Rivalry among Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) is the most talked about match during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Through the decades, the two franchises have provided the backdrop to play some of the exciting matches of T20 cricket. What makes this unique is not just the best players, but also the story and close matches in addition to the fact that these two teams have been dominant in the IPL from its beginning.
Head-to-Head Record
In the past, CSK and MI have played each other 39 times during the IPL and two times in the now defunct Champions League T20 (CLT20). No two IPL teams have played with each other this often. From these games, Mumbai holds the upper hand, with 22 victories.
Together, they’re among the top teams of the IPL. They’ve won the trophy 10 times over the course of 17 seasons and have won five titles in each. For most fans that are in the IPL without CSK or MI during the playoffs is insufficient. Incredibly, 2016, was the very first time in which neither reached within the top 4.
The Cities Behind the Teams
The rivalry is also indicative of the importance of cities that they both represent. Mumbai Mumbai, the capital of finance in India is the biggest city along the western coast as well as the capital city of Maharashtra the state that has one of the largest GDPs in India. On the other hand, Chennai is the largest city on the east coast and is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, another state with one of the top GDPs.
Both cities have huge fans of cricket which is reflected by the support teams receive. When CSK and MI play each other the stadiums are packed and social media is abuzz with excitement.
Top Run Scorers in the Rivalry
In the past, a number of stars have made a name for themselves in this contest. Rohit Sharma who is the captain of MI is the top player in these matches at 913 runs across 31 innings with the century. As for CSK, Suresh Raina holds the record, scoring 736 runs over the 32-innings.
These numbers are indicative of the regularity of both players, who frequently scored large in high-pressure games.
The Story of the Rivalry
2008-2009: The Early Sparks
The rivalry started in the very first game of. In their first ever meeting in Chepauk back in the year 2008 CSK posted a staggering score in the form of the 208/5. Matthew Hayden blasted 81 off just 46 balls. Suresh Raina hit 53 runs, as did skipper MS Dhoni scored a speedy 30-off 16.
Mumbai put up a decent pursuit, however, despite their contributions throughout their batting order they were unable to find a match-winning innings. They needed 19 in the final over, but were unable to get there, putting up just 12. CSK defeated CSK with six runs and the fire was on.
The Finals Showdowns
The rivalry was made famous because of the many matches between these two teams during the finals of the IPL. They’ve clashed in four finals (2010 2013, 2015 and 2019, among others).).
2010 Final
It was a momentous occasion for both teams. Mumbai was in their very first IPL final, whereas CSK were advancing to their second. The first team to bat was CSK scored 168/5, led by Suresh Raina’s dazzling 57 off 35 balls. Their spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Muttiah Muralitharan were outstanding in allowing just 41 runs in 8 overs. CSK won by 22 runs, winning their first IPL title.
2013 Final
CSK reached the final following defeating MI at the qualifier in which Michael Hussey (86*) and Raina (82*) took the team into an unbeatable 192/1. But in the final, the game changed. Mumbai scored the score of 148/9 CSK’s batting slowed down to 39/6. Dhoni fought with an unbeaten half-century however it wasn’t enough. MI came out on top the match by 23 runs taking home the the first IPL title.
2015 Final
The rivalry was at a new stage. The third time that these two sides faced one another during the match. Rohit Sharma was the leader from the front, scoring an unbeaten fifty, leading MI in winning by 41 runs. This gave Mumbai their second IPL title. The match was held in front of more than 67,000 people, showing how massive the rivalry has become.
2019 Final
The most dramatic final match between the two was played in the year 2019. Mumbai set a goal that was the equivalent of 149 run in the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. CSK got close with Shane Watson’s spirited score of 80 from 59 balls (with eight fours and four sixes). However, they missed by only just one few runs, being a mere 148/7.
With this victory, Mumbai won its 4th IPL trophy, becoming the most successful franchise of the year. In the four finals they played, MI won three (2013, 2015, and 2019) while CSK was the winner (2010).
Why This Rivalry Matters
The CSK against MI rivalry goes beyond simple numbers. It’s about emotion, loyalty, fans, and the risk of winning every time they take on each other. Both teams have top captains – MS Dhoni for CSK and Rohit Sharma for MI — as well as numerous match-winning players who are able to thrive under pressure.
Every time they meet one with the other, the entire cricketing world is glued to the screen. It doesn’t matter if it’s a league match or a final match, it never fails to create tension.
Both teams are tied at 5 IPL titles, the rivalry remains active and alive. As new players enter the scene and legends die but one thing is for sure that CSK against MI will be forever the most intense match in the IPL.
Head-to-Head Fixtures
| Team 1 | Team 2 | Winner | Margin | Ground | Date |
| MI | CSK | MI | 9 wickets | Wankhede | Apr 20, 2025 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 4 wickets | Chennai | Mar 23, 2025 |
| MI | CSK | CSK | 20 runs | Wankhede | Apr 14, 2024 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 6 wickets | Chennai | May 6, 2023 |
| MI | CSK | CSK | 7 wickets | Wankhede | Apr 8, 2023 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 5 wickets | Wankhede | May 12, 2022 |
| MI | CSK | CSK | 3 wickets | DY Patil | Apr 21, 2022 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 20 runs | Dubai (DICS) | Sep 19, 2021 |
| MI | CSK | MI | 4 wickets | Delhi | May 1, 2021 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 10 wickets | Sharjah | Oct 23, 2020 |
| MI | CSK | CSK | 5 wickets | Abu Dhabi | Sep 19, 2020 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 1 run | Hyderabad | May 12, 2019 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 6 wickets | Chennai | May 7, 2019 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 46 runs | Chennai | Apr 26, 2019 |
| MI | CSK | MI | 37 runs | Wankhede | Apr 3, 2019 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 8 wickets | Pune | Apr 28, 2018 |
| MI | CSK | CSK | 1 wicket | Wankhede | Apr 7, 2018 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 41 runs | Eden Gardens | May 24, 2015 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 25 runs | Wankhede | May 19, 2015 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 6 wickets | Chennai | May 8, 2015 |
| MI | CSK | CSK | 6 wickets | Wankhede | Apr 17, 2015 |
| MI | CSK | CSK | 7 wickets | Brabourne | May 28, 2014 |
| MI | CSK | CSK | 4 wickets | Wankhede | May 10, 2014 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 7 wickets | Dubai (DICS) | Apr 25, 2014 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 23 runs | Eden Gardens | May 26, 2013 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 48 runs | Delhi | May 21, 2013 |
| MI | CSK | MI | 60 runs | Wankhede | May 5, 2013 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 9 runs | Chennai | Apr 6, 2013 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 6 runs | Johannesburg | Oct 20, 2012 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 38 runs | Bengaluru | May 23, 2012 |
| MI | CSK | MI | 2 wickets | Wankhede | May 6, 2012 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 8 wickets | Chennai | Apr 4, 2012 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 3 wickets | Chennai | Sep 24, 2011 |
| MI | CSK | MI | 8 runs | Wankhede | Apr 22, 2011 |
| MI | CSK | CSK | 22 runs | DY Patil | Apr 25, 2010 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 24 runs | Chennai | Apr 6, 2010 |
| MI | CSK | MI | 5 wickets | Brabourne | Mar 25, 2010 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 7 wickets | Gqeberha | May 16, 2009 |
| CSK | MI | MI | 19 runs | Cape Town | Apr 18, 2009 |
| MI | CSK | MI | 9 wickets | Wankhede | May 14, 2008 |
| CSK | MI | CSK | 6 runs | Chennai | Apr 23, 2008 |
Conclusion:
The CSK–MI rivalry has become the core of the IPL, mixing exciting cricket with the pride of two giant cities. From edge-of-the-seat finishes to iconic finals, their fights have made history in the league. With each team winning five titles, the rivalry is as even as it is intense. Fans from all over India look forward to each battle, aware that it will provide high drama and moments to cherish. Whether it’s Dhoni’s calm leadership or Rohit’s sharp captaincy, this duel brings out the best in players. Simply put, CSK vs MI is cricket’s greatest spectacle in the IPL.
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