The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one of the biggest and most exciting contests in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Every time these two teams meet, fans witness high-quality cricket featuring some of the biggest stars in the game. Over the years, legends such as Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja have made this rivalry unforgettable. Bengaluru vs Chennai Head-to-Head Record in IPL
Although Chennai Super Kings have historically dominated the fixture, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have produced several memorable victories, making this one of the IPL’s most anticipated clashes.
RCB vs CSK Head-to-Head Record
As of the end of the IPL 2025 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings have faced each other 35 times in the IPL. Bengaluru vs Chennai Head-to-Head Record in IPL
| Statistic | RCB | CSK |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 35 | 35 |
| Wins | 13 | 21 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
CSK have enjoyed the upper hand throughout the rivalry, winning around 60% of their encounters.
First IPL Meeting
- Date: April 28, 2008
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Winner: Chennai Super Kings
The very first meeting between the two teams saw Chennai Super Kings emerge victorious, setting the tone for what would become one of the IPL’s fiercest rivalries.Bengaluru vs Chennai Head-to-Head Record in IPL
Most Memorable Matches
1. IPL 2012 – CSK Won by 5 Wickets
One of the greatest matches between the two teams came in Chennai.
RCB posted a competitive total thanks to Chris Gayle, but an incredible unbeaten century by Murali Vijay powered CSK to a thrilling victory.
2. IPL 2019 – CSK Won by 7 Wickets
MS Dhoni produced one of his trademark finishing masterclasses after RCB struggled with the bat.
The victory strengthened CSK’s position at the top of the table.
3. IPL 2024 – RCB Qualified for the Playoffs
Perhaps the most emotional contest in recent years.
RCB defeated CSK in Bengaluru to qualify for the playoffs while eliminating Chennai from the tournament.
Virat Kohli played an aggressive innings before Yash Dayal defended the final over brilliantly against MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.
4. IPL 2025 – RCB Beat CSK at Chepauk
Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered a memorable victory at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, showcasing their balanced batting and disciplined bowling performance.
Highest Team Totals
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
218/8 against CSK
RCB’s batting has often revolved around Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Glenn Maxwell, producing several big totals. Bengaluru vs Chennai Head-to-Head Record in IPL
Chennai Super Kings
226/6 against RCB
CSK’s explosive batting lineup featuring Michael Hussey, Murali Vijay, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Shivam Dube has produced several massive scores.
Lowest Team Totals
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 70 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 82 |
These low totals demonstrate how bowlers have occasionally dominated this otherwise batting-friendly rivalry.
Most Runs in RCB vs CSK Matches
1. Virat Kohli (RCB)
Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the history of this rivalry.
His consistency over more than a decade has produced numerous match-winning performances.
Highlights
- 1,100+ runs
- Multiple half-centuries
- Several Player of the Match awards
2. MS Dhoni (CSK)
Dhoni has delivered countless finishing masterclasses against RCB.
His calmness under pressure has helped CSK win many close matches.
3. Suresh Raina (CSK)
Known as “Mr. IPL,” Raina consistently performed against Bengaluru with his aggressive middle-order batting.
4. Faf du Plessis
Having represented both CSK and RCB, Faf has scored heavily for both franchises.
5. AB de Villiers (RCB)
AB de Villiers produced some of the most entertaining innings ever witnessed in this rivalry.
Leading Wicket-Takers
Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)
Jadeja has consistently troubled RCB batters with his accurate left-arm spin.
Dwayne Bravo (CSK)
Bravo’s slower balls and death-over bowling have earned him numerous wickets against Bengaluru.
Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB)
Chahal enjoyed considerable success against Chennai during his RCB career.
Harshal Patel (RCB)
Known for his slower deliveries, Harshal produced several impressive bowling performances against CSK.
Deepak Chahar (CSK)
Chahar’s ability to swing the new ball has often given Chennai early breakthroughs.
Highest Individual Scores
Some memorable batting performances include:
| Player | Score |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 90+ |
| Murali Vijay | 95* |
| AB de Villiers | 84 |
| Shivam Dube | 95* |
| Chris Gayle | 75+ |
These innings have entertained millions of IPL fans.
Best Bowling Figures
Some of the finest bowling performances include:
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dwayne Bravo
- Harshal Patel
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Deepak Chahar
Their spells have often changed the course of matches.
Why This Rivalry Is Special
Several factors make RCB vs CSK one of the IPL’s biggest rivalries:
- Virat Kohli vs MS Dhoni.
- Massive fan bases across India and worldwide.
- Numerous last-over thrillers.
- Star-studded line-ups every season.
- Playoff qualification battles.
- High-scoring contests and memorable individual performances.
The atmosphere at both the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and MA Chidambaram Stadium is among the best in the IPL whenever these teams meet.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Virat Kohli
- AB de Villiers
- Chris Gayle
- Faf du Plessis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Yuzvendra Chahal
Chennai Super Kings
- MS Dhoni
- Suresh Raina
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dwayne Bravo
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Ravichandran Ashwin
These players have produced many unforgettable moments over the years.
Conclusion
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings rivalry is one of the defining fixtures of the IPL. While CSK have historically dominated the head-to-head record with more victories, RCB have delivered several iconic wins, including their dramatic playoff-clinching success in 2024. From Virat Kohli’s consistency and AB de Villiers’ brilliance to MS Dhoni’s finishing and Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round excellence, this contest has showcased some of the IPL’s greatest players.
As both franchises continue to evolve with new talent, the RCB-CSK rivalry remains one of the league’s biggest attractions, promising more thrilling encounters and unforgettable memories for cricket fans around the world.