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The Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have built one of the IPL’s most interesting head-to-head contests since the tournament began in 2008. Their meetings have included league matches, close finishes, high-scoring games and two IPL finals. As of the end of the 2026 season, CSK have won 22 of their 34 recorded meetings with KKR, while KKR have won 12. The latest meeting came on April 14, 2026, when CSK defeated KKR by 32 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Head-to-Head Stats
The overall record gives CSK a clear advantage in the fixture. The teams have played 34 matches according to IPL.com’s 2026 head-to-head record, with Chennai winning 22 and Kolkata winning 12. That gives CSK a 64.70% win rate in the supplied record.
| Statistic | Chennai Super Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 34 | 34 |
| Wins | 22 | 12 |
| Losses | 12 | 22 |
| Win Percentage | 64.70% | 35.29% |
| Highest Team Score | 235/4 | 202 |
| Lowest Team Score | 103 | 107 |
| Highest Successful Chase | 205 | 192 |
| Biggest Win by Runs | 55 | 10 |
The difference in the win record is not simply the result of one dominant period. CSK have maintained an advantage across several IPL eras, although KKR have produced important victories, including their 2012 IPL final win over Chennai.
Season-by-Season Head-to-Head Record
The history of this matchup stretches back to the inaugural IPL season. Chennai won both meetings in 2008 and again recorded strong results during several seasons in the early years of the competition.
| Season | CSK Wins | KKR Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 | 2 |
| 2013 | 2 | 0 |
| 2014 | 1 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
The season-by-season numbers show that CSK have had several particularly strong periods. Their 2021 campaign was especially notable because they defeated KKR three times, including the final.
Batting Statistics
The batting history of the fixture includes several major IPL performers. Earlier generations were led by players such as Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir and Brendon McCullum, while later seasons introduced a different group of attacking batters.
Historical IPL head-to-head records list Suresh Raina as one of CSK’s leading run-scorers against KKR, while Gautam Gambhir has been among KKR’s leading contributors in this matchup.
| Player | Team | Notable Head-to-Head Record |
|---|---|---|
| Suresh Raina | CSK | 610 runs in earlier head-to-head records |
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 666 runs in earlier head-to-head records |
| Gautam Gambhir | KKR | 530 runs in earlier head-to-head records |
| Andre Russell | KKR | 305 runs in earlier head-to-head records |
| Brendon McCullum | KKR | 158* highest individual score in earlier records |
These numbers also show how the rivalry has changed over time. Players who were central to the fixture in the first decade of the IPL are no longer active, meaning the statistical leaders reflect different generations of the tournament.
Highest Individual Scores
Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 158 remains one of the most memorable individual batting performances associated with the matchup. On the CSK side, Murali Vijay’s 113 is one of the highest individual scores recorded in the fixture.
| Player | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Brendon McCullum | KKR | 158* |
| Murali Vijay | CSK | 113 |
| Michael Hussey | CSK | 95 |
| Faf du Plessis | CSK | 95 |
| Manvinder Bisla | KKR | 92 |
A score such as McCullum’s 158* is particularly significant in T20 cricket because it combines volume with an extremely high scoring rate. It also demonstrates how quickly a single batter can change the shape of an IPL innings.
Bowling Statistics
The bowling side of the rivalry has been shaped by spinners, seamers and all-rounders who have delivered important spells in different phases of the innings.
Sunil Narine is one of KKR’s leading wicket-takers against CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo have produced important bowling performances for Chennai. Historical head-to-head data lists Narine with 23 wickets and Jadeja with 20 in the matchup.
| Player | Team | Head-to-Head Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Sunil Narine | KKR | 23 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | 20 |
| Dwayne Bravo | CSK | 20 |
| Other CSK/KKR bowlers | Both | Varies by season |
The bowling battle is particularly interesting because both teams have traditionally used spin in different ways. KKR have frequently relied on mystery spin and variations, while CSK have often used spin to control the middle overs.
Best Bowling Figures
Individual bowling records highlight some of the most effective spells in the rivalry.
| Player | Team | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Bravo | CSK | 4/11 |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | 4/15 |
| Brad Hogg | KKR | 4/29 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | 4/12 |
Dwayne Bravo’s 4/11 stands out because he combined wicket-taking with exceptional economy. Narine’s 4/15 also reflects the impact he has had against CSK, particularly when KKR have needed to slow down the middle overs.
Highest Team Totals
CSK hold the highest team total in the matchup. They scored 235/4 against KKR in 2023, producing a 49-run victory at Eden Gardens. KKR’s highest score against Chennai in the current head-to-head record is 202.
| Team | Highest Total | Year |
|---|---|---|
| CSK | 235/4 | 2023 |
| KKR | 202 | 2021 |
CSK’s 235/4 is particularly notable because it came at Eden Gardens, traditionally one of the most batting-friendly venues in the IPL. The innings demonstrated the team’s ability to combine a strong powerplay with aggressive finishing.
Lowest Team Totals
The lowest scores show the other side of the rivalry.
CSK’s lowest total against KKR is 103, while KKR’s lowest recorded total in the current head-to-head database is 107.
| Team | Lowest Total |
|---|---|
| CSK | 103 |
| KKR | 107 |
These numbers illustrate the volatility of T20 cricket. Even teams with powerful batting lineups can collapse when early wickets expose the middle order to pressure.
Highest Successful Chases
Chennai’s highest successful chase against Kolkata is 205. KKR’s highest successful chase in this fixture is 192.
A successful chase above 190 requires sustained scoring rather than one short burst. Teams generally need a good powerplay, wickets in hand during the middle overs and enough batting depth to attack during the final five overs.
The difference between the two figures also reflects CSK’s stronger overall record in the fixture.
Lowest Totals Defended
Defending a modest total can be just as impressive as chasing a large one.
CSK have defended 134 in this matchup, while KKR’s lowest defended total is 167 in the current statistical record.
| Team | Lowest Total Successfully Defended |
|---|---|
| CSK | 134 |
| KKR | 167 |
The contrast is striking. It highlights the importance of conditions, bowling quality and pressure during a chase. CSK’s ability to defend a low score demonstrates how effective their bowling and fielding combinations have sometimes been.
Home and Away Record
Venue has played an important role in the matchup.
According to the current head-to-head record, CSK have won 10 home matches against KKR, while KKR have won four at home. Chennai also have eight away victories compared with five for Kolkata in the listed record.
The MA Chidambaram Stadium has traditionally been an important venue for CSK. The slower conditions can make spin and changes of pace particularly valuable.
Eden Gardens presents a different challenge. Its dimensions and pitch conditions can encourage more aggressive stroke play, making powerplay batting and death-over execution especially important.
CSK vs KKR at MA Chidambaram Stadium
Chennai’s home record has been an important part of their advantage in this fixture.
The latest meeting at Chepauk came on April 14, 2026. CSK scored 192/5 before restricting KKR to 160/7, winning by 32 runs. Noor Ahmad was named Player of the Match after taking 3/21 from four overs.
The match also illustrated the value of controlling the middle overs. KKR reached 100/6 after 13.5 overs and never recovered sufficiently to threaten the target.
CSK vs KKR at Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens has produced some of the highest-scoring meetings between the teams.
The most notable example came in 2023, when CSK scored 235/4 and defeated KKR by 49 runs. The total remains the highest team score in the fixture.
However, KKR have also produced important home victories. Their ability to use spin and attack during the middle overs has often made Chennai’s batting less comfortable at the venue.
IPL Final Meetings
CSK and KKR have met twice in IPL finals, producing a perfectly split record.
| Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Chennai | KKR won by 5 wickets |
| 2021 | Dubai | CSK won by 27 runs |
The 2012 final was a major moment in KKR history. Chasing 191, Kolkata reached the target with two overs remaining, led by an unbeaten 89 from Manvinder Bisla and 69 from Jacques Kallis.
Nine years later, the teams met again in the 2021 final. CSK scored 192/3 and then restricted KKR to 165/9, winning by 27 runs.
The two finals demonstrate that the overall head-to-head record does not tell the complete story. When the teams have met for the championship, each side has won once.
Memorable Matches
The rivalry has produced several matches that remain important in IPL history.
The 2012 final is remembered for KKR’s successful chase and the franchise’s first IPL championship.
The 2021 final marked CSK’s fourth IPL title and came after a season in which Chennai had returned strongly following their disappointing 2020 campaign.
The 2023 Eden Gardens meeting was another major chapter. CSK’s 235/4 was built around aggressive batting and gave them a 49-run victory.
The 2025 season produced another split. KKR won the April 11 meeting by eight wickets, while CSK responded on May 7 with a two-wicket victory at Eden Gardens.
Recent Meetings
The recent head-to-head record has been competitive even though CSK maintain the larger historical advantage.
| Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| April 11, 2025 | Chennai | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| May 7, 2025 | Kolkata | CSK won by 2 wickets |
| April 14, 2026 | Chennai | CSK won by 32 runs |
The 2025 meetings showed two very different games. KKR chased down 103 in the first encounter, winning with eight wickets in hand. CSK then reversed the result later in the season, successfully chasing 180 to win by two wickets.
In 2026, CSK produced the more convincing result, defending 192/5 and beating KKR by 32 runs.
2026 Match Statistics
The April 14, 2026 match added another result to the long-running rivalry.
| Match Statistic | CSK | KKR |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 192/5 | 160/7 |
| Overs | 20 | 20 |
| Result | Won by 32 runs | Lost |
| Powerplay | 72/2 | 36/2 |
| Key bowling performance | Noor Ahmad 3/21 | — |
CSK’s 72/2 powerplay gave them a strong platform. They reached 150/3 after 15.3 overs and finished on 192/5. KKR never achieved the same scoring momentum, reaching only 36/2 during the powerplay and 100/6 by 13.5 overs.
Batting First vs Chasing
The rivalry has produced wins through both batting-first and chasing performances.
Historical IPL data shows CSK have won nine matches after batting first and 12 while chasing, while KKR have one win batting first and 10 chasing in the supplied head-to-head dataset.
That difference suggests that successful chases have played a major role in the matchup. Both teams have generally benefited when their batting lineup has been able to preserve wickets and attack during the final overs.
Major Records
The statistical history of this fixture includes several notable records.
| Record | CSK | KKR |
|---|---|---|
| Most wins | 22 | 12 |
| Highest total | 235/4 | 202 |
| Lowest total | 103 | 107 |
| Highest successful chase | 205 | 192 |
| Biggest win by runs | 55 | 10 |
| IPL final wins | 1 | 1 |
CSK’s 55-run victory remains their biggest margin by runs in the matchup, while KKR’s largest win by runs is 10.
Interesting Statistical Facts
CSK have won 22 of their 34 recorded meetings with KKR, giving Chennai a win rate of 64.70% in IPL.com’s 2026 record.
The two teams have met twice in IPL finals, and the championship record is split 1-1. KKR won the 2012 final, while CSK won the 2021 final.
CSK’s highest score against KKR is 235/4, while KKR’s highest is 202. The 235 came during a 49-run CSK victory at Eden Gardens in 2023.
The most recent meeting was also won by CSK. They scored 192/5 at Chepauk on April 14, 2026, then restricted KKR to 160/7.
The rivalry has produced two very different championship stories. KKR’s 2012 final victory ended CSK’s run of consecutive final appearances at that stage, while CSK’s 2021 win added another IPL trophy to their collection.
Player Battles That Shaped the Rivalry
Several individual matchups have influenced the statistical history.
MS Dhoni’s finishing and leadership were central to many early CSK victories. His ability to remain calm during close chases helped Chennai repeatedly navigate difficult run targets.
Suresh Raina was another major contributor during the early and middle years of the rivalry. His aggressive stroke play made him particularly dangerous when CSK had a strong powerplay platform.
For KKR, Gautam Gambhir was an important figure during the team’s rise, particularly around their 2012 and 2014 title-winning periods.
Sunil Narine later became one of KKR’s most important bowlers in this matchup. His variations and economy made him especially useful against Chennai’s middle order.
Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja have also featured prominently in the bowling records for CSK. Bravo’s 4/11 remains the best CSK bowling figure in the historical data cited for this fixture.
Performance Analysis
The numbers suggest that CSK’s biggest advantage has been consistency. They have maintained a positive record across different generations of players, venues and IPL eras.
KKR’s victories, however, have often come through specific tactical strengths. Their spin options can create pressure in the middle overs, while their aggressive top and middle order can turn a modest platform into a large total.
For CSK, the combination of experience, adaptable batting and bowling variations has frequently been decisive.
The 2026 meeting was a good example. CSK did not simply win because they scored 192. Their powerplay batting created momentum, and Noor Ahmad’s middle-over spell helped prevent KKR from building a serious chase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times have CSK and KKR played each other in the IPL?
According to the latest IPL.com 2026 head-to-head record, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders have played 34 matches, with CSK winning 22 and KKR winning 12.
Who has won more matches between CSK and KKR?
Chennai Super Kings have won more matches in the overall IPL head-to-head record. Their 22 victories compare with KKR’s 12 in the latest 2026 record.
What is the highest score in CSK vs KKR matches?
CSK’s 235/4 in 2023 is the highest team total in the matchup. KKR’s highest total is 202.
How many IPL finals have CSK and KKR played against each other?
The teams have played two IPL finals. KKR defeated CSK by five wickets in the 2012 final, while CSK defeated KKR by 27 runs in the 2021 final. Each team has therefore won one final against the other.
Who won the latest CSK vs KKR match?
Chennai Super Kings won the latest meeting on April 14, 2026, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. CSK made 192/5 and KKR finished on 160/7. Noor Ahmad was named Player of the Match after taking 3/21.
Conclusion
The chennai super kings vs kolkata knight riders stats show a rivalry in which Chennai have held the stronger overall IPL record. CSK have won 22 of the 34 meetings listed in the latest 2026 record, while KKR have won 12. Chennai also hold the fixture’s highest total, highest successful chase and biggest victory by runs.
Yet KKR have produced some of the rivalry’s biggest moments. Their 2012 IPL final victory remains an important chapter in franchise history, while CSK answered with a final win in 2021. The teams have also produced high-scoring games, dramatic chases and memorable individual performances from players such as MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Gautam Gambhir, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo and Brendon McCullum.
The latest chapter came in April 2026, when CSK scored 192/5 and defeated KKR by 32 runs at Chepauk. With both franchises continuing to rebuild their squads across IPL seasons, their head-to-head record will keep developing with every new meeting.