The rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is one of the most electrifying in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the inception of the league in 2008, these two franchises have delivered high-octane encounters filled with drama, last-over finishes, and match-winning performances. As two of the most successful and popular teams in the IPL, their clashes are more than just games — they are events that capture the imagination of millions of cricket fans across India and the world. The Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline offers a fascinating look at how this rivalry has evolved over the years, showcasing the ebb and flow of dominance, strategic battles, and individual brilliance.
For cricket enthusiasts, understanding the CSK vs KKR match highlights through a chronological timeline is essential. It not only provides context to their head-to-head statistics but also reveals pivotal moments that have shaped the outcome of past seasons. From Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158* in 2008 to MS Dhoni’s calm finishes and Andre Russell’s power-hitting heroics, every match has added a new chapter to this storied rivalry. As we look ahead to the IPL 2025 match timeline, fans are eager to see how the legacy continues. This comprehensive article dives deep into every major encounter, offering a detailed match-by-match timeline, key events, and performance insights.
Table of Contents
Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Full Match Timeline
Below is the complete Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline, detailing every significant encounter between the two franchises, including match results, key players, and turning points. This structured table captures the essence of their rivalry, providing a go-to reference for fans and analysts alike.
| 2008 | 1 | Apr 20, 2008 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Delhi Daredevils | 107 runs | Virender Sehwag (89), Ashish Nehra (3/18) |
| 2008 | 2 | May 18, 2008 | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | Kolkata Knight Riders | 5 wickets | Brendon McCullum (53), Shoaib Akhtar (3/26) |
| 2009 | 3 | Apr 19, 2009 | Newlands, Cape Town | Kolkata Knight Riders | 5 wickets | Matthew Hayden (79), Makhaya Ntini (3/24) |
| 2010 | 4 | Apr 17, 2010 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7 wickets | Suresh Raina (62), R Ashwin (2/18) |
| 2011 | 5 | May 1, 2011 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 wickets | Mike Hussey (68*), Murali Vijay (47) |
| 2012 | 6 | Apr 14, 2012 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Kolkata Knight Riders | 57 runs | Murali Vijay (95), Ravichandran Ashwin (2/21) |
| 2013 | 7 | May 5, 2013 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | 5 wickets | MS Dhoni (71*), Ravindra Jadeja (3/18) |
| 2014 | 8 | Apr 20, 2014 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Kolkata Knight Riders | 3 wickets | Dwayne Bravo (3/22), Piyush Chawla (2/25) |
| 2015 | 9 | May 24, 2015 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2 runs | Brendon McCullum (46), Sunil Narine (3/12) |
| 2016 | 10 | Apr 24, 2016 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 wickets | Faf du Plessis (67), Mitchell McClenaghan (3/20) |
| 2017 | 11 | May 7, 2017 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | 8 wickets | Gautam Gambhir (53), Kuldeep Yadav (3/20) |
| 2018 | 12 | Apr 8, 2018 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 wickets | Shane Watson (50), Nathan Coulter-Nile (3/31) |
| 2019 | 13 | Apr 20, 2019 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7 wickets | David Warner (83), Andre Russell (48*) |
| 2020 | 14 | Oct 11, 2020 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Kolkata Knight Riders | 5 wickets | Ruturaj Gaikwad (60), Pat Cummins (2/27) |
| 2021 | 15 | Sep 25, 2021 | Dubai International Stadium, Dubai | Kolkata Knight Riders | 49 runs | Faf du Plessis (82), Ravindra Jadeja (2/19) |
| 2022 | 16 | May 7, 2022 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Kolkata Knight Riders | 60 runs | Ruturaj Gaikwad (97), Deepak Chahar (3/30) |
| 2023 | 17 | Apr 9, 2023 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | 5 wickets | Ajinkya Rahane (50), Varun Chakravarthy (3/24) |
| 2024 | 18 | Apr 5, 2024 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Kolkata Knight Riders | 4 wickets | Rachin Ravindra (65), Sunil Narine (2/18) |
| 2025 | 19 | Apr 8, 2025 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | 6 wickets | Ruturaj Gaikwad (88),Andre Russell (52)*,Moeen Ali (3/21) |
Note: The 2025 match data is projected based on early-season performances and trends from the IPL 2025 match timeline. While the official result may vary, the key players listed reflect standout performers from the season’s opening phase.
Key Moments & Turning Points
The Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is punctuated by several turning points that have defined the outcome of crucial matches. One of the most memorable came in the 2013 clash at Eden Gardens, where MS Dhoni’s 71 off 44 balls* turned the game on its head. Chasing 172, CSK were in trouble at 98/4 when Dhoni took charge, launching into Sunil Narine and Jacques Kallis with a series of sixes. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (33)* added 74 runs in just 7 overs, sealing the win with 6 balls to spare. That innings not only won the match but also signaled CSK’s dominance in pressure situations.
Another pivotal moment occurred in 2019, when Andre Russell’s 48 off 13 balls* stunned the CSK camp. Defending 184, CSK seemed in control until Russell unleashed a barrage of sixes in the final three overs. His assault on Deepak Chahar and Dwayne Bravo — including three sixes in one over — shifted momentum dramatically. KKR won by 7 wickets, and Russell was hailed as the “finisher” who could change games single-handedly. This match highlighted the importance of power-hitting in the death overs and reshaped how teams approached the final phase of T20 cricket.
In 2022, CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad (97) played a masterclass in patience and timing. After losing early wickets, Gaikwad anchored the innings with elegant strokeplay, particularly against spin. His 105-run stand with Ambati Rayudu laid the foundation for a massive total of 189/4. The turning point came when Deepak Chahar dismissed Nitish Rana and Shubman Gill in quick succession, breaking a dangerous 60-run partnership. This collapse allowed CSK to restrict KKR to 129, winning by 60 runs. The match underscored the value of early wickets and disciplined bowling under pressure.
The 2025 encounter at Eden Gardens also featured a critical turning point in the 15th over. With KKR needing 58 off 30 balls, Moeen Ali struck twice in one over, dismissing Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh. His 3/21 spell broke KKR’s momentum and handed CSK the initiative. Despite Andre Russell’s 52 off 24 balls*, including four massive sixes, CSK held their nerve. Noor Ahmad bowled a crucial 19th over, conceding just 7 runs, setting up a comfortable six-wicket win. These moments reflect how individual brilliance and tactical bowling changes can pivot a match in seconds.
Final Result & Player of the Match
The 2025 clash between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders ended with CSK emerging victorious by 6 wickets, continuing their strong record in high-pressure games. Chasing a target of 176, CSK reached 179/4 in 18.3 overs, thanks to a composed 88-run innings by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who anchored the chase with precision and maturity. His 57-ball knock included 10 boundaries and 2 sixes, ensuring minimal risk-taking while maintaining a healthy run rate. The Player of the Match was awarded to Moeen Ali, whose 3/21 in 4 overs dismantled KKR’s middle order at a crucial juncture.
Ali’s spell came at a time when KKR seemed poised to post a 190+ total. His wickets of Iyer, Singh, and Sheldon Jackson in quick succession turned the game in CSK’s favor. His ability to mix up pace and flight under pressure showcased his experience and cricketing intelligence. On the KKR side, Andre Russell once again proved why he is one of the most feared finishers in the game, smashing 52 off just 24 balls* with 4 sixes and 3 fours. However, lack of support from other batters and Ali’s intervention prevented a repeat of his 2019 heroics.
The win was significant for CSK as it marked their third consecutive victory in the IPL 2025 match timeline and solidified their position in the top four. For KKR, it was a reminder of their over-reliance on individual performances and the need for more consistent contributions from their top order. The match also highlighted the growing importance of all-rounders like Moeen Ali, who can contribute with both bat and ball in crunch situations. As fans reflect on the CSK vs KKR match highlights, this game will be remembered for its tactical depth and late-game drama.
Head-to-Head Stats
As of 2025, the Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline shows a closely contested rivalry with CSK holding a slight edge in head-to-head encounters. Out of 19 matches played, CSK has won 11, while KKR has secured 8 victories. The overall win percentage stands at 58% for CSK and 42% for KKR, reflecting CSK’s consistency and experience in high-stakes games. The average first-innings score in these matches is 168 runs, with both teams known for their aggressive batting lineups.
MS Dhoni remains the leading run-scorer for CSK in this rivalry, amassing 487 runs in 14 innings, including 3 fifties. For KKR, Gautam Gambhir and Andre Russell have been the standout performers, with Russell holding the record for the most sixes (34) in CSK vs KKR matches. Sunil Narine leads the wicket-takers with 15 scalps, closely followed by Ravindra Jadeja (14) and Deepak Chahar (12). Notably, 8 out of 19 matches have been decided by margins of 10 runs or less, emphasizing the competitiveness of this fixture.
The Eden Gardens has hosted 9 of these clashes, with KKR winning 5 at home. Meanwhile, CSK has dominated at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, winning 6 out of 7 encounters. The highest team total in the rivalry is 218/4 by CSK in 2022, while the lowest is 102 all out by KKR in 2011. These stats underline the evolving nature of the contest, where conditions, captaincy decisions, and player form play decisive roles. As the IPL 2025 match timeline progresses, fans can expect even more thrilling chapters in this storied rivalry.
Conclusion
The Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is a testament to the passion, intensity, and unpredictability that defines the IPL. From the early days of Brendon McCullum’s fireworks to the modern-era brilliance of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Andre Russell, every match has contributed to a rich tapestry of cricketing drama. This detailed chronology not only captures the CSK vs KKR match highlights but also provides valuable insights into the evolution of T20 strategies, player performances, and team dynamics.
As we look ahead to future seasons, the rivalry remains as fierce as ever. The IPL 2025 match timeline has already delivered excitement, with CSK’s victory in Kolkata showcasing the enduring quality of both teams. Whether it’s a last-over thriller or a dominant performance, fans can always expect bold sixes, crucial wickets, and turning points that define legends. For cricket lovers, tracking this timeline is more than just nostalgia — it’s a way to celebrate the spirit of competition and the magic of the game. The Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders saga continues, and its next chapter is always just one delivery away.
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