The Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline spans nearly two decades of IPL cricket, marked by unforgettable moments and intense rivalry.
These two franchises first locked horns in the 2008 inaugural final, setting the tone for one of cricket’s most compelling matchups.
Since their first meeting on May 5, 2008, both teams have clashed 31 times in the IPL. CSK leads the head-to-head record with 16 wins compared to RR’s 15 victories, but recent momentum heavily favors the Royals.
Complete Head-to-Head Statistics Table
You can verify these statistics on official IPL records, which maintain detailed match-by-match data from every season.
| Metric | Chennai Super Kings | Rajasthan Royals |
| Total Matches | 31 | 31 |
| Wins | 16 | 15 |
| Losses | 15 | 16 |
| Win Percentage | 51.6% | 48.4% |
| Avg Runs (Home) | 171.2 | 166.2 |
| Highest Individual Score | Shane Watson – 679 runs | Shane Watson – 679 runs |
| Best Bowling | Dwight Bravo | Sohail Tanvir (6/14) |
| Last 7 Meetings | Won 1 | Won 6 |
The 2008 IPL Final: Where It All Started
The Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline truly began with the franchise debut. RR dominated the inaugural season, winning all three league matches against CSK before facing them in the grand finale.
On June 1, 2008, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, CSK batted first and scored 163/5. Captain Shane Warne led RR’s chase brilliantly, orchestrating a nail-biting final-ball finish. RR chased down the target with just one ball remaining, securing the IPL title.
Yusuf Pathan emerged as Player of the Match, scoring 56 off 39 balls. This victory established RR as the tournament’s first champions and set a competitive tone between these franchises.
Historical records show this final remains one of the most thrilling encounters in cricket history, with every detail preserved in cricket databases.
Early Dominance: 2008-2013
RR’s early years created multiple memorable moments. In 2010, RR posted their highest total against CSK: 223/5. Despite this powerful display, CSK prevailed by 23 runs after putting up 246/5.
Shane Watson became the standout performer in head-to-head clashes during this period. In 2013, Watson smashed 101 off 61 balls at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. His knock featured six fours and six sixes, though CSK ultimately won that match by five wickets.
By 2013, CSK had begun establishing their dominance in the fixture. Their stronger franchise infrastructure and consistent team combinations started showing results.
You can track Watson’s career statistics and tournament records through comprehensive cricket analytics platforms, which document every century and milestone he achieved across both franchises.
However, RR remained competitive, particularly in home matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
CSK’s Period of Control (2014-2019)
CSK gradually established themselves as the stronger outfit during the mid-2010s. They won multiple consecutive matchups, leveraging their experienced squad and tactical acumen. MS Dhoni’s captaincy and the team’s consistency made them formidable opponents.
This period saw CSK’s win rate climb significantly. They won crucial matches through strong batting displays and bowling performances. The franchise’s ability to handle pressure situations gave them the edge over RR during these years.
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The 2023-2025 Shift: RR Takes Control
Recent Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline encounters tell a different story. RR has won 6 of their last 7 meetings, reversing the historical trend decisively.
In April 2023, RR won by just 3 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Later that year, RR won by 32 runs at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. These victories showcased RR’s improved squad depth and tactical flexibility.
The momentum has shifted dramatically. RR’s younger Indian batting core, combined with their bowling strength, has made them formidable. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson have become match-winners in this fixture.
Detailed performance breakdowns of these recent seasons are available on IPL’s official statistics hub, where you can analyze each player’s contributions against specific opponents.
Venue-Specific Performance Analysis
| Venue | Total Matches | CSK Wins | RR Wins | Advantage |
| Sawai Mansingh (Jaipur) | 7 | 3 | 4 | RR |
| MA Chidambaram (Chennai) | 10 | 8 | 2 | CSK |
| Arun Jaitley (Delhi) | 2 | 1 | 1 | Even |
| Other Venues | 12 | 4 | 8 | RR |
RR performs exceptionally well at their home ground, winning 4 of 7 matches. At CSK’s fortress in Chennai, the home team maintains dominance with 8 wins out of 10. Interestingly, RR’s strength in neutral venues has been crucial to their recent dominance.
Individual Performance Milestones
Shane Watson holds the record for most runs in head-to-head encounters, accumulating 679 runs across meetings between these teams.
Watson appeared for both franchises during his IPL career, making him a unique figure in this rivalry.
Suresh Raina, CSK’s long-time stalwart, scored 630 runs against RR. MS Dhoni, despite his limited appearances in recent years, contributed 569 runs. These numbers underline the experience both franchises brought to this fixture.
For complete player statistics and match-by-match scoring details, cricket information platforms maintain exhaustive records tracking every run and wicket across IPL history.
On the bowling front, CSK’s Dwayne Bravo has been the strike bowler, taking crucial wickets in pressure situations. RR’s Sohail Tanvir created history with 6/14, still the best bowling figure by any Royals bowler in IPL history.
Recent Season Performances (2024-2025)
In IPL 2024, both teams won one match each against each other. RR won their first encounter by 32 runs at Sawai Mansingh Stadium. CSK bounced back with a 5-wicket win at their home ground.
The 2025 season added another chapter to this rivalry. In March 2025, RR defeated CSK by 6 runs at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Nitish Rana’s blistering 81 off 36 balls powered RR’s batting display.
In May 2025, RR won their second encounter by 6 wickets in Delhi. This back-to-back victory in the same season further emphasized RR’s current dominance. CSK, despite their overall IPL success, has struggled against the revitalized Royals.
Team Composition Changes Impact
RR’s recent resurgence coincides with strategic squad development. Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged as the cornerstone of their batting, scoring 523 runs in IPL 2025. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana provide match-winning bowling options.
CSK’s reliance on seasoned players has created transition challenges. While players like Shivam Dube and Noor Ahmad contribute valuably, the franchise faces generational shift pressures.
This has impacted their consistency against RR’s younger, hungry squad. Current season statistics and player performance metrics are updated regularly on official IPL platforms where fans can monitor individual contributions.
Key Takeaways from the Rivalry
The Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline reflects cricket’s evolution. What began with RR’s underdog championship in 2008 has transformed into a balanced rivalry where RR currently holds momentum.
CSK’s overall IPL dominance with 5 championships outweighs RR’s single title in 2008. However, in head-to-head encounters specifically, the dynamics have shifted considerably in recent seasons. This makes their matches unpredictable and exciting for fans.
FAQs
How many times have RR and CSK played each other?
Both teams have faced each other 31 times in IPL history. The record stands at 16 wins for CSK and 15 for RR. Recent encounters favor RR, who have won 6 of their last 7 meetings against the Super Kings.
Who won the 2008 IPL final between RR and CSK?
Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural 2008 IPL final on the final ball. Shane Warne led RR’s chase, and Yusuf Pathan was named Player of the Match. This victory made RR the first IPL champions.
What is Shane Watson’s role in this rivalry?
Shane Watson scored the most runs (679) in head-to-head matches between these franchises during IPL history. Watson played for both teams during his IPL career. His centuries and consistent performances defined the early chapters of this rivalry.
Where does RR perform best against CSK?
Rajasthan Royals have won 4 of 7 matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, their home ground. RR also performs strongly at neutral venues. CSK dominates at their home ground in Chennai with 8 wins out of 10 matches.
Which bowler has been most effective in this rivalry?
Sohail Tanvir took 6/14 for RR in their first meeting in 2008, the best bowling figures by any Royals bowler against CSK. Dwayne Bravo has been CSK’s strike bowler, consistently taking crucial wickets in pressure situations across multiple seasons.
How has the rivalry evolved over time?
The rivalry evolved from CSK’s dominance in the 2010s to RR’s current resurgence in recent seasons. RR’s improved squad composition and younger talent have shifted momentum. CSK still leads the overall head-to-head record but faces challenges in recent encounters.
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