CSK vs RCB: Does the head-to-head record suggest an even rivalry between the IPL fan favorites?

The southern derby is slated to come alive early in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. Chennai Super Kings have long etched their mark as the most successful team in IPL history, along with Mumbai Indians. Having won five trophies each, the CSK vs MI rivalry is regarded as "El Clasico," fought between equals. However, the hype for the CSK vs RCB IPL 2025clash has surpassed the fanfare behind the classic arch-rivalry. Apart from the five trophies, 12 playoff appearances and 10 finals across the league paint an unmatched picture of CSK's stature in the IPL. RCB, meanwhile, have played three finals but still stand devoid of the trophy. With a clear difference between the victory counts, the question naturally arises: What makes the CSK vs RCB tussle one of the most heated IPL rivalries?

What makes the CSK vs RCB rivalry so heated in IPL?

Though viewing it with a one-dimensional perception of trophy count might suggest otherwise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have always been a tough nut to crack. RCB have been the loyal home ground to Virat Kohli since the inaugural season, and the franchise has witnessed Kohli's rise from a U-19 World Cup-winning captain to an outright Indian legend. Around Kohli, the franchise has fielded one of the most threatening lineups, season after season, with names like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers contributing to the team's stature. While driven majorly by Kohli's reputation, RCB rank among the top IPL teams with the biggest fanbases, along with CSK and MI.

Thus, CSK vs RCB has always been an elemental cog in the IPL, keeping the southern derby thriving. However, to highlight the defining aspect that amped up the rivalry manifold, it happened as recently as IPL 2024. Interestingly, Chennai and Bengaluru have staged an IPL final together, in 2011, when CSK claimed their second consecutive trophy. And yet, the league stage battle in IPL 2024 ranked the highest on the list of the most heated battles of the tournament. CSK and RCB faced off in their last league stage battle last season, with both of their playoff qualifications relying on the match. Odds were in favor of the five-time champions, as even a defeat would have counted. However, the scenario required CSK to lose by a margin of 19 or fewer runs.

RCB banked on the margin, beating CSK by 27 runs and taking the last remaining spot among the top four. The victory was followed by an extended celebration by the RCB camp at Chinnaswamy, their home ground. While RCB was eliminated at the first stage of the playoffs, the win remains dear to the fans. While it remains a pain point for CSK fans, as they lost the chance to defend their title, the champions still outperform RCB overall in the IPL. The head-to-head record projects RCB lagging miles behind in matching the rivalry against the five-time champions.

A look at their head-to-head record ahead of CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 match

Overall, CSK and RCB have played 33 matches against each other. RCB has managed to win 11 of those, with CSK clinching 21 victories against their rivals. Only one of their matches has ended in a stalemate so far in IPL history. Moreover, when the head-to-head record is streamlined to focus only on the fixtures played in Chepauk, RCB has much to cover. The CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 match is scheduled at CSK's den, where RCB has won only one match. Having played a total of nine matches in Chennai, the home team has thrashed Bengaluru eight times, with RCB's only win recorded back in 2008, the inaugural season where Rahul Dravid led the team.

While IPL 2024 is a happy memory RCB would like to hold on to, CSK vs RCB in IPL 2025 could provide the perfect stage for CSK to avenge the defeat and reiterate their dominance. Coming to the fixture, RCB needs to stay wary of multiple prospects. Chennai's beloved Thala, the former captain MS Dhoni, has scored an elusive record against RCB. The champion skipper has smashed 864 runs against RCB, his most against any team in the tournament. Shivam Dube, CSK's trusted middle-order pick, averages 78 against RCB. Moreover, their spin duo, Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, when combined with the in-form Noor Ahmad, could be the defining factor hampering RCB at the Chepauk turf. The upcoming fixture is the first of two CSK vs RCB matches scheduled in IPL 2025.