two franchises.
CSK established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in IPL history, while RCB became known for their powerful batting line-ups and high-profile players.
The rivalry became particularly prominent because of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Kohli became the face of RCB for much of the franchise’s history, while Dhoni led CSK for most of their successful IPL journey.
The teams have played at several venues, including Bengaluru, Chennai and neutral venues. Their matches have frequently involved aggressive batting, late-innings drama and important performances from leading players.
2026: RCB Beat CSK by 43 Runs
The latest meeting between the teams took place on 5 April 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
CSK won the toss and chose to bowl first. RCB responded with an enormous 250/3 in 20 overs, their highest total against CSK in IPL history.
Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal provided RCB with a strong platform before Tim David took the innings to another level.
Tim David produced one of the outstanding performances of the match, smashing an unbeaten 70 from only 25 balls. His innings included a spectacular 30-run over against Jamie Overton.
Rajat Patidar also played an important role, finishing unbeaten on 48 from 19 balls. The pair added an unbeaten 99-run partnership to take RCB to 250/3.
CSK needed 251 to win but lost early wickets. Sarfaraz Khan scored 50 from 25 balls and Jamie Overton and Prashant Veer provided some late resistance.
However, RCB’s bowling attack maintained control. Bhuvneshwar Kumar finished with 3/41, while Suyash Sharma bowled an economical spell and took a wicket.
CSK were eventually dismissed for 207 in 19.4 overs, giving RCB a 43-run victory. Tim David was named Player of the Match.
RCB’s Recent Improvement
Although CSK still lead the overall head-to-head record, RCB have performed strongly against Chennai in the most recent meetings.
During IPL 2025, RCB defeated CSK twice. They won the first meeting in Chennai by 50 runs, before winning the return fixture in Bengaluru by two runs. These victories were part of RCB’s successful 2025 campaign.
RCB’s success continued in their first meeting with CSK in 2026. The three consecutive victories represented an important recent run in the rivalry.
However, the historical record remains strongly in CSK’s favour, with Chennai holding 22 wins compared with RCB’s 14 after 37 matches.
Virat Kohli vs Chennai Super Kings
One of the most interesting individual aspects of the rivalry has been Virat Kohli’s batting against CSK.
Kohli has scored more runs against Chennai than any other RCB batter. Before the 2026 meeting, he had accumulated 1,146 runs in 35 matches and 34 innings against CSK, with a highest score of 90 not out. He had also recorded 10 fifty-plus scores against Chennai.
His performances against CSK have helped make the rivalry particularly interesting for fans. Kohli’s ability to build innings and accelerate later has repeatedly been an important feature of RCB-CSK matches.
He has also been particularly productive at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium against Chennai.
MS Dhoni vs RCB
MS Dhoni has also played an important role in this rivalry.
During his long CSK career, Dhoni produced several memorable performances against RCB, especially while chasing challenging totals. His finishing ability made him a major threat in the latter stages of matches.
The official IPL previously highlighted Dhoni’s excellent record against RCB, including a memorable 70 off 34 balls during CSK’s successful chase of 206 in Bengaluru in 2018.
Dhoni’s reputation as a finisher and captain added another important dimension to the rivalry with RCB.
Memorable RCB vs CSK Matches
1. CSK’s 2018 Chase in Bengaluru
One of the most memorable encounters came in 2018 when RCB posted 205/8 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
CSK successfully chased the target, with MS Dhoni producing a spectacular innings of 70 from 34 balls. He hit seven sixes and helped Chennai complete the chase with two balls remaining.
The match became another example of CSK’s ability to chase difficult targets.
2. RCB’s 2025 Victory in Chennai
RCB’s 50-run victory over CSK in Chennai during IPL 2025 was particularly significant because winning at the Chepauk had historically been difficult for RCB.
The victory helped RCB change the recent pattern of the rivalry and was followed by another win in Bengaluru.
3. RCB’s 2026 Record Total
The 2026 meeting produced another memorable performance.
RCB scored 250/3, which the IPL’s official match report identified as the highest-ever total against CSK at that point. Tim David’s 70 not out from 25 balls was the highlight of the innings.
RCB eventually won by 43 runs, extending their recent winning run against Chennai.
Head-to-Head at Bengaluru
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has traditionally been an important venue for this rivalry.
Bengaluru is known for its batting-friendly conditions and relatively short boundaries. As a result, RCB vs CSK matches at the venue have often featured high totals and aggressive batting.
The 2026 match was another example. RCB reached 250/3 before bowling CSK out for 207.
For RCB, home conditions have provided an opportunity to maximise their strong batting line-up. For CSK, the challenge has often been controlling the scoring rate during the middle and death overs.
Head-to-Head at Chennai
The MA Chidambaram Stadium, commonly known as Chepauk, has historically been one of CSK’s strongest home venues.
The spin-friendly conditions in Chennai have often suited CSK’s bowling combinations. RCB’s victory there in 2025 was therefore a notable result in the recent history of this rivalry.
Over the years, CSK have generally enjoyed a strong home record against RCB, although the gap has become less pronounced in recent seasons.
Highest Scores and Batting Battles
RCB and CSK have produced several high-scoring encounters.
The latest example came in 2026 when RCB scored 250/3. The innings featured major contributions from Tim David and Rajat Patidar.
Earlier meetings have also featured big totals, particularly at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The batting strength of both teams has been a major reason why this fixture regularly attracts attention. RCB have historically featured players such as Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, while CSK have had batsmen and finishers including MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and other major IPL performers.
Bowling Battles
Although batting has received much of the attention, bowling performances have often decided the result.
RCB have traditionally looked for early wickets with pace before using spin during the middle overs. CSK have frequently relied on experienced bowlers and spinners to control the scoring rate.
In the 2026 match, Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a key role for RCB with three wickets. Suyash Sharma also helped restrict CSK’s scoring during the middle overs.
The ability to take wickets without conceding too many boundaries remains one of the biggest factors in this matchup.
RCB vs CSK: Key Players
Virat Kohli
Kohli is one of the most important players in the history of the RCB-CSK rivalry. His run-scoring record against Chennai is exceptional, and he has repeatedly played long innings against CSK.
MS Dhoni
Dhoni’s contribution to the rivalry is equally significant. His leadership and finishing ability produced several memorable CSK victories over RCB.
Tim David
Tim David was the standout performer in the latest meeting. His unbeaten 70 from 25 balls helped RCB reach 250/3 in 2026.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was another important performer in the 2026 encounter. His three wickets helped RCB defend their huge total.
RCB vs CSK Head-to-Head: Important Numbers
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 37 |
| RCB wins | 14 |
| CSK wins | 22 |
| No results | 1 |
| Tied matches | 0 |
| 2026 meetings | 1 |
| 2026 winner | RCB |
| 2026 RCB score | 250/3 |
| 2026 CSK score | 207 all out |
| 2026 winning margin | 43 runs |
| 2026 Player of the Match | Tim David |
The overall record is based on the 36-match record entering IPL 2026 and the subsequent RCB victory in the 2026 meeting.
Conclusion
The Bangalore vs Chennai head-to-head in IPL represents one of the league’s most recognizable rivalries. Chennai Super Kings have maintained the stronger historical record, winning 22 of the 37 meetings, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won 14, with one match producing no result.
However, the recent history has shown a change in results. RCB won both matches against CSK in 2025 and continued that run with a 43-run victory in their 2026 meeting.
The rivalry has also been shaped by legendary players such as Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, while newer stars continue to create their own memorable moments. With high-scoring games, powerful batting line-ups and strong bowling attacks, RCB vs CSK remains one of the most closely followed fixtures in the IPL.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times have RCB and CSK played each other in the IPL?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings have played 37 IPL matches through the 2026 season.
2. Who has won more matches between RCB and CSK?
Chennai Super Kings have won 22 matches, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won 14. One match ended without a result.
3. Who won the latest RCB vs CSK match?
RCB won the latest meeting in IPL 2026 by 43 runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB scored 250/3 and CSK were bowled out for 207.
4. Who has scored the most runs against CSK for RCB?
Virat Kohli has been RCB’s leading run-scorer against Chennai. Before the 2026 meeting, he had scored 1,146 runs against CSK in 35 matches.
5. What was RCB’s score in their 2026 victory over CSK?
RCB scored 250/3 in 20 overs and then restricted CSK to 207 all out, winning the match by 43 runs. Tim David scored an unbeaten 70 from 25 balls.