The Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals stats tell the story of one of the IPL’s most entertaining long-running matchups. Since the inaugural season in 2008, CSK and RR have produced everything from the first IPL final to enormous totals, narrow three-run wins and outstanding individual performances. Their rivalry has also changed over time. CSK built a reputation around experience, tactical discipline and calm finishing, while RR became known for discovering young talent and producing fearless cricket.
As of the end of IPL 2026, the two teams have met 32 times in the IPL, with 16 wins each. Their latest meeting came on March 30, 2026, when Rajasthan Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets in Guwahati. That result brought the overall CSK vs RR head-to-head record level and added another chapter to a rivalry that has remained remarkably competitive across nearly two decades.
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline
The Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings timeline began on May 5, 2008, in Jaipur. RR won that first meeting by eight wickets after Sohail Tanvir produced remarkable bowling figures of 6/14 and dismissed CSK for only 109. The rivalry then took an unexpected turn because the same teams met again in the inaugural IPL final. Rajasthan won that final by three wickets to become the first IPL champions.
Over the next few seasons, CSK gradually established a strong record against Rajasthan. The rivalry produced several high-scoring contests, including the extraordinary 2010 match in Chennai when CSK made 246/5 and RR replied with 223/5. Murali Vijay’s 127 from 56 balls remains one of the defining batting performances in this fixture. Later, RR regained momentum, particularly from 2020 onward. The Royals won both meetings in 2020, one of the two meetings in 2021, and both matches in 2023.
Key Timeline Moments
| Year | Match or event | Key result |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | First CSK vs RR meeting | RR won by 8 wickets |
| 2008 | First IPL Final | RR won by 3 wickets |
| 2010 | Record-breaking CSK innings | CSK made 246/5 |
| 2013 | Shane Watson century | Watson scored 101 for RR |
| 2015 | Jadeja’s 4/11 | CSK won by 12 runs |
| 2018 | Watson’s 106 | CSK won by 64 runs |
| 2019 | Two CSK victories | CSK won both meetings |
| 2020 | RR won both meetings | Two high-scoring contests |
| 2021 | CSK won once, RR won once | Rivalry remained balanced |
| 2022 | RR won by 5 wickets | Rajasthan edged a close contest |
| 2023 | RR won both matches | One by 3 runs and one by 32 runs |
| 2024 | CSK won by 5 wickets | CSK chased 142 against RR |
| 2025 | RR won both meetings | RR took a 2-0 season sweep |
| 2026 | RR won by 8 wickets | RR levelled overall head-to-head |
The 2008 final remains especially important because it gave this fixture championship history from the beginning. CSK and RR weren’t simply two teams meeting in the league. They immediately became opponents with an IPL title between them.
Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Head-to-Head Stats
The Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals head-to-head stats are now perfectly level after 32 IPL meetings. CSK have won 16 games and RR have also won 16. Neither side has recorded a no-result in this matchup.
Overall Head-to-Head Record
| Head-to-head statistic | CSK | RR |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 32 | 32 |
| Wins | 16 | 16 |
| Losses | 16 | 16 |
| No results | 0 | 0 |
| Win percentage | 50% | 50% |
| First meeting | 2008 | 2008 |
| Latest meeting | Lost in 2026 | Won in 2026 |
The most interesting part of this record is how close the rivalry has become. Earlier in IPL history, CSK held a clearer advantage. By March 2026, however, Rajasthan had won the last three meetings, including both matches in 2025 and the opening CSK-RR game of 2026.
That recent stretch changed the shape of the overall numbers. After 32 matches, there is no longer a historical leader.
Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Matches by Season
The Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals matches by season reveal several distinct periods. CSK generally enjoyed stronger results during the middle years of the IPL, while Rajasthan produced a strong response in the later part of the rivalry. The two sides didn’t meet in 2008 only once; they faced each other three times, including the famous inaugural final.
| IPL season | Matches | CSK wins | RR wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 2009 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2011 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2012 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2013 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 32 | 16 | 16 |
The season-by-season pattern makes one point obvious: neither franchise has controlled the rivalry forever. Momentum has moved from one side to the other.
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Sample Match Results
Several CSK vs RR match results deserve special attention because they changed the narrative around the rivalry.
| Season | Venue | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Jaipur | RR won | 8 wickets |
| 2008 Final | Mumbai | RR won | 3 wickets |
| 2010 | Chennai | CSK won | 23 runs |
| 2015 | Chennai | CSK won | 12 runs |
| 2018 | Pune | CSK won | 64 runs |
| 2020 | Sharjah | RR won | 16 runs |
| 2021 | Mumbai | CSK won | 45 runs |
| 2022 | Mumbai | RR won | 5 wickets |
| 2023 | Chennai | RR won | 3 runs |
| 2024 | Chennai | CSK won | 5 wickets |
| 2025 | Guwahati | RR won | 6 runs |
| 2025 | Delhi | RR won | 6 wickets |
| 2026 | Guwahati | RR won | 8 wickets |
The three-run result in Chennai in 2023 deserves particular mention. RR successfully defended 175/8 against CSK, producing one of the tightest finishes in the history of this fixture.
Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Standings in IPL History
Looking beyond individual matches, the Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals standings in IPL history show two franchises with very different championship journeys. CSK have won five IPL titles, in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Rajasthan won the inaugural tournament in 2008 and later reached the final in 2022.
Overall IPL Achievements
| Achievement | Chennai Super Kings | Rajasthan Royals |
|---|---|---|
| IPL titles | 5 | 1 |
| First IPL title | 2010 | 2008 |
| Most recent IPL title | 2023 | 2008 |
| IPL final appearances | 10 | 2 |
| Inaugural IPL final | Yes | Yes |
| 2022 final | No | Yes |
| 2026 playoffs | No | Yes |
The 2026 season provided another contrast. Rajasthan reached the playoffs and advanced through the Eliminator before losing to Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. CSK finished eighth in the league table with six wins and eight losses. Royal Challengers Bengaluru eventually won the 2026 IPL title by defeating Gujarat Titans in the final.
CSK therefore remain historically more decorated in terms of championships, while RR’s identity has often centred on innovation, young players and their ability to challenge bigger squads.
Top Players in Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Matches Stats
The CSK vs RR player stats contain an unusual feature: several of the rivalry’s leading performers have represented both franchises. Shane Watson is the clearest example. He played for Rajasthan during the early IPL years before joining CSK and producing major performances in yellow.
Other players have also crossed the divide. Ravindra Jadeja represented Rajasthan early in his IPL career before becoming one of CSK’s most important players. Ravichandran Ashwin has likewise played for both sides. That shared history gives this matchup an extra layer because individual players sometimes understand both team cultures.
Key Chennai Super Kings Players
Suresh Raina has been one of the most productive CSK batters in this fixture. Historical statistical records credit him with more than 650 runs against Rajasthan, while MS Dhoni has also contributed heavily across the years.
Ravindra Jadeja has been particularly influential with the ball. His 4/11 against RR in 2015 remains the best bowling performance by a CSK bowler in this matchup according to available rivalry statistics.
Murali Vijay owns perhaps the most explosive CSK batting performance in the fixture. His 127 from 56 balls in 2010 helped CSK reach 246/5, which remains their highest total against Rajasthan.
MS Dhoni has also produced memorable finishing performances. In one notable 2019 meeting, he made an unbeaten 75 from 46 balls after CSK had slipped to 27/3.
Key Rajasthan Royals Players
For RR, Shane Watson is arguably the most distinctive name because of his performances for both franchises. He scored heavily against CSK while playing for Rajasthan and later produced major innings for CSK against his former side.
Sohail Tanvir owns the most extraordinary bowling performance in the rivalry. His 6/14 came during the first-ever CSK-RR match in 2008 and remains the best bowling figure by an RR player against CSK.
Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag have represented different generations of Rajasthan’s batting approach. Samson’s ability to attack spin and pace has made him an important matchup player, while Jaiswal has brought aggressive powerplay batting to the rivalry.
In the modern era, younger Rajasthan players have continued that tradition. The 2026 season showed how strongly RR have embraced youth when Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced explosive innings during the team’s playoff campaign.
Highest Individual Performances in the Rivalry
The highest individual performances in CSK vs RR matches include some remarkable numbers. The fixture has produced centuries, huge totals and exceptional bowling spells. The most famous individual performance remains Murali Vijay’s 127 in 2010.
Top Batting Performances
| Player | Team | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murali Vijay | CSK | 127 off 56 | 2010 |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | CSK | 101* | 2021 |
| Shane Watson | RR | 101 | 2013 |
| Shane Watson | CSK | 106 | 2018 |
| Other major performances | CSK/RR | Several 70+ scores | Various seasons |
Murali Vijay’s 127 was especially destructive. He struck 11 sixes during the innings and helped CSK post 246/5. That remains the highest team score in this fixture. RR answered with 223/5, meaning the match produced 469 runs in total.
Shane Watson’s relationship with this rivalry is even more unusual. He scored a century for Rajasthan against CSK in 2013 and then produced another century for CSK against Rajasthan in 2018. That makes him a rare player to reach three figures for both sides in this matchup.
Best Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Team | Figures | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sohail Tanvir | RR | 6/14 | 2008 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | 4/11 | 2015 |
| Laxmipati Balaji | CSK | 4/21 | Earlier IPL era |
| Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | 4/33 | Later rivalry |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | RR | 4/35 | Recent era |
Sohail Tanvir’s 6/14 remains the headline number. It came in the very first CSK-RR match, when he dismantled Chennai’s batting lineup and helped Rajasthan dismiss CSK for 109. The spell was also the best bowling performance in IPL history at the time, before Alzarri Joseph later surpassed it in 2019.
Jadeja’s 4/11 is the standout CSK performance. His ability to bowl accurately into difficult areas has repeatedly made him useful against Rajasthan’s aggressive batting lineups.
Why the CSK vs RR Rivalry Is So Popular
The CSK vs RR rivalry has remained popular because the teams often approach T20 cricket differently. CSK historically leaned on experience, game awareness and players who could control pressure. Rajasthan frequently embraced younger talent and aggressive matchups. When those philosophies collide, the result can change quickly.
The rivalry also benefits from history. The teams played the first IPL final against each other, then continued meeting through different eras of the tournament. Add famous players, narrow finishes and changing team identities, and the matchup has plenty of storylines even before the first ball is bowled.
1. Contrasting Team Styles
CSK’s traditional approach has revolved around experienced players, calculated batting and intelligent bowling changes. The franchise became famous for trusting established performers and allowing them to play defined roles.
RR often followed a different route. The Royals have repeatedly invested in emerging Indian talent and aggressive top-order batting. That contrast creates fascinating tactical battles. An experienced CSK middle order might try to control the final ten overs, while Rajasthan’s younger batters may attempt to win the match inside the powerplay.
2. Iconic Captains
MS Dhoni became inseparable from CSK’s IPL identity, while Sanju Samson became one of Rajasthan’s most recognizable modern leaders. Earlier, Shane Warne’s leadership helped RR win the inaugural IPL title in 2008.
Captaincy has mattered enormously in this fixture because both teams have frequently faced close situations. A bowling change at the right time or a decision to attack rather than defend can decide the game.
3. Close Finishes
Few things make an IPL rivalry more addictive than matches that remain alive until the final overs. CSK and RR have delivered plenty of them. Rajasthan’s three-run victory in Chennai in 2023 is a perfect example, while several other games have ended with only a few deliveries separating the teams.
The 2025 meetings provided another example of Rajasthan’s recent edge. RR won the first encounter by six runs before chasing down CSK’s 187/8 in the return fixture with four wickets to spare.
Recent Form and Modern Rivalry
The recent CSK vs RR rivalry has shifted toward Rajasthan. CSK won the Chennai meeting in 2024, but Rajasthan won both encounters in 2025 and then won again in the opening meeting of IPL 2026. That gave RR three consecutive victories and levelled the all-time rivalry at 16-16.
The March 30, 2026 match was especially one-sided. CSK were bowled out for 127, with Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer taking two wickets each and Ravindra Jadeja also claiming two wickets against his former franchise. Rajasthan then raced to 128/2, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashing 52 from only 17 balls.
The broader 2026 season also highlighted how differently the franchises were travelling. Rajasthan reached the playoffs and defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator before losing to Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. CSK finished the league stage with six wins and eight losses.
That doesn’t erase CSK’s historical success. It simply shows how quickly IPL rivalries can change. Players leave, younger stars arrive and tactics evolve. A head-to-head record that once looked firmly tilted toward one franchise can become completely level within a few seasons.
FAQs
How many times have CSK and RR faced each other in IPL?
Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals have faced each other 32 times in the IPL through the end of the 2026 season. Each team has won 16 matches. Their first meeting came in 2008, and they have never had a no-result in this matchup.
Who has the better record in CSK vs RR matches?
The overall CSK vs RR head-to-head record is currently tied. CSK have 16 wins and RR also have 16 wins after their 32 IPL meetings. Rajasthan’s three-match winning streak from 2025 into 2026 erased CSK’s earlier overall advantage.
Who scored the highest runs in CSK vs RR matches?
Shane Watson has the highest aggregate in the rivalry according to available head-to-head statistics, with more than 700 runs across his appearances for RR and CSK. Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni also rank among the leading CSK run-scorers in this fixture.
Which team has more IPL titles?
Chennai Super Kings have more IPL titles. CSK have won five championships, in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural IPL in 2008 and have one title. Neither team won the 2026 championship, which went to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Who are the key players in this rivalry?
Several players have shaped the CSK vs RR rivalry, including MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Murali Vijay and Shane Watson. For Rajasthan, Sohail Tanvir, Shane Watson, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag have played important roles. Watson and Jadeja are particularly interesting because both have represented both franchises during their IPL careers.
Conclusion
The Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals stats reveal a rivalry that has gone through several distinct phases. It began with Rajasthan winning the first three meetings in 2008, including the inaugural IPL final. CSK then built a strong period of dominance before RR returned with a series of important victories in the modern era.
Now the overall CSK vs RR head-to-head record stands at 16-16 after 32 matches. The rivalry has produced Murali Vijay’s 127, Sohail Tanvir’s 6/14, Shane Watson’s centuries for both franchises, Jadeja’s 4/11 and several last-over finishes.
CSK remain the more decorated franchise in IPL title history with five championships, while RR’s 2008 triumph gives them the distinction of being the first team to lift the trophy. Their latest chapter also shows why this matchup continues to attract attention: after years of changing fortunes, the two sides are now level in their overall IPL meetings. The numbers may be tied, but the story is still being written.
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