In the IPL, some matches are more than just games, they become exciting rivalries that fans look forward to every year. One such popular clash is between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. Since the very first season in 2008 till their latest match in IPL 2025, these two teams have given fans many unforgettable moments.
In today’s blog, let us take a simple look at the journey of this thrilling rivalry in the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline.
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline
2008 – The Beginning of the Rivalry
The very first IPL season started in 2008, in which RR and CSK met more than once that year. During their first IPL season, Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings in the final and lifted the trophy. It was a close game, and RR chased down CSK’s score with just one ball to spare. This match made the rivalry special right from the start.
2009 to 2012 – CSK Takes the Lead
In the next few seasons, Chennai Super Kings won most of the matches between the two teams by the performance of their star players like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, and Michael Hussey. In 2010, CSK even scored more than 240 runs in a match against RR. However, Rajasthan Royals also managed to give a tough fight in many big matches.
2013 – Close Matches Continue
In 2013, both teams RR and CSK played a couple of exciting games. CSK won one match by chasing a big total, while RR won another match with strong performances from Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane. This year again showed how competitive these two sides could be when facing each other.
2014 and 2015 – RR Fights Back
During this season, Rajasthan Royals again made a strong comeback. They had some good young players and smart strategies. In 2015, RR won one match by 8 wickets by the performance of their batters, Rahane and Watson. CSK still managed to win the other encounter that year, showing that the rivalry was balanced.
Though CSK had the stronger record overall, RR showed they could never be counted out.
2016 & 2017 – No Matches
Both RR and CSK were suspended from the IPL in 2016 and 2017 due to off-field controversies related to betting. So, they did not play against each other in these two years.
2018 – Return and Revival
Both teams returned in 2018, their fans were very excited to see the old rivalry back. In the first match, CSK won easily as Shane Watson scored a brilliant century. But in the second match, RR won with a strong chase, led by Jos Buttler.
This showed that the competition between the two teams was still alive and well.
2019 – CSK Shows Experience
In 2019, CSK once again took control, winning both matches against RR. The matches were close, but CSK used their experience well, especially in tight finishes. MS Dhoni’s captaincy played a big role, as he guided the team through tricky situations.
2020 – RR Surprises CSK
In the 2020 season held in the UAE, Rajasthan Royals surprised everyone by beating CSK in both their matches. Sanju Samson played some explosive knocks. However, CSK’s batting struggled a bit that season, and RR took full advantage. These wins were special for RR, as CSK was considered a tough opponent.
2021 – One Win Each
In IPL 2021, once again both the teams played a close match in which Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali batted brilliantly for CSK and helped the team win the first match.
But in the second match, RR chased down 190+ runs, which was done through the brilliant knocks by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube.
2022 and 2023 – RR Gains Confidence
In 2022 and 2023, Rajasthan Royals started to dominate the rivalry with players like Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
They defeated CSK in both their matches in 2023, showing better team coordination and smart bowling.
2024 – A Close Encounter
In IPL 2024, CSK and RR played a very tight match, which was won by Rajasthan Royals by just 3 wickets.
Though CSK gave a good fight with solid batting from Ruturaj and Dhoni, it wasn’t enough on that day.
2025 – Latest Match in Guwahati
Recently, in IPL 2025, the two teams faced off in Guwahati, a home ground for RR this season. RR batted first and scored 182 runs. And CSK, chasing the target, fell just 6 runs short despite a late push from Dhoni and Moeen Ali.
This latest match once again showed how close and unpredictable this rivalry has become. RR now seems to have found the right mix of youth and experience, while CSK is still strong under new leadership as MS Dhoni is now playing fewer matches.
Head-to-Head Summary (as of IPL 2025): RR Vs CSK
- Total Matches Played: 29
- CSK Wins: 15
- RR Wins: 14
It is clear that CSK had the upper hand in the early years, but RR has made a strong comeback in recent seasons, making this one of the most evenly balanced rivalries in IPL.
Conclusion
The matches between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings have always been full of excitement, big moments, and memorable performances. From the 2008 final to the close game in 2025, this rivalry has seen everything including comebacks, surprises, and last-over finishes.
As both teams continue to evolve, with fresh talent and new strategies, fans can only expect more thrilling matches in the future. Whether you support yellow or blue, one thing is sure, RR vs CSK is one IPL fixture that never disappoints.
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