The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its high-octane matches, and few rivalries shape the depth of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). As two of the league’s most celebrated teams, their clashes have given fans some of the most unforgettable moments in IPL history.
So far, those giants have faced off 33 times, with CSK winning 21 games and RCB securing 11 victories. Each encounter is filled with excitement, and some suits have long passed down to the wire. Here’s a look at five of the closest games between CSK and RCB.
5. IPL 2013 – A No-Ball Turns the Game for CSK
In a thrilling encounter in IPL 2013, RCB posted a competitive 165 thanks to AB de Villiers (64) and Virat Kohli (58). CSK got off to a poor start, but Suresh Raina (30) and Subramaniam Badrinath (34) raised hopes. When MS Dhoni (33) was dismissed in the 19th over, CSK still needed 29 runs off 11 balls.
Dwayne Bravo increased the pressure by hitting a six before getting out LBW. Ravindra Jadeja took charge and hit a four and a six to bring the equation down to two runs off the last ball. Jadeja was caught by third man, but RP Singh overstepped to give CSK a dramatic win.
4. IPL 2018 – MS Dhoni’s Classic Finish in a 206-Run Chase
RCB put a mammoth total of 205 thanks to AB de Villiers (68) and Quinton de Kock (53). CSK struggled initially, but Ambati Rayudu (82) and Dhoni (70*) provided stability to the team. Their 100-run partnership changed the momentum, but Rayudu’s run-out in the 18th over added to the thrill of the match.
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With 16 runs needed in the final over, Bravo hit crucial boundaries and Dhoni sealed the match with a six over deep mid-wicket. The game reestablished Dhoni’s reputation as the best finisher in cricket.
3. IPL 2024 – RCB’s Last League Game Thriller for Playoff Spot
This match was a must-win for both teams, with CSK needing to maintain their net run rate and RCB requiring an 18-run win to qualify. Batting first, RCB’s Faf du Plessis (54) and Virat Kohli (47) set the tone, with Rajat Patidar (41) and Cameron Green (38*) taking them to 218.
CSK lost early wickets but saw a strong fight from Rachin Ravindra (61) and Ajinkya Rahane (33). MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja’s 50-run stand brought hope, and CSK needed 18 off the last over to qualify. Dhoni smashed the first ball for a six, but Yash Dayal held his nerve, dismissing Dhoni and restricting CSK to 191/7, sending RCB to the playoffs.
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2. IPL 2019 – RCB Scrapes Through by One Run
RCB posted 161, with Parthiv Patel (53) leading the charge. In response, CSK struggled at 28/4, with Dale Steyn wreaking havoc. Dhoni (84*) took the game deep and needed 26 off the last over. He smashed three sixes, a four, and a double, leaving two runs required off the final ball.
Umesh Yadav bowled a wide delivery that Dhoni missed. In the attempt for a single, Shardul Thakur was run out, giving RCB a one-run win in one of IPL’s most thrilling finishes.
1. IPL 2012 – Albie Morkel’s Magical Cameo
This match saw one of the most dramatic turnarounds in IPL records. RCB, powered by using Chris Gayle (68) and Virat Kohli (57), published 205. CSK started strong with Faf du Plessis (71), but after MS Dhoni (41) and Dwayne Bravo (25) fell, they needed 43 runs from the last overs.
Virat Kohli’s over-turned disastrous for RCB as Albie Morkel hammered 28 runs, bringing CSK again into the competition. With the required off the last ball, Ravindra Jadeja hit a boundary, sealing one of the finest chases in IPL history.
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