Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals share a rivalry that stretches back to the very first ball of IPL cricket. These two teams met in the 2008 IPL final.
That game set the tone for years of close contests, dramatic finishes, and standout individual performances. Both franchises carry the tag of IPL champions, and every meeting between them brings a sense of occasion.
This article covers their complete head-to-head record. You will find updated match stats, venue records, top performers, and the latest details on their March 30, 2026 clash in Guwahati.
Quick Summary Of This Rivalry
| Category | CSK | RR | Who Leads? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Wins (31 matches) | 16 | 15 | CSK |
| Last 6 Matches | 1 | 5 | RR |
| Total IPL Trophies | 5 | 1 | CSK |
Complete Match Statistics
Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have played 31 matches against each other in the IPL since 2008. CSK holds a narrow lead with 16 wins. RR trails by just one victory at 15. No match between these two teams has ended in a tie or a no-result, which shows that every contest has produced a clear winner.
| Total Matches | CSK Wins | RR Wins | Tie / NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 16 | 15 | 0 |
The numbers tell a story of balance. CSK built a strong lead in the early years of the IPL, winning many of the matches between 2009 and 2019. However, RR turned things around after 2020 and won eight out of nine matches from 2020 to 2025. That recent run has brought the overall record much closer.
Batters Who Scored the Most Runs
Several big names have left their mark on this rivalry with the bat. Shane Watson stands out at the top. He played for both RR and CSK during his IPL career, which gave him plenty of chances to face both bowling attacks.
| Player | Team | Runs | Notable Feat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Watson | RR / CSK | 711 | Only player to score a century for and against both teams |
| Suresh Raina | CSK | 659 | Most runs by a CSK-only batter against RR |
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 556 | Consistent finisher across 30+ matches |
Watson’s 101 off 61 balls at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in 2013 remains the best knock by an RR batter in this rivalry. He smashed six fours and six sixes that day, although RR still ended up on the losing side as CSK chased down the target.
Murali Vijay holds the record for the highest individual score in CSK vs RR matches. His 127 off 56 balls in IPL 2010 powered CSK to a massive 246/5, which remains the highest team total by either side in this rivalry.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also scored a century in this rivalry. His unbeaten 101 against RR in IPL 2021 made him the third batter to reach three figures in CSK vs RR games.
Bowlers Who Took the Most Wickets
Spinners and all-rounders dominate the wicket-taking charts in this rivalry. Ravindra Jadeja, who played for both RR and CSK, sits at the top with over 20 wickets.
| Player | Team | Wickets | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | RR / CSK | 21 | 4/11 (IPL 2015) |
| Dwayne Bravo | CSK | 16 | Key death-over specialist |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | CSK / RR | 16 | Powerplay and middle-over control |
Jadeja’s ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs and at the death made him a constant threat.
The greatest bowling performance in this rivalry belongs to Sohail Tanvir. The left-arm pacer ripped through CSK’s batting in the very first CSK vs RR match in 2008 at Jaipur. He returned figures of 6/14, a record that stood as the best bowling effort in IPL history until 2019 when Alzarri Joseph broke it. Tanvir’s figures remain the best by any RR bowler in the IPL.
Key Records in CSK vs RR Matches
Here are the milestone records from this rivalry. These numbers capture the highest highs and the key individual performances across 31 matches.
| Record | Detail | Year |
|---|---|---|
| CSK’s Highest Team Score | 246/5 | 2010 |
| RR Highest Team Score | 223/5 | 2010 |
| Highest Score (CSK) | 127 by Murali Vijay (off 56 balls) | 2010 |
| Highest Score (RR) | 101 by Shane Watson (off 61 balls) | 2013 |
| Best Bowling (RR) | 6/14 by Sohail Tanvir | 2008 |
| Best Bowling (CSK) | 4/11 by Ravindra Jadeja | 2015 |
| Biggest Win by Runs (CSK) | 64 runs (Pune) | 2018 |
| Biggest Win by Wickets (RR) | 8 wickets (Jaipur 2008 & Ahmedabad 2015) | 2008/15 |
| Smallest Win by Runs | RR by 3 runs (Chennai) | 2023 |
The IPL 2010 match stands out for producing the highest totals on both sides. CSK batted first and put up 246/5. RR replied with 223/5 but fell short by 23 runs. Naman Ojha smashed 94 off 55 balls for RR, and Watson cracked 60 off just 25 balls, but the target proved too steep.
How They Perform At Different Venues
Here are the performances of both teams at different Venues:
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
CSK enjoys a clear advantage at their home ground in Chennai. The slow, turning pitches at Chepauk suit their spin-heavy bowling lineup, and the home crowd adds energy. CSK have won the majority of their matches against RR at this venue. RR have found it tough to crack the Chepauk code, although they pulled off a narrow 3-run win here in IPL 2023.
Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur has seen seven meetings between these teams. RR held a slight edge with four wins to CSK’s three. The Royals won their last match at this venue against CSK by 32 runs in 2023, and the ground has generally been a good hunting ground for the home side.
Neutral Venues
When both teams play at neutral grounds like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other Indian cities, the competition becomes even tighter. RR hold a slight advantage at neutral venues, which reflects their recent strong form since 2020. The COVID-era seasons in the UAE produced several close finishes between these two sides.
| Venue | CSK Wins | RR Wins |
|---|---|---|
| MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK leads | RR trails |
| Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 3 | 4 |
| Neutral Venues | RR holds a slight edge |
The 2008 Final: Where It All Started
The very first IPL final featured CSK and RR. Nobody expected the Rajasthan-based franchise, led by the legendary Shane Warne, to make it that far. But RR defied the odds and reached the summit clash at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on June 1, 2008.
CSK batted first and posted 163/5 in their 20 overs. Yusuf Pathan stepped up for RR with the ball, picking up 3/22 off his four overs to keep CSK in check. Watson and Tanvir chipped in with a wicket each.
In the chase, Pathan starred again with the bat, smashing 56 off 39 balls before getting run out. The match went down to the wire. Warne and Tanvir held their nerve and guided RR home by three wickets off the very last ball. Pathan earned the Player of the Final award.
That victory made Rajasthan Royals the first-ever IPL champions. It also marked the only time these two teams have met in an IPL final.
Biggest Wins From Both Sides
Both teams have recorded some lopsided victories against each other over the years. Here are the standout wins from each side.
| Winner | Margin | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSK | 64 runs | MCA Stadium, Pune | 2018 |
| CSK | 63 runs | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 2011 |
| CSK | 45 runs | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 2021 |
| RR | 8 wickets | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 2008 |
| RR | 8 wickets | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 2015 |
| RR | 32 runs | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 2023 |
Recent Results Between Both Teams
The recent head-to-head tells a different story from the overall record. RR has turned the tables in a big way since 2020. They won eight out of nine matches from IPL 2020 to IPL 2025. This run includes four straight wins between 2021 and 2023, which was their longest winning streak against CSK.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 2025 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | RR | 6 wickets |
| Mar 30, 2025 | ACA Stadium, Guwahati | RR | 6 runs |
| May 12, 2024 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK | 5 wickets |
| Apr 27, 2023 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | RR | 32 runs |
| Apr 12, 2023 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | RR | 3 runs |
| Apr 2, 2022 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | RR | 5 wickets |
CSK managed to break RR’s winning run with a 5-wicket win at home in May 2024. Ruturaj Gaikwad led the chase with an unbeaten 42. But RR bounced right back in IPL 2025, winning both their meetings that season. In the Guwahati match, Nitish Rana’s 81 off 36 balls and Wanindu Hasaranga’s 4/35 proved decisive.
CSK vs RR Full Match Timeline (2008–2025)
Here is the complete list of all 31 CSK vs RR matches in the IPL, covering every meeting from the inaugural season to IPL 2025.
| Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | RR won by 8 wickets |
| 2008 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | RR won by 10 runs |
| 2008 | DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai (Final) | RR won by 3 wickets |
| 2009 | Buffalo Park, East London | CSK won by 38 runs |
| 2009 | Diamond Oval, Kimberley | CSK won by 7 wickets |
| 2010 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | RR won by 17 runs |
| 2010 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 23 runs |
| 2011 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 8 wickets |
| 2011 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | CSK won by 63 runs |
| 2012 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 7 wickets |
| 2012 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | CSK won by 4 wickets |
| 2013 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 5 wickets |
| 2013 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | RR won by 5 wickets |
| 2014 | Dubai International Stadium | CSK won by 7 runs |
| 2014 | JSCA Stadium, Ranchi | CSK won by 5 wickets |
| 2015 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | RR won by 8 wickets |
| 2015 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 12 runs |
| 2018 | MCA Stadium, Pune | CSK won by 64 runs |
| 2018 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | RR won by 4 wickets |
| 2019 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 8 runs |
| 2019 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | CSK won by 4 wickets |
| 2020 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | RR won by 16 runs |
| 2020 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | RR won by 7 wickets |
| 2021 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | CSK won by 45 runs |
| 2021 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | RR won by 7 wickets |
| 2022 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | RR won by 5 wickets |
| 2023 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | RR won by 3 runs |
| 2023 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | RR won by 32 runs |
| 2024 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 5 wickets |
| 2025 | ACA Stadium, Guwahati | RR won by 6 runs |
| 2025 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | RR won by 6 wickets |
What the Numbers Tell Us
CSK holds the overall edge with 16 wins to RR’s 15 in 31 matches. A decade ago, CSK seemed to own this rivalry. They won the bulk of their encounters between 2009 and 2019, often using Chepauk’s spinning conditions and their deep batting lineup to overwhelm the Royals.
But the tide shifted after 2020. RR found a new gear, especially at neutral venues and away from Chennai. Their young batting talent, led by Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal in recent seasons, gave them the firepower to compete on any surface. On the bowling front, RR’s spin options troubled CSK’s middle order consistently.
This back-and-forth nature keeps the rivalry interesting. Neither team can claim a comfortable lead. Every new season brings fresh players, new strategies, and different conditions. That makes every CSK vs RR game worth watching.
CSK vs RR – March 30, 2026
The rivalry moves to the Northeast today as the Chennai Super Kings take on the Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. This match is a massive opportunity for the Royals; a win today would officially level the all-time head-to-head record at 16-16 for the first time in years.
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | March 30, 2026 |
| Venue | ACA Stadium, Guwahati |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (Toss at 7:00 PM) |
| Current Record | CSK 16 – 15 RR |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar App & Website |
While CSK historically dominated the early years, RR has turned the “Barsapara” stadium into a fortress. The pitch in Guwahati is known for being a high-scoring paradise with a lightning-fast outfield, which favors the aggressive batting styles of both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Key Player To Watch
| Player | Team | Role | Impact for Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | RR | Opener | Expected to lead RR’s powerplay charge; holds a 206.56 strike rate in the IPL. |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | Captain/Opener | CSK’s most consistent run-getter; averages 34+ against RR in his career. |
| Ravindra Jadeja | RR | All-rounder | Playing his first match against CSK after moving to RR in a major trade deal. |
| Sanju Samson | CSK | Wicketkeeper | Returning to face his former side (RR) as a key middle-order pillar for Chennai. |
| Riyan Parag | RR | Captain | Leading RR for the first time as permanent captain in his home city, Guwahati. |
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Conclusion: A Rivalry That Keeps Getting Closer (16-15)
The CSK vs RR rivalry forms one of the most compelling storylines in IPL cricket. These teams met in the very first IPL final and have played 31 matches since. CSK lead the overall count by the thinnest of margins, but RR’s recent dominance has shifted the balance.
Both teams keep refreshing their squads with new talent every season. CSK rely on their experienced core and tactical depth. RR invest in young Indian batters and match-winning overseas players. This contrast in approach makes every meeting between them a fascinating contest.
The rivalry shows no signs of slowing down. With the gap at just one win, every future CSK vs RR match could change who holds the upper hand.
