Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have shared one of the most intense rivalries in IPL history. Both teams entered the league in 2008, and their clashes have produced finals, last-over thrillers, and some of the most memorable individual performances in the tournament. CSK carry five IPL titles. KKR have lifted the trophy three times, with their most recent title coming in 2024. When these two meet, the stakes always feel higher.
This article covers their complete head-to-head record. You will find overall match stats, venue breakdowns, top run-scorers and wicket-takers, their IPL final battles, and a full match timeline from 2008 to 2025.
Quick Summary of This Rivalry
| Category | CSK | KKR | Who Leads? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Wins (32 matches) | 21 | 11 | CSK |
| IPL Finals Record | 1 (2021) | 1 (2012) | Tied 1-1 |
| Last 6 Matches | 4 | 2 | CSK |
| At Chepauk (Chennai) | 8 | 4 | CSK |
| At Eden Gardens (Kolkata) | 7 | 5 | CSK |
| Total IPL Trophies | 5 | 3 | CSK |
Complete Match Statistics
Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have faced each other 32 times in the IPL since 2008. CSK dominate this rivalry with 21 wins to KKR’s 11. One match in Cape Town during IPL 2009 ended without a result after it was abandoned.
| Total Matches | CSK Wins | KKR Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 21 | 11 | 1 |
CSK built their dominance early and have maintained it across all eras of the IPL. They won the bulk of their matches between 2008 and 2015, and continued to add wins in every season since their return in 2018. KKR’s wins have often come in clusters, especially during their title-winning seasons of 2012 and 2014.
Batters Who Scored the Most Runs
Suresh Raina stands well clear at the top of the run-scoring charts in this rivalry. Across all his IPL appearances against KKR (including his time with Gujarat Lions), Raina has scored 829 runs. His 109 not out remains the only century by a CSK batter in CSK vs KKR encounters.
| Player | Team | Runs | Notable Feat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suresh Raina | CSK / GL | 829 | Only CSK batter with a century (109*) in this rivalry |
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 555 | Consistent finisher across 30+ matches |
| Faf du Plessis | CSK | 437 | Scored 86 in the 2021 IPL final vs KKR |
| Robin Uthappa | KKR | 377 | Orange Cap winner in KKR’s 2014 title season |
| Andre Russell | KKR | 365 | KKR’s biggest match-winner with explosive hitting |
Manvinder Bisla’s 89 off 48 balls in the 2012 IPL final remains the most iconic knock in this rivalry. He walked in as a late replacement for Brendon McCullum and single-handedly took KKR to their first IPL title, chasing down CSK’s 190 in a high-pressure final at Chepauk.
Michael Hussey’s 95 and Faf du Plessis’s unbeaten 95 also stand among the highest individual scores in CSK vs KKR games. CSK’s batting depth, led by Raina and Dhoni over the years, gave them a consistent edge in this rivalry.
Bowlers Who Took the Most Wickets
Sunil Narine sits firmly at the top of the bowling charts with 26 wickets in CSK vs KKR matches. His match-winning 3/13 at Chepauk in IPL 2025 pushed him past the 25-wicket mark, making him the first spinner to cross that milestone against CSK. Narine’s mystery spin has troubled CSK’s batting lineup across every season he has played.
| Player | Team | Wickets | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunil Narine | KKR | 26 | First spinner to take 25+ wickets vs CSK |
| Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | 23 | 4/12 (best figures in this rivalry for CSK) |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | CSK | 16 | Powerplay and middle-over control |
| Dwayne Bravo | CSK | 15 | Death-over specialist |
| Piyush Chawla | KKR / CSK | 12 | Effective leg-spinner across seasons |
Pawan Negi holds the record for the best bowling figures in this rivalry with 5/22. Ravindra Jadeja’s 4/12 and Makhaya Ntini’s 4/21 also rank among the top spells. Spinners have played a key role throughout, reflecting the slow and turning pitches at Chennai and the spin-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens.
Key Records in CSK vs KKR Matches
| Record | Detail | Year |
|---|---|---|
| CSK’s Highest Team Score | 235/4 (at Eden Gardens) | 2023 |
| KKR Highest Team Score | 202 (multiple occasions) | 2018/21 |
| Highest Individual Score | 109* by Suresh Raina (CSK) | 2013 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/22 by Pawan Negi | 2014 |
| CSK Lowest Total (full innings) | 103/9 at Chepauk | 2025 |
| KKR Lowest Total (full innings) | 108/9 at Chepauk | 2019 |
| Biggest CSK Win | CSK 235/4, won by 49 runs (Eden Gardens) | 2023 |
| Biggest KKR Win | KKR won by 8 wickets (59 balls left) | 2025 |
CSK’s 235/4 at Eden Gardens in IPL 2023 stands as the highest team total in this rivalry. It was a stunning away performance where CSK chased down KKR’s 186 with ease. On the other end, CSK’s 103/9 at Chepauk in IPL 2025 marked their lowest ever score at home, as Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy dismantled their batting lineup.
KKR’s lowest full-innings total in this rivalry came in IPL 2019 at Chepauk, when they managed only 108/9 in their 20 overs. CSK bowled them out of the contest and chased down the target with seven wickets to spare.
How They Perform At Different Venues
Here are the Performances of both teams at Different Venues :
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
CSK enjoys a commanding advantage at their home ground. They have won 8 of their 12 encounters against KKR at Chepauk. The slow, turning pitches suit CSK’s spin-heavy bowling attack, and the home crowd adds an extra layer of pressure on visiting teams. KKR have managed just 4 wins here against CSK, although their IPL 2025 victory was one of the most emphatic, when they bowled CSK out for 103 and chased the target in just 10.1 overs.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
CSK hold a 7-5 lead over KKR at Eden Gardens, which may surprise many cricket fans. Despite the roaring Kolkata crowd and the pace-friendly surface, CSK have found ways to win consistently in KKR’s backyard. CSK’s most recent win here came in May 2025, when MS Dhoni sealed a tense chase with a six off the first ball of the final over. KKR’s 5 wins at Eden Gardens have often come in high-profile seasons, particularly during their title runs in 2012 and 2014.
Neutral Venues
At neutral venues like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ranchi, and other Indian cities, CSK hold a slight edge over KKR. The COVID-era matches in the UAE (2020 and 2021) saw close contests, but CSK’s experience in adapting to different conditions gave them an overall advantage at neutral grounds.
| Venue | CSK Wins | KKR Wins |
|---|---|---|
| MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 8 | 4 |
| Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7 | 5 |
| Neutral Venues | CSK holds a slight edge |
Their IPL Final Battles
CSK and KKR have met twice in IPL finals, adding a layer of drama to this rivalry that few other matchups can claim.
2012 IPL Final: KKR Win Their Maiden Title
The 2012 IPL final at Chepauk remains one of the greatest title matches in tournament history. CSK batted first and posted 190/3. Suresh Raina smashed 73 off 38 balls, and Michael Hussey added 54 to give CSK a strong total.
KKR’s chase looked shaky early on. But Manvinder Bisla, who came in as a late replacement for Brendon McCullum, played the innings of his life. He hammered 89 off 48 balls with eight fours and five sixes. Jacques Kallis supported him with 69. With nine runs needed off the last over, KKR held their nerve and won by five wickets with two balls to spare. Bisla earned the Player of the Match award, and KKR lifted their first-ever IPL trophy at CSK’s own fortress.
2021 IPL Final: CSK Reclaim the Crown
The 2021 IPL final in Dubai saw CSK face KKR again for the title. Faf du Plessis anchored CSK’s innings with 86 off 59 balls, helping them post 192/3. KKR started strongly through Shubman Gill (51) and Venkatesh Iyer (50), who added 91 runs for the opening wicket.
But after that partnership broke, KKR’s middle order collapsed. They finished at 165/9, handing CSK a comfortable 27-run victory. CSK lifted their fourth IPL title that night, with du Plessis earning the Player of the Match award.
Biggest Wins From Both Sides
| Winner | Margin | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSK | 49 runs | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 2023 |
| CSK | 27 runs (IPL Final) | Dubai International Stadium | 2021 |
| CSK | 9 wickets (38 balls left) | MA Chidambaram Stadium | 2010 |
| KKR | 8 wickets (59 balls left) | MA Chidambaram Stadium | 2025 |
| KKR | 5 wickets (2012 Final) | MA Chidambaram Stadium | 2012 |
| KKR | 6 wickets | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 2018 |
KKR’s 8-wicket win with 59 balls remaining in IPL 2025 at Chepauk stands as their most dominant victory in this rivalry. It also marked the biggest margin of defeat for CSK in IPL history in terms of balls remaining. On the CSK side, their 49-run demolition of KKR at Eden Gardens in 2023 (scoring 235/4) showed they can produce stunning performances even on opposition territory.
Recent Results Between Both Teams
The last six encounters have favoured CSK with four wins to KKR’s two. However, KKR’s wins in this period have come in dramatic fashion, especially the 2025 Chepauk match, where Sunil Narine produced a match-winning all-round display of 3/13 and 44 off 18 balls.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2025 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | CSK | 2 wickets (2 balls left) |
| Apr 11, 2025 | MA Chidambaram Stadium | KKR | 8 wickets (59 balls left) |
| Apr 8, 2024 | MA Chidambaram Stadium | CSK | 7 wickets |
| May 14, 2023 | MA Chidambaram Stadium | KKR | 6 wickets |
| Apr 23, 2023 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | CSK | 49 runs (CSK scored 235) |
| Mar 26, 2022 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | KKR | 6 wickets |
The IPL 2025 encounter at Eden Gardens on May 7 turned into a gripping finish. KKR posted 179/6 with Ajinkya Rahane scoring 48 and Andre Russell smashing 38 off 21 balls. CSK lost wickets early, but Dewald Brevis cracked a 22-ball fifty to keep them in the hunt. Noor Ahmad earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding 4/31 with the ball. In the end, MS Dhoni sealed the game by hitting a six off the first ball of the final over, finishing the chase with two balls to spare.
Earlier that season, at Chepauk on April 11, KKR demolished CSK by 8 wickets. MS Dhoni had returned as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s season-ending elbow injury, but CSK managed only 103/9. Sunil Narine earned Player of the Match for his all-round display of 3/13 and 44 off 18 balls. KKR chased the target in just 10.1 overs.
CSK vs KKR Full Match Timeline (2008–2026)
Here is the complete list of all 32 CSK vs KKR matches in the IPL, covering every meeting from the inaugural season to IPL 2025.
| Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 9 wickets |
| 2008 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | CSK won (rain, DLS) |
| 2009 | Newlands, Cape Town | No Result (abandoned) |
| 2009 | SuperSport Park, Centurion | KKR won by 1 wicket |
| 2010 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | CSK won by 9 wickets |
| 2010 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 9 wickets |
| 2011 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 2 runs |
| 2011 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR won by 10 runs (DLS) |
| 2012 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | KKR won by 5 wickets |
| 2012 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | CSK won by 5 wickets |
| 2012 | MA Chidambaram Stadium (Final) | KKR won by 5 wickets |
| 2013 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | CSK won by 4 wickets |
| 2013 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 14 runs |
| 2014 | JSCA Stadium, Ranchi | CSK won by 34 runs |
| 2014 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| 2015 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 2 runs |
| 2015 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR won by 7 wickets |
| 2018 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 5 wickets |
| 2018 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | KKR won by 6 wickets |
| 2019 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 7 wickets |
| 2019 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | CSK won by 5 wickets |
| 2020 | Abu Dhabi | KKR won by 10 runs |
| 2020 | Dubai | CSK won by 6 runs |
| 2021 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | CSK won by 18 runs |
| 2021 | Abu Dhabi | CSK won by 2 wickets |
| 2021 | Dubai (IPL Final) | CSK won by 27 runs |
| 2022 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | KKR won by 6 wickets |
| 2023 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | CSK won by 49 runs |
| 2023 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | KKR won by 6 wickets |
| 2024 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | CSK won by 7 wickets |
| 2025 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| 2025 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | CSK won by 2 wickets |
What the Numbers Tell Us
CSK hold a commanding 21-11 lead in this rivalry. Their strength comes from home dominance at Chepauk, where spin-friendly conditions have troubled KKR’s batting over the years. MS Dhoni’s tactical mastery and the consistent contributions from players like Raina, Jadeja, and Bravo built CSK’s advantage over time. Remarkably, CSK also lead at Eden Gardens with a 7-5 record, making them one of the few teams to dominate KKR on their own turf.
KKR’s wins, though fewer, carry enormous weight. Their IPL final victory in 2012, their title wins in 2014 and 2024, and big-stage performances from Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Manvinder Bisla prove KKR can deliver when it matters most. Narine’s 26 wickets against CSK stand as a rivalry record that shows how one player can shape an entire head-to-head.
The venue factor matters, but CSK have proved it does not limit them. They win at Chepauk, they win at Eden Gardens, and they compete strongly at neutral venues. This all-conditions advantage explains their dominant 21-11 record.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2026
As of early 2026, Ruturaj Gaikwad continues as CSK’s captain after recovering from the elbow injury that ruled him out during IPL 2025. MS Dhoni’s future remains a topic of discussion among fans and analysts.
On the KKR side, Ajinkya Rahane has been appointed captain for the 2026 season following Shreyas Iyer’s departure. Both teams went through the IPL 2026 mega auction looking to strengthen their squads for the next cycle.
With the head-to-head standing at 21-11 in CSK’s favour, KKR will look to close the gap. Their three IPL titles (2012, 2014, 2024) prove they have the ability to build winning campaigns, and their young core of players gives them reason for optimism heading into the new season.
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Conclusion: CSK Dominate but KKR Deliver in Big Moments
The CSK vs KKR rivalry combines consistent dominance from one side with big-stage heroics from the other. CSK’s 21 wins in 32 matches give them the overall lead. They dominate at both Chepauk and Eden Gardens, and their squad depth across eras has given them an edge that few teams can match.
But KKR have shown they can beat CSK when the trophy is on the line. Their 2012 final victory at Chepauk, their three IPL titles, and players like Narine, Russell, and Bisla have given this rivalry moments that fans still talk about years later.
Both teams keep evolving with every auction cycle. CSK rely on their trusted core and tactical smarts. KKR invest in match-winners who can change a game in a single spell or innings. This contrast in approach keeps every CSK vs KKR encounter exciting and worth watching. With 32 matches and counting, this rivalry remains one of the most compelling in IPL cricket.
