Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline

Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline: Cricket fans know that Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced some of the greatest rivalries in sport. None more so than Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) & Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which are notable not just for their fierce rivalry, but also the ups and downs both teams have had over the years. Their rivalry consists of 31 matches in total, with both teams playing in various seasons and venues, and has truly been a story of comebacks, domination, and unforgettable moments on the pitch. From the first IPL season to their most recent in 2025, their story is as follows:

Table of Contents

The Beginnings: 2008 to 2010

In 2008, the only thing that mattered in Delhi Capitals & CSK history was the stats of the first IPL season. In 2008, the two teams played against each other twice. In the first matchup, Delhi Daredevils (as they were called), won the game in a comfortable 8-wicket victory to kickstart their rendezvous at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. CSK returned the favour in their return leg at Arun Jaitley Stadium, with a comprehensive 4-Wicket victory.

The 2009 season played out in South Africa, which only intensified the rivalry. Delhi won the first leg by 9 runs in Durban before CSK leveled the contest with an 18-run victory at Johannesburg. In 2010 both teams continued to be evenly matched, taking home a win each. Delhi won in Chennai by 6 wickets while CSK won in Delhi by 5 wickets.

CSK Begins Its Domination: 2011 to 2015

CSK began to establish dominance over Delhi from 2011 to 2015. The 2011 contest in Chennai was an omen of things to come when CSK beat Delhi by 18 runs. In 2012, there were 3 encounters in total between the teams, and CSK won 2 of them with much aplomb. While Delhi won in the league stage at home with an emphatic 8-wicket victory, CSK countered that performance with a 9-wicket pummelling in Chennai and an even more emphatic 86-run victory in the 2nd Qualifier Final – one of Delhi’s heaviest defeats at the time.

The years 2013 and 2014 continued to add insult to injury for Delhi. In both seasons, Chennai won both matches against Delhi, including another 86-run defeat for Delhi in 2013, and a 93-run demolition of Delhi in Abu Dhabi in 2014. In all four of these matches, CSK played some dominant cricket both with bat and with ball.

In 2015, CSK beat Delhi in Chennai by just 1 run, but eventually Delhi broke their losing streak through the CSK juggernaut by beating CSK in Raipur by 6 wickets – just their second defeat of CSK since 2010.

A Transition and Resurgence: 2018-2020

After a short suspension on CSK, CSK returned to the IPL in 2018 and the rivalry was back in play. Both teams won a game against each other in the 2018 season. CSK emerged victorious in the 1st encounter by 13-runs on the road, but Delhi were able to oust CSK from the 2nd match at home through a 34-run win.

The 2019 IPL season swung strongly back towards CSK’s favour, winning all three matches including a dominant 80-run win in Chennai and 6 wickets in the 2nd Qualifier Final at Visakhapatnam to eliminate Delhi from title contention again.

Then came the 2020 season, a season that caused the Delhi resurgence to run hard. With new leadership and a new identity, the Delhi Capitals achieved a double on CSK winning both league matches by 44 runs in Dubai and 5 wickets in Sharjah. For the first time in history, Delhi both figuratively and literally had taken CSK both times in the season.

Delhi Ascendants and CSK Reacts: 2021

In 2021 it turned into a bit of a wild ride and we had some of the most electrifying moments in the history of the rivalry. Delhi beat Chennai twice in the league stage both at the Wankhede (7 wickets) and in Dubai (3 wickets). These were not just wins they established Delhi’s credibility as a legitimate title contender and CSK was now on the back foot forcing the Super Kings to find form.

However, it was at this stage that Chennai became Chennai. In the first Qualifier Final also in Dubai, CSK did CSK stuff and turned the tables on Delhi, beating them by 4 wickets. The win carried CSK straight to the final while Delhi was left to lament about missing another opportunity. What this highlighted was Chennai’s ability to remain calm under pressure and close out playoff-style games.

The Yo-Yo of Fortunes: 2022 to 2023

CSK had the upper hand again in the contested 2022 season, when they defeated Delhi in their only meeting at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai. The 91-run win afforded Delhi a reminder that while they had come a long way, CSK was still miles ahead.

Come 2023, and CSK beat Delhi again – in both contests – first by 27 runs at Chennai, and then again by a whopping 77 runs at Delhi. This was clearly a sign that CSK were able to work out the formula to limit the Delhi young, dynamic unit once again.

For Delhi, losing was doubly disappointing after showing signs of promise in the previous years. Not showing up, not being consistent and not being able to handle pressure took it’s toll, and true to form, CSK were methodical in taking advantage of such weaknesses.

The Turning Point: 2024 and 2025

As the CSK/Delhi rivalry stretched into the mid-2020s, Delhi Capitals seemed determined to reverse their recent reversal in fortunes. In the 2024 season, they met CSK at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. This was an unfamiliar ground, one which had previously caused Delhi regret, but this time they recorded an emotional and morale-boosting 20-run win.

Their renaissance did not stop there, and in 2025, the Delhi team defeated CSK again, at the fortress-like MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. A 25 run win on CSK’s home ground indicated that Delhi was not a “pushed over” team anymore. It was also the first time that Delhi had beaten CSK in back-to-back matches since 2020.

Overall Numbers and Trends

Between the times that the Delhi Capitals played the Chennai Super Kings in 31 matches from 2008 to 2025, it is clear to say that CSK has a better head to head win record over the Delhi franchise. CSK won 19 matches, while Delhi won 12 matches through all these matches.

When CSK had been in control over the rivalry, this was particularly apparent in playoff matches and at home in Chennai, where the Delhi franchise has tenuous success historically. However, things appear to be changing for Delhi. Delhi won their next matches in 2024 and 2025 with more confident players, and were not afraid to play high-pressure away matches after this long rivalry.

Key Events and Milestones

CSK’s 86-run playoff victory in 2012: A decisive defeat for Delhi and one of the highest margins of victory in the rivalry.
Delhi’s first season double in 2020: A benchmark moment that indicated a new chapter for the franchise.
CSK’s playoff redemption in 2021: A demonstration of championship mentality and the ability to flip games when it matters most.
Delhi’s away win in Chennai in 2025: Maybe, the most iconic win for Delhi, given that it indicated that Delhi could beat CSK on any ground.

The Evolving Rivalry

The rivalry between the Delhi Capitals and the Chennai Super Kings has been shaped by far more than numbers; it has reflected the developmental paths of both franchises. CSK has always been built around experience, consistency and strong leadership under MS Dhoni. They have been able to perform well under pressure. Delhi, however, moved from being a constant underachiever to becoming a serious contender with the introductions of youth and agility.

The disparity in each franchise’s approach makes every encounter unpredictable and captivating. CSK often had the upper hand interface time and had in-game strategies, while Delhi brings flair and a fearlessness to their games that can unsettle even the most experienced IPL teams.

Moving forward, this rivalry will keep evolving and changing. Every season, new stories come out, players rise to the occasion, and fans are gifted with national television-quality cricketing drama. While it may be a close finish, a playoff decider, or an unexpected blowout, a game between DC and CSK rarely disappoints.

In Conclusion

In its 17th year and counting, the rivalry of Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings has provided some interesting storytelling full of competition, progress and change. What began as a relatively equal contest quickly became a period of CSK dominance, followed by a period of resurgence and self-belief from Delhi. Today, it is one of the storied rivalries in IPL with moments to define seasons and careers.

As both teams continue to build their legacies, future match-ups will surely provide even more fireworks. Whether at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi or the cauldron of Chepauk, when Delhi meets Chennai it is always more than just a game; the competition is a battle for pride, legacy and supremacy.

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