Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline | Full History, Stats, Records (2025)

The rivalry between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one of the most exciting in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the first season in 2008, both teams have created many unforgettable matches. 

RR is known for its young and fearless players, while CSK relies on experience and the calm leadership of MS Dhoni. Every time these two teams meet, fans can expect thrilling cricket, last-over finishes, and big performances.

Over the years, RR vs CSK matches have given us iconic moments, record-breaking innings, and close contests. From the first-ever IPL final in 2008 to recent seasons, both teams have played important matches that shaped the IPL history. 

This article covers the full timeline, season-wise highlights, head-to-head stats, top performers, and all the memorable moments between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.

Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline

The rivalry between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one of the most exciting in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Since the first season in 2008, both teams have created unforgettable moments, thrilling matches, and iconic records. 

Rajasthan Royals are known for their fearless young talent and aggressive approach. In contrast, CSK relies on experienced players and MS Dhoni’s leadership to stay calm under pressure.

This timeline explores all the major battles between these two teams, season by season, highlighting key performances, match results, and historic moments.

Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline – Season-thru-Season Breakdown

The RR vs CSK rivalry has produced several unforgettable moments. Here’s a detailed season-wise breakdown of all major encounters between the two sides.

IPL 2008 – The Start of the Rivalry

The rivalry began in the inaugural IPL season. Rajasthan Royals surprised everyone by winning the first IPL title under Shane Warne. CSK, led by MS Dhoni, also showed their strength as a team.

1: Group Stage

RR shocked CSK with aggressive batting. Yusuf Pathan played a powerful innings that set the tone for RR’s fearless approach. CSK struggled to control Rajasthan’s attack in this first encounter.

2: Return Fixture

CSK returned stronger in the second game. Dhoni’s captaincy was effective, and CSK managed to push RR, making it a closely fought match. However, RR’s young talent continued to impress.

3: The 2008 IPL FINAL

The 2008 final is still remembered as one of the greatest IPL matches. Rajasthan chased down CSK’s target on the last ball. Shane Warne’s tactics and Yusuf Pathan’s all-round heroics won RR the first IPL title.

Key Highlights:

• Last-ball victory for RR
  
• Tactical brilliance of Shane Warne
  
• Yusuf Pathan named Man of the Match
  

IPL 2009 – Closely Contested Battles

In 2009, both teams won one match each. CSK relied on strong batting from Hayden, while RR continued to nurture young talents like Ravindra Jadeja (who played for RR back then). Both matches were competitive, showing that the rivalry was building up.

IPL 2010 – CSK Gains Control

From 2010, CSK started dominating the rivalry. Murali Vijay scored consistently in both encounters, and CSK’s spin attack troubled RR’s middle order. CSK went on to win the IPL title that year, asserting control over Rajasthan in the head-to-head matchups.

IPL 2011–2013 – The Era of Dhoni Dominance

During these years, CSK often beat RR in key matches. Suresh Raina became RR’s biggest challenge. Dhoni frequently played finishing knocks to win tight games. RR continued to produce young talent like Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson.

Notable Match:

• 2013 Jaipur – CSK chased with 4 overs to spare, Raina scored 98*.

IPL 2015 – Steve Smith’s Rajasthan Challenges Dhoni’s CSK

Steve Smith took over RR’s captaincy, bringing fresh tactics. Shane Watson played match-winning innings for RR, while Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo pulled off last-over miracles for CSK. The matches were thrilling and balanced.

IPL 2018 – RR Returns After Suspension

After a two-year suspension, RR returned to the IPL in 2018. CSK also returned after their suspension. RR struggled with inconsistent bowling, while Jos Buttler and Shane Watson shone with explosive batting. Matches were memorable for powerplay fireworks and strategic battles.

IPL 2019 – Royals Shock CSK

In 2019, RR shocked CSK in a memorable match where Mitchell Santner hit a six on the last ball to win. Dhoni’s efforts almost saved CSK, but RR’s early breakthroughs helped them dominate.

Notable Event:

• Last-ball six by Santner
  
• Controversial no-ball incident

IPL 2020 – Sanju Samson’s Explosive Batting

Sanju Samson became RR’s star player, hitting nine sixes against CSK in a remarkable innings. RR set their highest score against CSK, and Dhoni tried to fight back with three sixes in the final over. RR dominated overall.

IPL 2021–2023: The Chennai Comeback Era

CSK bounced back during these years. Ruturaj Gaikwad became a reliable opener, while Jadeja contributed with bat and ball. RR introduced a new star, Yashasvi Jaiswal. Matches remained competitive, with Buttler vs Chahar duels creating excitement.

Notable Match:

• 2023 Jaipur – Sandeep Sharma bowled superb yorkers to defeat CSK.

IPL 2024: Royals Rise Again

RR defeated CSK in multiple matches in 2024. Jaiswal’s powerplay hitting and RR’s wrist-spin attack proved effective. Dhoni’s final-over heroics could not change the result. Both teams showed that the rivalry remains intense and balanced.

Head-to-Head Stats – RR vs CSK

Category	CSK	RR
Total Matches	28	28
Wins	16	12
Finals Played	1	1
Titles	5	1
Highest Score	246	223
Lowest Score	109	118

CSK leads the head-to-head, but RR consistently performs well in pressure games.

Wicket Records Table – RR vs CSK All-Time Bowling Stats

Rank	Bowler	Team	Wickets	Best Figures	Economy
1	Dwayne Bravo	CSK	22	4/18	7.80
2	Ravindra Jadeja	CSK	19	3/13	7.10
3	Sandeep Sharma	RR	17	3/24	7.50
4	Shane Watson	RR/CSK	15	3/21	8.20
5	Chahal	RR	14	3/27	8.00
6	Chahar	CSK	13	2/19	7.60
7	Tyagi	RR	11	3/14	7.70
8	Ashwin	RR/CSK	10	2/16	7.40

Batting Records – RR vs CSK

Rank	Batter	Team	Runs	Highest Score
1	Suresh Raina	CSK	492	98*
2	Jos Buttler	RR	388	95
3	MS Dhoni	CSK	365	75*
4	Sanju Samson	RR	334	89
5	Shane Watson	RR/CSK	295	106

Iconic Moments within the RR vs CSK Timeline

• The Last-Ball Win (2008 Final): RR chased down CSK on the last ball to win the title.
  
• Dhoni’s No-Ball Rage (2019): A controversial moment that became an IPL talking point.
  
• Sanju Samson’s 6-Fest (2020): Nine sixes against CSK in one innings.
  
• Santner’s Last-Ball 6 (2019): Winning six in a high-pressure match.
  
• Jaiswal’s Fastest 15 (2023): RR dominated CSK in the powerplay.

Detailed Yearly Timeline Table (Quick View)

Year	Winner	Margin	Venue	Key Performer
2008	RR	Last Ball	Mumbai	Yusuf Pathan
2010	CSK	23 runs	Chennai	Murali Vijay
2013	CSK	5 wkts	Jaipur	Suresh Raina
2015	RR	8 wkts	Pune	Steve Smith
2019	CSK	4 wkts	Jaipur	Mitchell Santner
2020	RR	16 runs	Dubai	Sanju Samson
2023	RR	3 runs	Jaipur	Sandeep Sharma

Frequently Asked Questions

Who leads the RR vs CSK head-to-head?

CSK leads with 16 wins out of 28 matches.

Which team won the first-ever IPL final?

Rajasthan Royals defeated CSK in 2008.

Who is the top run-scorer in this rivalry?

Suresh Raina with 492 runs.

Which bowler has taken the most wickets?

Dwayne Bravo with 22 wickets.

What is the highest individual score in RR vs CSK matches?

Shane Watson scored 106 runs.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings is one of the most exciting stories in IPL history. It is a battle of youth versus experience, unpredictability versus consistency, and thrilling matches versus strategic brilliance. 

From the 2008 final to the 2024 contests, this rivalry has produced unforgettable moments, record-breaking performances, and legendary players. Each season adds more drama and excitement, ensuring that RR vs CSK will remain a key IPL storyline for years to come.