The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is the ultimate pulse of the IPL. Known as the “Southern Derby,” it transcends sport, pitting RCB’s aggressive flair against CSK’s tactical composure. As we enter the 2026 season, the stakes and the stardom have never been higher.
Rivalry Tracker: Last 7 Matches Head-to-Head
While CSK leads the all-time record with 21 wins to RCB’s 14, the margin has significantly narrowed recently, with Bengaluru finding a competitive edge.
Date
Venue
Winner
Margin
Key Highlight
05-Apr-2026
Bengaluru
RCB
43 runs
Tim David’s record-breaking 70* (25)
03-May-2025
Bengaluru
RCB
2 runs
A nail-biting last-over thriller
28-Mar-2025
Chennai
RCB
50 runs
Ended a 17-year drought at Chepauk
18-May-2024
Bengaluru
RCB
27 runs
RCB qualified for playoffs with this win
22-Mar-2024
Chennai
CSK
6 wickets
CSK continued home dominance early season
17-Apr-2023
Bengaluru
CSK
8 runs
High-scoring clash at Chinnaswamy
04-May-2022
Pune
RCB
13 runs
Clinical defense of a competitive total
Upcoming Series Venues & Schedule (2026)
Date
Venue
City
Match Type
Expected Weather
15-May-2026
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
Bengaluru
League Stage
Overcast (24°C)
28-May-2026
MA Chidambaram Stadium
Chennai
League Stage
Humid (32°C)
02-June-2026
Narendra Modi Stadium
Ahmedabad
Qualifier 1 (TBC)
Clear (38°C)
ICC T20I Team Rankings (April 2026)
Rank
Nation/Team
Points
Rating
Last Result
1
India
16,450
268
Won vs AUS
2
Australia
14,200
259
Lost vs IND
3
England
13,850
255
Won vs SA
4
South Africa
12,100
250
Lost vs ENG
5
West Indies
11,900
248
Won vs NZ
Head-to-Head Summary: The All-Time Tally
Total Matches
CSK Wins
RCB Wins
No Result
Win % (CSK/RCB)
36
21
14
1
58% / 39%
Most Memorable Match – The Epic Thriller!
Season
Venue
Result
Highlights
2024
Bengaluru
RCB won by 27 runs
RCB defended 201 to qualify for Playoffs; Dhoni’s 110m six.
Major Tournament Matches (Knockouts/Playoffs)
Year
Stage
Winner
Margin
Impact
2011
Final
CSK
58 runs
CSK defended their IPL Title
2015
Qualifier 2
CSK
3 wickets
CSK reached the Final
2024
Virtual Knockout
RCB
27 runs
RCB ended CSK’s season
Best Key Performance Table (2025-26 Season)
Player
Role
Stats
Virat Kohli (RCB)
Batter
740 Runs
Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK)
Batter
680 Runs
Tim David (RCB)
Finisher
22 Sixes
Noor Ahmad (CSK)
Spinner
19 Wickets
The Battlefield: Tactical Power-Plays & Record Breakers
Record Category
Holder
Figure
Season
Highest Powerplay Score
RCB
92/0
2026
Most Sixes in a Match
Both
33 Sixes
2025
Fastest Team Century
RCB
7.2 Overs
2026
The Tactical Edge: Strategic Matchups
Matchup
Tactical Advantage
Winning Probability
Virat Kohli vs Noor Ahmad
Leg-spin vs Anchor
50/50
Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Yash Dayal
Left-arm Pace vs Right-hand
60% (Gaikwad)
Shivam Dube vs RCB Spinners
Power Hitter vs Spin
75% (Dube)
History Re-Written: 2025/26 Record Breakers
Player
Record Smashed
New Benchmark
Tim David
Fastest 50 in RCB vs CSK
14 Balls
MS Dhoni
Most Matches as WK
260+ Matches
RCB Team
Highest Total against CSK
250/3
Pace vs. Power: World’s Fastest Bowlers (2026)
Bowler
Team
Top Speed
Average Speed
Spencer Johnson
CSK
154.5 kmph
148 kmph
Jacob Duffy
RCB
149.2 kmph
142 kmph
Abhinandan Singh
RCB
147.8 kmph
141 kmph
Final Verdict:
The RCB vs. CSK rivalry has evolved into a tactical masterpiece. While Chennai relies on their legacy of “calculated calm” and spin dominance, Bengaluru has rebranded itself as a high-octane powerhouse of pace and aggression. Currently, RCB holds the momentum, but CSK’s ability to win big moments remains unmatched.
