The Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals rivalry is one of the IPL’s most exciting and balanced contests. From the 2008 inaugural final to modern T20 thrillers, fans have witnessed shifting dominance, tactical battles, and iconic performances. This timeline dives deep into every era, giving cricket enthusiasts a clear story of the clash between CSK and RR.
Why This Rivalry Matters
The CSK vs RR matchup is more than just a cricket game—it’s a clash of styles and legacies. Chennai Super Kings are known for calm leadership, structured strategies, and experience, while Rajasthan Royals thrive on tactical risks, youth talent, and aggressive plays.
Each era of this rivalry reveals how leadership, squad composition, and T20 evolution shape results. Fans in India follow this fixture not only for scores but for debates over tactics, key player contributions, and memorable matches. Understanding the timeline helps put every match, stat, and player performance in perspective.
2008: The Inaugural Final – Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings
The first-ever IPL final on June 1, 2008, at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, remains one of the most thrilling T20 matches in cricket history. Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by Shane Warne, defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 3 wickets on the final ball, claiming the inaugural IPL title and igniting a rivalry that would endure for decades.
Toss and Match Setup
| Event | Details |
| Toss Winner | Rajasthan Royals (Shane Warne) |
| Decision | Elected to field first |
| Venue | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
| Attendance | 55,345 |
| Match Format | 20 Overs Per Side |
Shane Warne’s decision to field first allowed RR to chase, leveraging their balanced lineup with aggressive batters and all-rounders.
Chennai Super Kings Innings (20 Overs)
| Phase | Overs | Key Events | Score & Highlights |
| Powerplay | 0.1–6.0 | CSK reached 42/1, losing only one early wicket. | Steady start; Dhoni anchoring innings |
| Middle Overs | 7.0–15.0 | Suresh Raina top-scored with 43 off 30 balls. Yusuf Pathan took 3/22, breaking partnerships. | CSK 124/5 |
| Finish | 16.0–20.0 | MS Dhoni added 29 off 17 balls*, accelerating the innings. | CSK total: 163/5 |
Key CSK Batting Stats
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
| Suresh Raina | 43 | 30 | 143.33 |
| MS Dhoni* | 29 | 17 | 170.59 |
| Parthiv Patel | 25 | 18 | 138.88 |
Key CSK Bowling Stats
| Player | Overs | Wickets | Runs | Economy |
| Albie Morkel | 4 | 2 | 25 | 6.25 |
| Lakshmipathy Balaji | 4 | 1 | 30 | 7.50 |
| R. Jadeja | 4 | 0 | 35 | 8.75 |
Rajasthan Royals Innings (20 Overs)
| Phase | Overs | Key Events | Score & Highlights |
| Early Wobble | 0.1–7.0 | RR lost openers and Kamran Akmal; score 41/3 | Early pressure; momentum against RR |
| Recovery | 8.0–17.0 | Yusuf Pathan (56 off 39) and Shane Watson (28 off 19) built a 65-run partnership. | Stabilized chase; RR 143/7 at 18th over |
| Last Over Thriller | 18.1–20.0 | Needing 8 runs off the final over bowled by Balaji. Shane Warne and Sohail Tanvir managed the chase. Tanvir hit the winning run on the last ball. | RR 164/7 – win by 3 wickets |
Key RR Batting Stats
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
| Yusuf Pathan | 56 | 39 | 143.58 |
| Shane Watson | 28 | 19 | 147.36 |
| Shane Warne | 17 | 9 | 188.88 |
Key RR Bowling Stats
| Player | Overs | Wickets | Runs | Economy |
| Yusuf Pathan | 4 | 3 | 22 | 5.50 |
| Sohail Tanvir | 4 | 1 | 28 | 7.00 |
| Nuwan Kulasekara | 4 | 1 | 31 | 7.75 |
Match Summary Table
| Category | CSK | RR |
| Total Runs | 163/5 (20 overs) | 164/7 (20 overs) |
| Top Batter | Suresh Raina: 43 (30) | Yusuf Pathan: 56 (39) |
| Top Bowler | Albie Morkel: 2/25 | Yusuf Pathan: 3/22 |
| Player of the Match | — | Yusuf Pathan |
| Player of the Tournament | — | Shane Watson |
| Winning Margin | — | 3 wickets (last ball) |
Significance of the 2008 Final
- Origin of a Rivalry: This final set the stage for one of the IPL’s most enduring rivalries between CSK and RR.
- RR’s Identity: Showcased a fearless, tactical side under Shane Warne, blending youth with calculated aggression.
- Thrilling Finish: The last-ball victory created instant IPL folklore and a template for T20 drama.
- Player Impact: Yusuf Pathan emerged as a match-winner with an all-round display; Shane Watson later recognized as the tournament’s standout performer.
- Cultural Moment: The dramatic finish cemented the IPL as a global cricket spectacle, attracting massive TV and stadium viewership.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- Attendance: 55,345 fans witnessed the first IPL final live.
- Last Ball Drama: Only the 8th T20 match in professional cricket history to finish on the last ball in a final.
- All-Round Hero: Yusuf Pathan’s dual contribution with bat and ball remains a benchmark for T20 all-round performances.
- Shane Watson’s Tournament: Scored 472 runs and took 17 wickets overall, earning Player of the Tournament.
2009–2010: Tactical Gap Emerges
After RR’s inaugural triumph in 2008, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) began asserting a tactical edge during the next two seasons. Teams started specializing in powerplay hitting, middle-over control, and death-over execution. CSK displayed remarkable calmness under pressure, while RR relied on fearless, aggressive selection.
2009 Season: The South African Shift
Played entirely in South Africa due to general elections in India, CSK avenged their 2008 final loss by winning both group-stage encounters.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Top Performer | Highlights |
| April 30, 2009 | Centurion | CSK | 38 runs | Suresh Raina: 98 | L. Balaji took 4/21 to dismantle RR’s chase |
| May 9, 2009 | Kimberley | CSK | 7 wickets | S. Badrinath: 59* | M. Muralitharan restricted RR to 140/7 |
Tactical Notes 2009:
- CSK focused on building a strong top order, with Raina anchoring while Dhoni provided finishing acceleration.
- RR struggled to adapt to South African pitches, relying heavily on youth and all-rounders like Yusuf Pathan.
2010 Season: The Power-Hitting Revolution
This season highlighted a growing tactical gap in boundary-hitting ability. Matches became high-scoring and thrilling.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Top Performer | Score Summary |
| March 28, 2010 | Ahmedabad | RR | 17 runs | Naman Ojha: 80 | RR 177 defended; CSK 160/7 |
| April 3, 2010 | Chennai | CSK | 23 runs | Murali Vijay: 127 | CSK 246/5; RR 223/5 |
Key Tactical Developments 2010:
- CSK leveraged aggressive openers like Murali Vijay and power-hitters like Albie Morkel (62 off 34) to post unassailable totals.
- Despite RR’s valiant chase, Naman Ojha (94*) and Shane Watson (60) could not bridge the tactical gap.
- Bowling discipline mattered: Doug Bollinger’s 4 overs for 15 runs with 2 wickets demonstrated how economical bowling could win high-scoring matches.
2011–2013: Strategy Matures
During this period, both franchises evolved tactically. CSK became a model of consistency, while RR relied increasingly on versatile all-rounders and explosive hitters like Shane Watson.
2011: CSK’s Peak Dominance
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Key Performer(s) |
| May 4, 2011 | Chennai | CSK | 8 wickets | Michael Hussey: 79* |
| May 9, 2011 | Jaipur | CSK | 63 runs | Murali Vijay: 53 & Suresh Raina: 42 |
Tactical Notes:
- CSK’s settled top-order consistency allowed middle-order freedom.
- RR remained competitive but could not break CSK’s rhythm.
- CSK went on to win their second consecutive IPL title.
2012: The “Clutch” Mentality
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Key Performer(s) |
| April 21, 2012 | Chennai | CSK | 7 wickets | Faf du Plessis: 73 |
| May 10, 2012 | Jaipur | CSK | 4 wickets | Ben Hilfenhaus: 2/8 & Albie Morkel: 18* |
Tactical Notes:
- CSK demonstrated late-game composure, winning tight chases and defending moderate totals.
- RR struggled to capitalize on opportunities despite good individual performances.
2013: The Rise of All-Rounders
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Key Performer(s) |
| April 22, 2013 | Chennai | CSK | 5 wickets | Michael Hussey: 88 |
| May 12, 2013 | Jaipur | RR | 5 wickets | Shane Watson: 70 off 34 |
Tactical Notes:
- Shane Watson became the RR tactical centerpiece, providing both explosive batting and economical bowling.
- RR finally broke a 5-match losing streak against CSK in Jaipur, signaling a maturing power-hitting strategy.
- CSK still maintained home dominance, particularly at MA Chidambaram Stadium, winning all three home fixtures in this period.
Key Strategic Observations 2009–2013
- Specialization Emerges: Teams began designing lineups with powerplay hitters, middle-over anchors, and death-over specialists.
- CSK Calm Under Pressure: Consistent top-order performances from Raina, Hussey, and Vijay allowed middle order and bowlers to perform confidently.
- RR Fearless Selection: RR relied on all-rounders and match-winners like Watson and Pathan to bridge tactical gaps.
- Record Matches: The 2010 high-scoring thriller (CSK 246/5 vs RR 223/5) highlighted the importance of both batting firepower and economical bowling.
- Key Players: Dhoni (CSK), Raina (CSK), Shane Watson (RR), Naman Ojha (RR), and Murali Vijay (CSK) shaped the rivalry’s tactical narrative.
2014–2015: Rivalry Tightens
During 2014–2015, the rivalry became more competitive as CSK stabilized and RR experimented with new players and strategies. Matches were often close, and established players increasingly defined outcomes.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Top Performer(s) | Score Summary |
| May 1, 2014 | Jaipur | RR | 3 wickets | Ajinkya Rahane: 72* | RR 161/7; CSK 158/9 |
| May 8, 2014 | Chennai | CSK | 5 wickets | Dwayne Bravo: 64* | CSK 175/5; RR 172/6 |
| April 18, 2015 | Jaipur | RR | 20 runs | Sanju Samson: 65 | RR 180/6; CSK 160/8 |
| April 25, 2015 | Chennai | CSK | 10 runs | MS Dhoni: 68* | CSK 172/6; RR 162/7 |
Tactical Notes:
- CSK relied on experienced core players like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Dwayne Bravo to control games.
- RR experimented with youthful talent like Sanju Samson, testing combinations in powerplay and death overs.
- Matches were decided by key performances in high-pressure moments, laying the groundwork for the post-suspension era.
2016–2017: Suspension Era
Both franchises were suspended due to the 2013 spot-fixing controversy, disrupting momentum and forcing squad and leadership changes post-return.
| Season | Status | Key Impact |
| 2016 | Suspended | Temporary franchises Gujarat Lions (GL) and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) filled the void. MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina moved to RPS; Jadeja, McCullum to GL. |
| 2017 | Suspended | Leadership continuity disrupted; both RR and CSK required squad rebuilds. Fan anticipation grew for the 2018 return. |
Fan Perspective:
- Rivalry paused, increasing excitement and stakes for 2018.
- Both teams needed to re-establish identity on return.
2018–2020: Comeback and Modern Trends
The rivalry reignited with high stakes, tactical innovation, and notable player impact.
2018: Return of the Rivalry
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Top Performer(s) | Score Summary |
| April 20, 2018 | Pune | CSK | 64 runs | Shane Watson: 106 (57) | CSK 204/5; RR 140/10 |
| May 11, 2018 | Jaipur | RR | 4 wickets | Jos Buttler: 95* (60) | RR 177/6; CSK 176/4 |
Tactical Trends 2018:
- CSK relied on experience-heavy top order, powered by Watson and Dhoni.
- RR tested new talent, emphasizing aggressive batting in the middle order.
- Powerplay aggression and spin vs pace matchups became central to strategies.
2019: CSK Dominance
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Top Performer(s) | Score Summary |
| March 31, 2019 | Chennai | CSK | 8 runs | MS Dhoni: 75* (46) | CSK 175/5; RR 167/8 |
| April 11, 2019 | Jaipur | CSK | 4 wickets | MS Dhoni: 58 (43), Ambati Rayudu: 57 (47) | CSK 155/6; RR 151/7 |
Tactical Trends 2019:
- MS Dhoni excelled as a finisher, particularly in low-scoring, high-pressure games.
- CSK’s experience-heavy core successfully executed tight death-over strategies.
2020: RR Resurgence
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Top Performer(s) | Score Summary |
| Sept 22, 2020 | Sharjah | RR | 16 runs | Sanju Samson: 74 (32) | RR 216/7; CSK 200/6 |
| Oct 19, 2020 | Abu Dhabi | RR | 7 wickets | Jos Buttler: 70* (48) | RR 126/3; CSK 125/5 |
Tactical Trends 2020:
- Aggressive power-hitting (Samson, Buttler) defined RR’s comeback.
- Use of spin-choke (Tewatia, Gopal) exploited CSK’s slower, veteran-heavy middle order.
- Venue shift to UAE (COVID-19) favored young, strike-rate-focused batters over experience-heavy cores.
- RR achieved their first seasonal double over CSK in over a decade.
Key Performance Trends 2018–2020
- MS Dhoni’s Finishing Mastery:
- 2019: Critical half-centuries in both games against RR ensured a CSK sweep.
- 2019: Critical half-centuries in both games against RR ensured a CSK sweep.
- The Buttler Factor:
- Jos Buttler was RR’s most consistent match-winner: 95* (2018) and 70* (2020).
- Jos Buttler was RR’s most consistent match-winner: 95* (2018) and 70* (2020).
- Shane Watson’s Loyalty Shift:
- Former RR captain turned CSK star, scoring 106 against RR in Pune (2018), symbolizing CSK’s dominance upon return.
- Former RR captain turned CSK star, scoring 106 against RR in Pune (2018), symbolizing CSK’s dominance upon return.
- Modern Tactical Shifts:
- Powerplay aggression, middle-over spin vs pace strategy, and death-over execution became decisive.
- Younger RR batters adapted quickly to UAE pitches in 2020, leveraging high strike rates against CSK’s slower core.
- Powerplay aggression, middle-over spin vs pace strategy, and death-over execution became decisive.
2021–2023: Rajasthan Royals Gain Dominance
Between 2021 and 2023, RR established a clear tactical edge, recording their longest winning streak against CSK and showcasing a young, aggressive, and flexible approach. CSK remained competitive under MS Dhoni but frequently struggled against RR’s top-order firepower and spin strategy.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Top Performer(s) | Score Summary |
| April 19, 2021 | Mumbai | CSK | 45 runs | Moeen Ali: 26 (20) & 3/7 | CSK 172/4; RR 127/10 |
| Oct 2, 2021 | Abu Dhabi | RR | 7 wickets | Yashasvi Jaiswal: 50 (21) | RR 191/3; CSK 190/5 |
| May 20, 2022 | Mumbai | RR | 5 wickets | Ravichandran Ashwin: 40* (23) & 1/28 | RR 151/5; CSK 150/9 |
| April 12, 2023 | Chennai | RR | 3 runs | Jos Buttler: 52 (36) | RR 175/8; CSK 172/9 |
| April 27, 2023 | Jaipur | RR | 32 runs | Yashasvi Jaiswal: 77 (43) | RR 202/6; CSK 170/9 |
Key Tactical Insights (2021–2023):
- Powerplay Firepower: Jaiswal consistently provided explosive starts, forcing CSK into early pressure.
- Spin Dominance: RR’s Chahal-Ashwin duo restricted CSK’s middle order and controlled run rates.
- Death Overs Execution: RR excelled in death bowling, defending totals and closing games with precision.
- Venue Adaptation: RR adapted quickly to UAE and away pitches, countering CSK’s home advantage.
Notable Trends:
- RR recorded four consecutive wins against CSK—the longest streak in their rivalry history.
- CSK’s 2021 and 2023 title wins were not enough to overcome RR’s tactical blueprint in head-to-heads.
- RR’s aggressive, young batting lineup became a core part of their identity.
2024–2025: Balanced Contests
After RR’s dominance, the next two seasons saw more evenly matched encounters.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Top Performer(s) | Score Summary |
| May 12, 2024 | Chennai | CSK | 5 wickets | Simarjeet Singh: 3/26; Ruturaj Gaikwad: 42* | CSK 142/5; RR 141/5 |
| March 30, 2025 | Guwahati | RR | 6 runs | Wanindu Hasaranga | RR 168/7; CSK 162/9 |
| May 20, 2025 | New Delhi | RR | 6 wickets | Vaibhav Suryavanshi: 57 off 33 | RR 188/4; CSK 187/8 |
Tactical Trends (2024–2025):
- Emergence of Young Talents: RR’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi and CSK’s Ayush Mhatre made key contributions under pressure.
- Death Bowling Mastery: RR’s Akash Madhwal and Tushar Deshpande executed clinical final-over bowling, stifling CSK’s experienced finishers.
- Strategic Flexibility: RR successfully rotated strike and leveraged spin in middle overs; CSK relied on experience-heavy middle order but struggled against RR’s pace-spin combination.
Head-to-Head Summary
| Total Matches | CSK Wins | RR Wins |
| 31 | 16 | 15 |
The rivalry remains highly competitive, with a near-even split reflecting the long-term balance between the franchises.
RR’s resurgence since 2021 has significantly closed the historical gap.
Key Match Highlights Across the Rivalry
2008 IPL Final: RR won the inaugural title with a last-ball thriller.
2010 Power Scores: CSK scored 246/5 vs RR; combined match total nearly 470.
2013: Shane Watson scored 101 for RR against CSK.
2020: Sanju Samson’s 74* powered RR in UAE.
2023: RR swept both matches against CSK, including a 32-run win in Jaipur and a 3-run thriller in Chennai.
Team Strengths and Tactical Identities
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Captaincy Stability: MS Dhoni provides calm leadership under pressure.
- All-Round Strength: Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Dwayne Bravo.
- Home Advantage: Chepauk pitch favors spin-heavy tactics.
- Experience: Decade-long consistency and multiple IPL titles.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Young Energy: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag lead aggressive starts.
- Overseas Firepower: Jos Buttler, Trent Boult add big-match impact.
- Smart Tactics: Data-driven captaincy under Sanju Samson.
- Spin Dominance: Chahal-Ashwin duo challenges even CSK’s top-order.
CSK vs RR Quick Timeline
| Year | Venue | Winner | Margin | Highlight |
| 2008 | Navi Mumbai | RR | 3 wkts | RR lifts IPL trophy |
| 2010 | Chennai | CSK | 23 runs | CSK posts 246/5 |
| 2013 | Chennai | CSK | 5 runs | Watson scores 101 |
| 2018 | Pune | CSK | 64 runs | Watson 106 vs former team |
| 2020 | Sharjah | RR | 16 runs | Samson 74 powers RR |
| 2023 | Jaipur | RR | 32 runs | RR completes double win |
| 2024 | Chennai | CSK | 5 wickets | Dhoni finishes it off |
| 2025 | Delhi | RR | 6 wickets | RR chases 188 in 17.1 overs |
Player Records: CSK vs RR (2008–2025)
Top Batsmen
| Player | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | Average | Notes |
| Shane Watson | 711 | 101 | 142.1 | 38.5 | RR’s star all-rounder; scored 101 in 2013; consistent middle-order finisher. |
| Suresh Raina | 659 | 98 | 138.6 | 36.6 | CSK stalwart; match-winner in 2009 and 2011; top-scored in several high-pressure encounters. |
| MS Dhoni | 556 | 85* | 132.4 | 41.1 | CSK captain; known for finishing games in tight run chases. |
| Jos Buttler | 367 | 95* | 150.3 | 52.4 | RR’s aggressive opener; unbeaten 95* in 2018 and 70* in 2020 vs CSK. |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 285 | 77 | 147.8 | 47.5 | Emerging RR star; scored multiple match-winning powerplay fifties in 2021–2023. |
Top Bowlers
| Player | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy | Strike Rate | Notes |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 20 | 4/11 | 6.8 | 19.5 | CSK’s spin leader; controlled middle overs and restricted RR scoring; consistent wicket-taker. |
| Dwayne Bravo | 16 | 3/15 | 7.1 | 18.9 | CSK all-rounder; excelled in death overs; crucial in late-innings breakthroughs. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 16 | 3/21 | 7.3 | 20.2 | RR/CSK spinner; effective in UAE and Chennai; used in middle overs to choke opposition. |
| Sohail Tanvir | 10 | 6/14 | 7.5 | 18.0 | RR pacer; impactful in 2008 IPL final; provided early breakthroughs and economical spells. |
| Akash Madhwal | 8 | 3/19 | 7.0 | 18.5 | RR’s death overs specialist in 2025; helped secure narrow victories. |
Common Misconceptions
- Older matches missing: Often misfiled under other naming conventions.
- One iconic match ≠ overall dominance: Timelines prevent misleading narratives.
- Viral clips ≠ accurate stats: Always cross-check IPL or ESPNcricinfo archives.
How to Verify Matches
- IPL Official Archive: Seasons, fixtures, and results.
- ESPNcricinfo: Scorecards, match reports, and player stats.
- Sentence-per-milestone Method: Explain what happened and why it mattered in one clear line.
Conclusion
The Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals timeline shows a story of resilience, tactics, and shifting dominance. From RR’s 2008 surprise win to CSK’s decade of excellence, and RR’s resurgence in the 2020s, every era brought its own flavor.
Today, it remains a balanced, exciting rivalry that captures the imagination of fans, analysts, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The clash continues to evolve, proving that in T20 cricket, no advantage lasts forever, and every match can rewrite history.
