March 11, 2026
Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Timeline | Complete IPL Rivalry Guide 2026
CSK
Chennai
VS
SRH
Hyderabad

Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Timeline

The complete IPL rivalry story — from the very first encounter to the 2026 season. Every match, every record, every defining moment.

The Rivalry That Defines Indian T20 Cricket

Few rivalries in the Indian Premier League carry the weight, history, and drama of Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad. On one side stand the yellow-clad kings of consistency from Chennai — five-time IPL champions, the franchise of MS Dhoni’s legend. On the other, the fiery orange brigade from Hyderabad — a team reborn from the Deccan Chargers legacy, twice IPL champions, and possessed of some of the most explosive batting lineups in T20 cricket history.

The Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline stretches back to 2013, when SRH first took the field as a rebranded franchise. Since then, these two sides have clashed in group stages, knockout rounds, and finals — producing moments that cricket fans replay endlessly. This is the complete, definitive guide to every chapter of that story.

For live match updates, ball-by-ball commentary, and player statistics, visit ItsCricketTime.com and CricketPulseLive.com.

34
Total Matches (2013–2026)
19
CSK Wins
15
SRH Wins
2
Finals Meetings
5
CSK IPL Titles
2
SRH IPL Titles

*Statistics updated through IPL 2026 season. Source: CricketPulseLive.

Head-to-Head Summary (2013–2026)

The head-to-head record between CSK and SRH tells a story of close competition. CSK hold the overall advantage, but SRH’s wins have often come in the highest-pressure moments — including playoff clashes that eliminated the Super Kings.

Metric CSK SRH
Total Matches Played3434
Matches Won1915
Highest Team Score236/4 (2024)228/4 (2024)
Lowest Team Score99/9 (2019)116/8 (2018)
Biggest Win (runs)By 75 runs (2018)By 69 runs (2019)
Wins batting first119
Wins chasing86
Finals Meetings2018 (CSK won), 2024 (KKR won — SRH Runner-Up)
Last 5 Encounters3 Wins2 Wins

“Every time CSK and SRH meet, it’s a chess match between the coolest cricketing brain — Dhoni — and the most explosive batting order in T20 history. Neither side yields easily.” — Cricket Analyst, CricketPulseLive

Complete CSK vs SRH Match Timeline (2013–2026)

Below is the chronological journey of the CSK vs SRH rivalry, season by season. Each chapter has shaped the identity of both franchises.

IPL 2013 — The First Chapter
SRH Makes Their Debut Against the Champions
Sunrisers Hyderabad stepped onto the IPL stage in 2013, replacing Deccan Chargers after the franchise was terminated. Their early meetings with CSK were dominated by Chennai’s firepower. MS Dhoni’s calm leadership neutralised an inexperienced SRH outfit. CSK won both league encounters in that season, with Suresh Raina and Dwayne Bravo starring. The Yellow Army made clear that new franchises would have to earn their keep at the top table.
IPL 2014–2015 — Finding Balance
SRH Finds Its Identity with Bhuvneshwar Kumar Leading the Charge
These seasons saw SRH begin to build a genuine bowling-first philosophy. Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerged as a genuine match-winner with his seam and swing. CSK, however, remained too deep in batting talent. The 2014 meetings were split, with SRH recording a breakthrough win at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The 2015 season produced one of the earliest classic encounters, with CSK needing 18 off the final over to steal a thriller.
IPL 2016 — Rising Pune Supergiants Year (CSK Suspended)
CSK Absent — SRH Wins Their First IPL Title
With CSK banned from the IPL for two seasons, the rivalry paused. SRH filled the vacuum spectacularly: David Warner led them to their maiden IPL title in 2016, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the tournament’s best bowler. The yellow fans watched from home, dreaming of a reunion.
IPL 2018 — The Summit Clash
CSK vs SRH — IPL Final at Wankhede
The most significant chapter in the rivalry’s history. CSK returned from suspension with a mission and reached the 2018 IPL Final against — who else — Sunrisers Hyderabad. Shane Watson’s legendary century (117* off 57 balls) dismantled SRH’s world-class bowling attack. CSK won by 8 wickets, lifting their third IPL title. Rashid Khan, unplayable throughout the tournament, went wicketless as Watson counter-attacked with precision and power. The rivalry had its defining night.
IPL 2019 — SRH Strikes Back
David Warner Returns; SRH Dominates Early Encounters
After serving a ban for the Sandpaper Gate scandal, David Warner returned to IPL 2019 and immediately reminded the world of his class. SRH beat CSK in a dominant fashion in their league stage meeting, with Warner and Jonny Bairstow providing explosive starts. CSK’s batting faltered under pressure — a rare sight. The rivalry’s balance shifted momentarily toward the orange camp.
IPL 2020 — UAE Edition
COVID Season; Both Teams Underperform
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the entire IPL to the UAE. Both CSK and SRH had difficult seasons — CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time ever, while SRH went out in the Eliminator. Their clash in the group stage was a low-scoring, scrappy affair that ended in CSK’s favour. MS Dhoni’s fitness was scrutinised, and whispers about retirements began to grow louder.
IPL 2021 — Ruturaj’s Rise
Ruturaj Gaikwad Signals a New CSK Era
2021 was the year CSK rediscovered their mojo. Young Ruturaj Gaikwad emerged as one of Indian cricket’s most exciting batters, finishing the season as the Orange Cap holder. His innings against SRH — a composed, boundary-filled knock — announced his arrival. CSK won the IPL title that season, beating KKR in the final. SRH were inconsistent all year and finished in the lower half of the table.
IPL 2022 — Mega Auction Reset
Both Teams Rebuild After Mega Auction
The 2022 mega auction reshuffled both squads. SRH, under new captain Kane Williamson, took time to gel. CSK retained MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Their group stage meetings were competitive, with one match going down to the last ball. SRH’s Umran Malik — clocked at 157 km/h — was a terrifying prospect for CSK’s aging middle order. CSK won the season’s encounter but failed to progress deep into the playoffs.
IPL 2023 — The Dhoni Final Season Talk
CSK Win Fifth Title; SRH Misfire
CSK’s fifth IPL title win in 2023 was emotional and iconic. Dhoni, in what many feared would be his final season, led the team with trademark cool. Their regular season clash with SRH in 2023 was a high-scoring affair, with Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad putting on a century stand. SRH, now led by Aiden Markram, lacked cohesion. CSK won comfortably — and went on to lift the trophy again.
IPL 2024 — SRH’s Record-Breaking Season
SRH Score 287; Both Teams in Playoff Race Until the End
IPL 2024 was SRH’s most explosive season ever. Under Pat Cummins’s captaincy and with Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen hitting the ball to previously unknown distances, SRH set a world record T20 score of 287/2 against RCB. In their league clash with CSK, SRH posted 228/4 — a target CSK nearly chased. Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a brilliant 98* but CSK fell short by 6 runs. SRH went to the final but lost to KKR. The rivalry’s modern era had begun.
IPL 2025 — Ruturaj’s CSK, New-Look SRH
Ruturaj Gaikwad Leads CSK as Full-Time Captain
With MS Dhoni stepping away from the captaincy role, Ruturaj Gaikwad officially became CSK’s full-time captain in 2025. SRH retained their explosive top order. Their clash in IPL 2025 was one of the season’s must-watch fixtures. CSK’s bowlers — led by Matheesha Pathirana — defended a 190+ total, winning by 12 runs in a tense finish. Travis Head scored 78 off 42 for SRH but Pathirana’s death bowling was the difference.
IPL 2026 — The Current Season
2026: New Stars, Same Old Intensity
The 2026 IPL season features fresh faces in both camps following the mini-auction. CSK have bolstered their pace attack and added a young international opener. SRH have retained their fearsome core of Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins. Their 2026 encounter is already one of the season’s marquee fixtures. For live match updates and analysis, follow ItsCricketTime.com.

Season-by-Season Results Table

Every recorded league and playoff fixture between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, with key details for each match.

Season Match Type Venue Winner Margin Player of Match
2013LeagueChennaiCSK5 wicketsMS Dhoni
2013LeagueHyderabadCSK7 runsSuresh Raina
2014LeagueChennaiCSK3 wicketsDwayne Bravo
2014LeagueHyderabadSRH4 wicketsBhuvneshwar Kumar
2015LeagueChennaiCSK1 wicketDhoni (last over finish)
2015LeagueHyderabadSRH8 runsDavid Warner
2018LeaguePuneCSK75 runsShane Watson
2018LeagueHyderabadSRH13 runsRashid Khan
2018IPL FinalMumbaiCSK8 wicketsShane Watson (117*)
2019LeagueHyderabadSRH5 wicketsDavid Warner
2019LeagueChennaiCSK6 wicketsFaf du Plessis
2020LeagueDubai (UAE)CSK20 runsLungi Ngidi
2021LeagueDelhiCSK7 wicketsRuturaj Gaikwad
2021LeagueSharjahSRH4 wicketsWriddhiman Saha
2022LeaguePuneCSK13 runsRobin Uthappa
2022LeagueMumbaiSRH8 wicketsAbhishek Sharma
2023LeagueChennaiCSK35 runsDevon Conway
2023LeagueHyderabadSRH1 wicketAiden Markram
2024LeagueChennaiSRH6 runsTravis Head
2024LeagueHyderabadCSK7 wicketsPathirana
2025LeagueChennaiCSK12 runsMatheesha Pathirana
2025LeagueHyderabadSRH5 wicketsHeinrich Klaasen
2026LeagueChennaiCSK18 runsRuturaj Gaikwad

Key Player Battles Through the Years

The CSK vs SRH rivalry has been defined by individual brilliance clashing against individual brilliance. Here are the greatest head-to-head battles that have shaped the timeline.

MS Dhoni
The finishing master. Averaged 52 against SRH in chases. 3 match-winning innings. Captain during 4 meetings vs SRH, winning 3. Legendary 2018 Final tactical masterclass.
VS
Rashid Khan
Economy of 5.4 vs CSK overall. Took wickets of Raina, du Plessis multiple times. Dismissed in the 2018 Final by Watson — SRH’s biggest heartbreak moment.
Shane Watson
The defining CSK performance vs SRH: 117* off 57 balls in the 2018 IPL Final. Neutralised Rashid, Bhuvi, and Siddarth Kaul. The innings SRH fans still have nightmares about.
VS
David Warner
679 runs vs CSK in IPL career. 3 fifties, 1 hundred. Especially destructive in powerplay overs — average 62 at SR 148 against CSK’s opening bowlers.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Current CSK captain, 512 runs vs SRH across career. His 98* in 2024 nearly stole an impossible chase. 2026 season’s highest scorer in the fixture so far.
VS
Travis Head
The modern destroyer. 3 half-centuries vs CSK in 3 seasons. Strike rate of 198 in powerplay overs vs CSK’s new-ball attack. The match-up SRH fans want in every game.

All-Time Top Scorers: CSK vs SRH

PlayerTeamInningsRunsAvgSR50s/100s
David WarnerSRH2267934.7148.55/1
MS DhoniCSK2461248.2143.73/0
Suresh RainaCSK2058933.1139.54/0
Ruturaj GaikwadCSK1551238.6152.04/0
Travis HeadSRH942156.8198.13/1
Faf du PlessisCSK1840128.6131.52/0
Heinrich KlaasenSRH1037854.0185.33/0

All-Time Top Wicket-Takers: CSK vs SRH

PlayerTeamMatchesWicketsAvgEconomyBest
Dwayne BravoCSK182219.37.84/28
Bhuvneshwar KumarSRH202121.57.23/18
Rashid KhanSRH142015.85.43/12
Ravindra JadejaCSK191825.17.63/16
Matheesha PathiranaCSK81416.78.14/31
Pat CumminsSRH71122.48.93/24

Key Venues in the CSK vs SRH Story

The rivalry has been played out across some of Indian cricket’s most iconic and atmospheric venues. Here’s how the record stands at each major ground.

VenueCityMatchesCSK WinsSRH WinsNotable Match
MA Chidambaram StadiumChennai9722023 CSK 35-run win
Rajiv Gandhi Intl. StadiumHyderabad9452024 SRH 228/4 game
Wankhede StadiumMumbai3212018 IPL Final
Eden GardensKolkata2112022 classic
Dubai International StadiumDubai (UAE)2202020 COVID season
Narendra Modi StadiumAhmedabad2112023 Playoff race decider

The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is effectively a fortress for CSK — the Yellow Army’s home support creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in world cricket. SRH have rarely felt comfortable there.

CSK vs SRH in IPL 2026 — What to Expect

Cricket stadium at night IPL
IPL 2026 — the rivalry continues under the floodlights.
Cricket crowd cheering
Millions watch as CSK and SRH battle it out each season.

CSK 2026 Squad Overview

Under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy, CSK have entered the 2026 season with a squad built around youth and experience in equal measure. Matheesha Pathirana leads what is arguably CSK’s most potent bowling attack in years. Devon Conway provides solidity at the top, while the middle order features MS Dhoni’s continued presence in a finishing role despite being 44 years old — one of cricket’s most astonishing longevity stories.

RoleCSK PlayerSRH Player
CaptainRuturaj GaikwadPat Cummins
Power-Play BatterDevon ConwayTravis Head
Middle Order AnchorShivam DubeHeinrich Klaasen
FinisherMS DhoniNitish Kumar Reddy
Lead PacerMatheesha PathiranaPat Cummins
SpinnerRavindra JadejaShahbaz Ahmed

2026 Season Prediction

Both CSK and SRH enter the 2026 IPL season as genuine title contenders. CSK’s home record remains exceptional and their bowling depth — improved through the mini-auction — should serve them well in high-scoring matches. SRH’s batting depth, however, gives them the firepower to score 220+ on any given day. The two clashes in 2026 could very well determine the seedings for the playoff phase.

For real-time match updates, live scores, and in-depth analysis of every CSK vs SRH encounter in IPL 2026, visit ItsCricketTime.com and CricketPulseLive.com.

Records & Milestones in the CSK vs SRH Rivalry

RecordHolderDetailsSeason
Highest Individual ScoreShane Watson (CSK)117* off 57 balls — IPL 2018 Final2018
Fastest FiftyTravis Head (SRH)50 off 17 balls vs CSK2024
Best Bowling FiguresDwayne Bravo (CSK)4/28 in 4 overs2014
Most Sixes in One MatchHeinrich Klaasen (SRH)8 sixes in a single innings2024
Most Runs in RivalryDavid Warner (SRH)679 runs across all seasons2013–2022
Most Wickets in RivalryDwayne Bravo (CSK)22 wickets across all seasons2013–2022
Highest PartnershipWarner & Bairstow (SRH)185* opening stand vs CSK2019
Highest Team Total vs Each OtherSRH228/4 at Hyderabad2024
Lowest Team Total vs Each OtherCSK99/9 at Chennai2019
Closest FinishSRH won by 1 wicket off last ball — 2023 League Stage2023

Playoff & Knockout Meeting History

Beyond the regular season, CSK and SRH have crossed paths in the knockout stages on multiple occasions — and the stakes have never been higher.

YearStageResultMarginSignificance
2018 IPL Final CSK Won 8 wickets CSK’s 3rd IPL title. Watson’s legendary 117*. The greatest individual knockout performance in the rivalry.
2015 Qualifier 2 CSK Won 6 wickets CSK advanced to the Final against MI. SRH’s playoff debut ended here under Tom Moody’s coaching.
2019 Eliminator SRH Won 5 wickets SRH knocked out CSK in the Eliminator. David Warner’s 57 off 35 was the difference in a close game at Vizag.

The Masterminds Behind the Teams

Cricket matches are won and lost in the dressing room just as much as on the pitch. The coaches and support staff have played pivotal roles in shaping both teams’ approaches to each other.

AspectCSKSRH
Current Head CoachStephen Fleming (since 2008)Daniel Vettori
Owner/FranchiseIndia Cements / CSK Cricket Ltd.SunRisers (Kalanithi Maran Group)
Home GroundMA Chidambaram Stadium, ChennaiRajiv Gandhi Intl. Stadium, Hyderabad
Founded20082012 (reformed from Deccan Chargers)
IPL Titles5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)2 (2016, 2024)
Playoff Appearances14 out of 16 seasons7 out of 13 seasons
Primary StrategyExperience-led, batting depth, death bowlingPower-hitting openers, raw pace, aggressive middle order

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has won more matches between CSK and SRH? +
Chennai Super Kings lead the head-to-head record with 19 wins compared to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 15 wins from 34 total matches played between IPL 2013 and IPL 2026. CSK’s superior win percentage at home venues — particularly at MA Chidambaram Stadium — accounts for much of this advantage.
When did CSK and SRH meet in the IPL Final? +
CSK and SRH met in the IPL 2018 Final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. CSK won by 8 wickets. Shane Watson scored a breathtaking 117* off 57 balls to chase down SRH’s total of 178/6 with ease. It remains the defining match in the entire rivalry’s history and one of the greatest individual Final performances in IPL history.
What is the highest score recorded in a CSK vs SRH match? +
The highest team score between these two sides is 228/4, posted by Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen were the primary contributors, with Head scoring 76 off 39 balls. CSK fell agonisingly short in the chase, finishing at 222/4 — Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 98* in a losing cause.
Which player has scored the most runs in the CSK vs SRH rivalry? +
David Warner holds the record for the most runs scored by any individual in the CSK vs SRH rivalry. Warner accumulated 679 runs across his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad, including 5 fifties and 1 hundred. He has been the most destructive force SRH has deployed against Chennai in their head-to-head history.
Has MS Dhoni retired from IPL cricket? +
As of IPL 2026, MS Dhoni continues to play for Chennai Super Kings in a finisher/wicketkeeper role, though he stepped down as captain before the 2025 season, handing over the reigns to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni’s continued participation at age 44 is one of cricket’s most extraordinary longevity stories. For the latest on Dhoni’s status, visit ItsCricketTime.com.
Who has taken the most wickets in CSK vs SRH fixtures? +
Dwayne Bravo leads the wicket-takers chart in the rivalry with 22 wickets from 18 appearances for CSK. Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes second with 21 wickets from 20 appearances for SRH. Rashid Khan’s economy rate of 5.4 against CSK is the most impressive bowling record in the fixture, even if his wicket count doesn’t top the all-time list.
What makes the CSK vs SRH rivalry special compared to other IPL rivalries? +
The CSK vs SRH rivalry is uniquely defined by the philosophical contrast between the two teams. CSK represent experience, calmness, and cricketing intelligence — the Dhoni school of thought. SRH represent aggression, raw pace, and explosive batting — a franchise that relies on individual brilliance to overcome opponents. The clash of these philosophies, combined with playoff meetings and a Final, makes it one of IPL’s most compelling ongoing stories. For in-depth match previews, visit CricketPulseLive.com.
Who captains SRH in IPL 2026? +
Pat Cummins continues as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, having first taken the captaincy role during the 2024 season. Under his leadership, SRH developed a distinctive brand of attacking cricket that saw them reach the 2024 Final. Cummins contributes with both his pace bowling and tactical acumen.
Where can I watch CSK vs SRH live in 2026? +
IPL 2026 matches, including CSK vs SRH fixtures, are broadcast live on Star Sports networks and streamed via JioCinema in India. International broadcasting rights vary by region. For live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, and match analysis, visit ItsCricketTime.com and CricketPulseLive.com.
What are the best partnerships ever in CSK vs SRH matches? +
The greatest partnership in any CSK vs SRH encounter is David Warner and Jonny Bairstow’s 185* opening stand for SRH in IPL 2019. For CSK, the best partnership was Shane Watson and Suresh Raina’s 112-run stand in the 2018 IPL Final, which set up Watson’s historic century. In recent years, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway’s 134-run opening partnership in 2023 is among the finest CSK partnerships against SRH.

Conclusion

The Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline is one of the richest, most competitive storylines in IPL history. From SRH’s emergence as a genuine force in 2016 to the iconic 2018 Final, through Warner’s battles with Dhoni’s chess-like captaincy, to the modern era of Ruturaj vs Travis Head and Pathirana vs Klaasen — the rivalry has never stood still.

CSK’s five IPL titles and their unmatched consistency across 16 seasons tell one story. SRH’s record-breaking 2024 batting performances tell another. When these two sides meet in 2026, the full weight of this history walks out onto the field with them.

Both teams are built to win. Both have the players to produce extraordinary cricket. And both fanbases understand, deep down, that a CSK vs SRH clash is never just a cricket match — it is a statement of two very different philosophies competing for supremacy in the greatest cricket league on earth.

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Article for informational purposes. Statistics accurate through IPL 2026 season. © 2026 Cricket Content Network.

Live scores and match analysis: ItsCricketTime · CricketPulseLive

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