When you think of the most entertaining rivalries in IPL history, one matchup that never disappoints is Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings (CSK vs PBKS). Every time these two sides face off, fans know they’re in for a show — whether it’s big sixes, nail-biting finishes, or record-breaking performances.
This rivalry has everything — from early dominance by CSK to explosive comebacks from Punjab. Let’s walk through the timeline of CSK vs PBKS and relive the iconic moments that turned this fixture into a fan favorite.
The Early Encounters (2008–2015): Where It All Began
IPL 2008 – CSK Announces Itself in Style
The first-ever CSK vs PBKS clash in 2008 set the tone for years to come. In their very first meeting in Chandigarh, CSK batted first and piled up 240 runs, thanks to a magnificent *Michael Hussey century (116)**. Punjab fought hard but fell short at 207, handing CSK a 33-run win.
Later that season, CSK continued their dominance with another win in Chennai, powered by Lakshmipathy Balaji’s 5-wicket haul, and capped it off with a semi-final victory that pushed them into the IPL final.
IPL 2009 – CSK Keeps the Edge
In 2009, the two teams met twice in South Africa. Chennai won both matches — one by 12 runs via D/L method (thanks to Matthew Hayden’s 89) and another after defending a modest total of 116, showing their incredible bowling depth.
IPL 2010 – A Dramatic Super Over
The 2010 season brought one of their most thrilling encounters. Punjab won a super over battle, scoring 10 runs in 4 balls while CSK fell short by just one run. However, CSK got their revenge later that season, chasing 195 with six wickets to spare — a reminder that they don’t stay down for long.
IPL 2011 – The Paul Valthaty Show
In 2011, Paul Valthaty stunned everyone by smashing an unbeaten 120 to guide PBKS to a 6-wicket victory, chasing down CSK’s 188. It was one of the earliest displays of Punjab’s explosive potential.
IPL 2012 – Punjab Dominates
Punjab enjoyed a strong 2012 against Chennai, winning both matches — first by 7 runs in Chennai and then by 6 wickets, thanks to Adam Gilchrist’s unbeaten 64.
IPL 2013 – Raina and Hussey Shine
The 2013 season saw CSK back on top. They crushed Punjab by 10 wickets in one match, with Hussey and Vijay putting on a 139-run stand. Later, Suresh Raina’s unbeaten century sealed another victory for Chennai despite Shaun Marsh’s valiant 76.
IPL 2014 – Punjab Turns Up the Heat
The 2014 season was all Punjab! Glenn Maxwell (95 & 90) and Virender Sehwag (122 off 58) delivered unforgettable performances as PBKS beat CSK not once, not twice, but three times, including the second Qualifier in Mumbai.
IPL 2015 – CSK Hits Back
CSK came roaring back in 2015 with two commanding wins — one by 97 runs and another by 7 wickets. Players like Brendon McCullum, Faf du Plessis, and MS Dhoni ensured Chennai restored their dominance over Punjab that year.
Modern Era Battles (2018–2025): A Rivalry Reignited
After CSK’s return from suspension in 2018, the rivalry reignited with fresh faces and even more drama.
IPL 2018 – Punjab’s Early Fire, Chennai’s Comeback
In Chandigarh, PBKS posted 197/7, and although CSK fought hard, they fell short by just 4 runs. However, Chennai bounced back in their second meeting with Lungi Ngidi’s 4-wicket haul and a calm chase led by *Suresh Raina (61)**, sealing a 5-wicket win.
IPL 2019 – Trading Wins
The 2019 season was evenly matched. CSK won their home game by 22 runs, with Faf du Plessis and MS Dhoni starring. But in the return fixture, PBKS’s KL Rahul (71 off 36) powered them to a 6-wicket victory, proving this rivalry was as balanced as ever.
IPL 2020 – Watson and Faf’s Masterclass
Dubai saw CSK at their clinical best. Shane Watson (83)* and Faf du Plessis (87)* chased down 181 with 14 balls to spare — a statement win. Later that season, Ruturaj Gaikwad (62)* guided Chennai to another comfortable victory, making it 2-0 against Punjab that year.
IPL 2021 – Low Scores and Quick Finishes
The 2021 encounters were short but intense. In Mumbai, PBKS were bowled out for 106, and CSK chased it down easily. But in Dubai, Punjab got their revenge with KL Rahul’s fiery knock, winning by 6 wickets in just 13.3 overs.
IPL 2022 – The Livingstone-Dhawan Show
Punjab dominated again in 2022. Liam Livingstone (60 off 32) led them to a 54-run win in the first match, followed by Shikhar Dhawan’s unbeaten 88 that secured an 11-run victory in the second. CSK just couldn’t find an answer that season.
IPL 2023 – Conway Steals the Spotlight
The 2023 clash in Chennai was another tight contest. While Punjab won by 4 wickets, it was Devon Conway’s brilliant 92 off 52* for CSK that stole the show. Despite his heroics, PBKS held their nerves to chase down the target.
IPL 2024 – Jadeja’s All-Round Brilliance
In 2024, both teams traded blows again. PBKS chased down 162 comfortably in the first match, winning by 7 wickets. But CSK bounced back soon after — Ravindra Jadeja delivered a stunning performance with 43 off 26 and 3 key wickets, earning the Man of the Match award as CSK won by 28 runs.
IPL 2025 – Punjab Takes the Lead
The rivalry’s most recent chapter in 2025 saw PBKS outshine CSK once again. Priyansh Arya’s sensational 108 powered Punjab to 219/6, and they defended it comfortably to win by 18 runs. Later that season in Chennai, PBKS chased down 190 in 19.4 overs, winning by 4 wickets and sealing another season in their favor.
What Makes the CSK vs PBKS Rivalry So Special?
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Unpredictable Outcomes: No team truly dominates for long — both sides have had their highs and lows.
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Star Performers: From Dhoni and Raina to Maxwell and Dhawan, this rivalry has showcased some of the IPL’s best.
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High Scores & Nail-Biters: Matches often feature scores above 180, last-over thrillers, and record chases.
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Passionate Fanbases: The Yellow Army vs the Punjabi Lions creates electric atmospheres every time they meet.
Head-to-Head Snapshot (2008–2025)
While CSK has historically had the upper hand, PBKS has turned the tables several times with powerful performances. Their rivalry reflects how the IPL thrives on unpredictability — even the most experienced teams can fall to underdogs on their day.
| Year | Matches Played | CSK Wins | PBKS Wins | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | 3 | 0 | Hussey 116*, Balaji 5-for |
| 2014 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Sehwag 122, Maxwell 95 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Dhawan 88*, Livingstone 60 |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Priyansh Arya 108 |
The Legacy Continues
The CSK vs PBKS timeline isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s about passion, resilience, and the spirit of the IPL. Over the years, both teams have redefined what it means to entertain fans, producing unforgettable cricketing moments.
From Dhoni’s calm leadership to Punjab’s fearless batting, every clash adds a new story to this iconic rivalry. And as the IPL continues to evolve, one thing’s for sure — whenever these two meet, cricket fans will be glued to their screens.
Final Thoughts
The Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings rivalry is one of the IPL’s most dynamic matchups — packed with drama, emotion, and unforgettable highlights. Whether it’s a record-breaking century, a super over thriller, or a last-ball finish, CSK vs PBKS always delivers pure cricketing magic.
So next time these two clash, expect fireworks — because history tells us that when Chennai meets Punjab, cricket fans always win.
