Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline: Key Matches & Highlights

The rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has been one of the most compelling narratives in IPL history. From nail-biting finishes to championship deciders, their encounters have consistently delivered drama. This timeline highlights the defining clashes, records, and turning points in their storied rivalry.

Early Encounters (2008–2012): Rivalry Takes Shape

• April 25, 2008 – Kolkata: The inaugural clash saw CSK edge KKR by 3 runs, setting the tone for a competitive rivalry .
• May 17, 2008 – Chennai: CSK dominated with a 9-wicket win, reinforcing early dominance .
• 2009 Season: A rain-affected match in Cape Town ended with no result, while KKR secured a 7-wicket win in Centurion, marking their first victory over CSK .
• 2010 Season: CSK asserted control with two wins—by 9 wickets in Chennai and by 55 runs in Kolkata .
• 2011 Season: CSK narrowly won by 2 runs in Chennai, while KKR responded with a 10-run win in Kolkata .
• 2012 Season: The rivalry peaked in the IPL Final on May 27, where KKR chased down 190 to win by 5 wickets and claim their maiden title. Manvinder Bisla starred as Player of the Match .

Mid-Decade Battles (2013–2015): Momentum Swings

• 2013 Season: CSK won both encounters—by 14 runs in Chennai and by 4 wickets in Kolkata .
• 2014 Season: CSK triumphed by 34 runs in Ranchi, but KKR struck back with an 8-wicket win in Kolkata .
• 2015 Season: CSK edged a 2-run win in Chennai, while KKR responded with a 7-wicket win in Kolkata .

Neutral Venues & Finals (2020–2021): High-Stakes Clashes

• 2020 Season (Abu Dhabi & Dubai): KKR won by 10 runs in Abu Dhabi, but CSK bounced back with a 6-wicket win in Dubai .
• 2021 IPL Final (October 15, Dubai): CSK clinched their fourth IPL title, defeating KKR by 27 runs. Faf du Plessis scored 86 and was named Player of the Match .

Recent Showdowns (2022–2025): Rivalry Renewed

• March 26, 2022 – Mumbai: KKR beat CSK by 6 wickets in a tightly contested match .
• April 23, 2023 – Kolkata: CSK posted a massive 235/4—the highest total in their head-to-head—and won by 49 runs .
• May 14, 2023 – Chennai: KKR responded with a 6-wicket win .
• April 8, 2024 – Chennai: CSK secured a 7-wicket win, with Ravindra Jadeja earning Player of the Match for his 3/18 .
• April 11, 2025 – Chennai: KKR delivered a dominant performance, bowling out CSK for their lowest score of 103 and chasing it down in just 10.1 overs .
• May 7, 2025 – Kolkata: CSK chased down 180 to beat KKR by 2 wickets, with Noor Ahmad named Player of the Match .

Overall Rivalry Snapshot

• Total Matches (up to 2025): 32 encounters, with CSK winning 20, KKR 11, and one no result .
• Home Dominance: At Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, CSK has won 8 of 11 matches, while KKR has won 3 .
• Top Performers:
• Most runs in the rivalry: Suresh Raina (747)
• Most wickets: Sunil Narine (24)
• Highest individual score: Suresh Raina’s unbeaten 109*
• Best bowling: Pawan Negi’s 5/22 .

Timeline Table: Key Matches & Outcomes

Year	Match & Venue	Result & Highlights
2008	Kolkata & Chennai	CSK wins both (3 runs & 9 wickets)
2009	Cape Town & Centurion	No result; KKR wins by 7 wickets
2010	Chennai & Kolkata	CSK wins both (9 wickets & 55 runs)
2011	Chennai & Kolkata	CSK by 2 runs; KKR by 10 runs
2012 Final	Chennai	KKR wins IPL Final by 5 wickets (Manvinder Bisla MoM)
2013	Chennai & Kolkata	CSK wins both (14 runs & 4 wickets)
2014	Ranchi & Kolkata	CSK by 34 runs; KKR by 8 wickets
2015	Chennai & Kolkata	CSK by 2 runs; KKR by 7 wickets
2020	Abu Dhabi & Dubai	KKR by 10 runs; CSK by 6 wickets
2021 Final	Dubai	CSK wins Final by 27 runs (du Plessis 86)
2022	Mumbai	KKR by 6 wickets
2023	Kolkata & Chennai	CSK by 49 runs (235/4); KKR by 6 wickets
2024	Chennai	CSK by 7 wickets (Jadeja 3/18)
2025	Chennai & Kolkata	KKR bowls out CSK for 103, chases in 10.1 overs; CSK chases 180 to win by 2 wickets

Rivalry Highlights & Records

• 2012 IPL Final: KKR’s first title, a defining moment in the rivalry .
• 2021 IPL Final: CSK’s fourth title, with du Plessis’s 86 anchoring the chase .
• 2023 High Score: CSK’s 235/4 at Eden Gardens remains the highest in the rivalry .
• 2025 Collapse: CSK’s lowest score (103) in the rivalry, followed by a swift chase by KKR .

FAQ

Q: How many times have CSK and KKR faced each other in the IPL?
A: As of 2025, CSK and KKR have met 32 times in the IPL, with CSK winning 20 matches, KKR winning 11, and one match ending with no result .

Q: What was the most memorable final between CSK and KKR?
A: The 2012 IPL Final in Chennai stands out, where KKR chased down 190 to beat CSK by 5 wickets and secured their first title. Manvinder Bisla was named Player of the Match .

Q: Which match produced the highest team total in the CSK vs KKR rivalry?
A: On April 23, 2023, CSK posted 235/4 at Eden Gardens—the highest total in their head-to-head history—and won by 49 runs .

Q: What is CSK’s lowest score against KKR?
A: CSK’s lowest score in the rivalry is 103, made on April 11, 2025, at Chepauk. KKR chased it down in just 10.1 overs .

Q: Who are the top run-scorer and wicket-taker in the CSK vs KKR rivalry?
A: Suresh Raina leads with 747 runs, while Sunil Narine holds the wicket-taking record with 24 dismissals .

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.