Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline | A Legendary IPL Showdown
When it comes to iconic Indian Premier League (IPL) rivalries, few matchups generate the buzz, anticipation, and history quite like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
From the inaugural IPL season in 2008 to their intense battles in 2025, this clash has consistently delivered thrilling finishes, bold captaincy moves, game-changing performances, and unforgettable cricketing moments.
This detailed blog explores the full timeline of matches between these two cricketing giants, delves into their head-to-head records, and provides an in-depth preview of their IPL 2025 clash.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a recent convert to the magic of IPL, this is your one-stop destination for understanding the CSK vs KKR saga.
Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Head-to-Head
Over the 17 years of the IPL, CSK and KKR have played 30 matches. The statistics tell a compelling story of Chennai’s dominance in this particular rivalry.
Head-to-Head Summary
| Match Stats | Chennai Super Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Total Matches Played | 30 | 30 |
| Matches Won | 19 | 10 |
| Matches Lost | 10 | 19 |
| Matches with No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Team Score | 235 | 202 |
| Lowest Team Score | 108 | 114 |
Chennai has enjoyed the upper hand through much of the rivalry, thanks to consistent leadership, experienced players, and a proven winning culture under MS Dhoni.
On the other hand, Kolkata has had bursts of brilliance, particularly during their championship runs and crucial knockout matches.
CSK vs KKR IPL Timeline from 2008 to 2025
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Let’s break down this riveting rivalry, season by season, starting from the inaugural IPL year in 2008 to their most recent encounter.
| Year | Winner | Result |
| 2024 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 7 wickets |
| 2023 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 49 runs |
| 2023 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2022 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 18 runs |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 2 wickets |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 27 runs |
| 2020 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 10 runs |
| 2020 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2019 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 7 wickets |
| 2019 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 5 wickets |
| 2018 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 5 wickets |
| 2018 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 6 wickets |
| 2015 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 2 runs |
| 2015 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 7 wickets |
| 2014 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 34 runs |
| 2014 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 8 wickets |
| 2013 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 4 wickets |
| 2013 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 14 runs |
| 2012 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 5 wickets (IPL Final) |
| 2012 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 5 wickets |
| 2012 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 5 wickets |
| 2011 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 2 runs |
| 2011 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 10 runs |
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 55 runs |
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 9 wickets |
| 2009 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 7 wickets |
| 2009 | – | Match abandoned |
| 2008 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 9 wickets |
| 2008 | Chennai Super Kings | Won by 3 runs |
Standout Moments and Game-Changing Matches
Every great rivalry is defined by its most iconic moments—and CSK vs KKR is no different. Several clashes between these sides have gone down in IPL folklore.
- 2012 IPL Final – KKR’s first championship victory was etched in history with a memorable chase, led by Manvinder Bisla’s explosive innings. That night in Chennai proved KKR could topple a dynasty.
- 2021 League Matches – CSK swept all three encounters, including a tight playoff battle, showcasing their tactical superiority and squad depth.
- Sam Billings’ Heroics in 2018 – A thrilling chase at Chepauk saw CSK snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
- Rinku Singh’s finish in 2023 – His fearless batting stunned the Super Kings and proved KKR’s young talent can shine under pressure.
Recap of Recent Performances – 2024 Season
In IPL 2024, CSK looked sharp in their clash against KKR. They delivered a clinical performance:
- Chennai won by 7 wickets, chasing down the target with ease.
- MS Dhoni’s captaincy and tactical use of bowlers made the difference.
- KKR’s top order failed to capitalise, exposing their dependency on middle-order power-hitters like Russell and Rinku.
Unforgettable Matches in the Rivalry
The CSK-KKR rivalry is more than just numbers. It is built on nail-biters and crowd-pullers that fans remember long after the match ends:
- 2010 – CSK’s massive 55-run win, showcasing brutal hitting and superior bowling.
- 2013 – Rain interruptions led to DLS drama, and CSK held their nerve.
- 2015 – A two-run thriller where Dhoni’s calmness led CSK to a last-ball win.
Each of these encounters added a new chapter to their storied rivalry.
IPL 2025 Match Preview – CSK vs KKR, Match 25
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The IPL 2025 showdown between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on 11th April 2025. The stakes are high:
- CSK has started the season with a single win followed by four consecutive losses. This match is a potential turning point for their campaign.
- KKR, under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, is hovering mid-table. They need consistency to keep playoff hopes alive.
This clash could determine which side gets back into form, and which one falls deeper into trouble.
Match Details – IPL 2025
| Fixture | Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Match Number | 25 |
| Date & Time | 11 April 2025, 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Broadcast Partners | Star Sports Network |
| Online Streaming | JioHotstar |
Recent Form & Match Overview
- CSK: Started strong, but their form has slumped dramatically. They need a morale-boosting win to bounce back.
- KKR: They’ve shown glimpses of promise but have been plagued by inconsistent performances, especially in bowling.
A strong start in this match will be crucial for both sides to gain momentum going forward in the league.
Key Players to Watch in CSK vs KKR Clash
Chennai Super Kings
- MS Dhoni – A master of game management in crunch moments.
- Ravindra Jadeja – A game-changer with both bat and ball, especially in Chennai conditions.
- Matheesha Pathirana – The Sri Lankan sensation known for his pace and yorkers.
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Sunil Narine – A seasoned campaigner who thrives on slow tracks.
- Andre Russell – One of the most destructive players on his day.
- Varun Chakravarthy – His mystery spin could prove pivotal on a turning Chepauk pitch.
Pitch and Weather Report – Chepauk Insights
The MA Chidambaram Stadium is known for its spin-friendly track, which has seen slight alterations this season to favour more balanced contests.
| Factor | Details |
| Average First Innings Score | 164 |
| Average Second Innings Score | 154 |
| Toss Strategy | Batting first preferred |
| Pitch Conditions | Dry surface, assists spinners |
| Weather Forecast | Warm, humid, with chances of dew later on |
The pitch is expected to slow down as the match progresses, making spin and strike rotation critical in the middle overs.
Probable Playing XI – Match 25, IPL 2025
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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Playing XI
| Player | Role |
| Rachin Ravindra | Opening Batter |
| Devon Conway | Top Order Batter |
| Vijay Shankar | All-Rounder |
| Shivam Dube | Middle-Order Batter |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-Rounder |
| MS Dhoni (c & wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| R Ashwin | Spinner |
| Mukesh Choudhary | Fast Bowler |
| Noor Ahmad | Spinner |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Left-arm Pacer |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler |
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Playing XI
| Player | Role |
| Sunil Narine | All-Rounder |
| Quinton de Kock (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Ajinkya Rahane (c) | Top Order Batter |
| Venkatesh Iyer | All-Rounder |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Middle-Order Batter |
| Rinku Singh | Finisher |
| Andre Russell | All-Rounder |
| Ramandeep Singh | Batter |
| Harshit Rana | Fast Bowler |
| Vaibhav Arora | Medium Pacer |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Spinner |
Final Thoughts – The Evolution of CSK vs KKR
The CSK vs KKR rivalry has always been a story of legacy vs flair, tradition vs innovation, Dhoni’s calm against Russell’s firepower.
With IPL 2025 heating up and playoff spots on the line, this match will likely play a key role in defining each team’s journey this season.
As fans await the 25th match with anticipation, one thing’s for sure—it’s never just a game when CSK and KKR meet on the pitch.
FAQs
How many matches has CSK won against KKR?
CSK have won 19 out of 30 matches against KKR.
What happened in the last CSK vs KKR match?
In 2024, CSK won by 7 wickets in a commanding performance.
Who has the highest score in this rivalry?
CSK holds the record with a score of 235 against KKR.
Who is the captain of KKR in IPL 2025?
Ajinkya Rahane is leading the Kolkata Knight Riders this season.
What makes Chepauk Stadium unique?
It’s spin-friendly and favours teams that bat first under lights.
Which players are key for CSK in 2025?
MS Dhoni, Jadeja, and Pathirana are expected to be match influencers.
What’s at stake in this match?
For CSK, a must-win to stay alive in playoff contention; for KKR, a shot at the top four.
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