The Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings timeline is one of the longest-running matchups in Indian Premier League history. The rivalry began in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, when Punjab played under the name Kings XI Punjab, and it has continued through the franchise’s later rebranding as Punjab Kings.
Over the years, CSK and PBKS have produced everything an IPL rivalry needs: huge totals, dramatic chases, brilliant individual performances, close finishes and even a tied match decided by a Super Over. From Michael Hussey’s unbeaten 116 in the first meeting to Virender Sehwag’s 122 in the 2014 Qualifier 2 and the high-scoring battles of recent seasons, this fixture has regularly delivered memorable cricket.
As of the latest meeting on April 3, 2026, the teams have played 33 IPL matches. A statistical archive records 16 CSK wins, 16 PBKS wins and one tie, while conventional head-to-head listings count the 2010 Super Over result as a Punjab win, giving PBKS a 17-16 advantage. The archive also notes two cancelled matches.
Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings Timeline: At a Glance
| Category | Chennai Super Kings | Punjab Kings |
| Total meetings through Apr. 3, 2026 | 33 | 33 |
| Wins in regulation/head-to-head archive | 16 | 16 |
| Tied matches | 1 | 1 |
| Conventional wins including Super Over | 16 | 17 |
| Highest team total | 240/5 | 219/6 |
| Lowest team total | 107/4 | 92/8 |
| Highest individual score | Michael Hussey 116* | Virender Sehwag 122 |
| Best bowling figures | Lakshmipathy Balaji 5/24 | Parvinder Awana 4/30 |
The statistical record can look slightly different across databases because the 2010 match ended in a tie before Punjab won the one-over eliminator. The Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians records the match separately as a tie, whereas many head-to-head tables count it as a PBKS/Kings XI Punjab victory.
CSK vs PBKS First Match
The first-ever Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings match took place on April 19, 2008, at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali.
It immediately set the tone for the rivalry.
CSK batted first and produced a massive 240/5, one of the biggest totals of the inaugural IPL season. Michael Hussey was the star, smashing an unbeaten 116 from 54 balls, including eight fours and nine sixes. He received the Player of the Match award.
Punjab’s response was aggressive but ultimately fell short. James Hopes made 71 from 33 balls and Kumar Sangakkara scored 54, but Kings XI Punjab finished on 207/4, giving CSK a 33-run victory.
The second meeting of 2008 was another CSK win. At Chepauk on May 10, Chennai scored 181/4 before Punjab reached 163/9. Lakshmipathy Balaji took 5/24, while S. Badrinath scored 64 and MS Dhoni added an unbeaten 60.
CSK therefore won both meetings in the first season.
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Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings Timeline: Year-by-Year
CSK vs PBKS in 2008
The rivalry began with Chennai holding a clear advantage.
April 19, 2008 — Mohali: CSK defeated Kings XI Punjab by 33 runs. Chennai’s 240/5 remains their highest total against Punjab, with Michael Hussey’s unbeaten 116 being the defining performance.
May 10, 2008 — Chennai: CSK won by 18 runs. Balaji’s five-wicket haul was the highlight as Punjab were restricted to 163/9.
Season record: CSK 2-0 KXIP.
CSK vs PBKS in 2009
The second IPL season was played in South Africa, and the two teams met twice.
On May 7, Chennai defeated Kings XI Punjab by 12 runs in Centurion. Matthew Hayden’s 89 helped CSK post a competitive total.
The second meeting came on May 20 at Kingsmead, Durban. It was a completely different type of contest from the high-scoring matches of 2008. CSK managed only 116/9, but Punjab could reach just 92/8. Muttiah Muralitharan was named Player of the Match after taking 2/8, while R. Ashwin also took two wickets.
Season record: CSK 2-0 KXIP.
CSK vs PBKS in 2010
The 2010 meeting at Chepauk became one of the most unusual matches in the history of this rivalry.
On March 21, both sides finished on 136. Punjab scored 136/8, while Chennai finished on 136/7. The match went into the first Super Over of the IPL era, and Kings XI Punjab won the eliminator.
It was officially a tied match before the Super Over decided the winner. This is why some statistical databases list the overall rivalry as 16-16 plus one tie, while conventional head-to-head records count the Super Over as a Punjab victory.
CSK won the other 2010 meeting by six wickets.
Season record: one CSK win and one tied match, with KXIP winning the Super Over.
CSK vs PBKS in 2011
Punjab produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2011 season when Paul Valthaty destroyed the CSK bowling attack.
At Mohali on April 13, Chennai posted 188/4, with Murali Vijay scoring 74 and S. Badrinath making 66*. Punjab then chased the target with four wickets remaining. Valthaty produced an extraordinary unbeaten 120 from 63 balls, becoming the central figure in a memorable six-wicket victory.
It was an important moment because Punjab showed that CSK’s experienced bowling attack could be attacked successfully.
Season record: KXIP won the meeting.
CSK vs PBKS in 2012
Punjab won both meetings in 2012.
The first came at Chennai on April 28, when Kings XI Punjab defeated CSK by 7 runs. Mandeep Singh’s 56 was crucial to the victory.
The second meeting took place at Dharamsala on May 17. Punjab won again, this time by 6 wickets, with Adam Gilchrist finishing unbeaten on 64.
The season marked a significant shift from CSK’s dominance in the early years.
Season record: KXIP 2-0 CSK.
CSK vs PBKS in 2013
Chennai returned to winning ways in 2013.
CSK won both league meetings, including a dominant 10-wicket victory in one encounter. Suresh Raina was among the major contributors during this phase of the rivalry.
The season was also important for Raina’s long-term record against Punjab. He eventually became the highest run-scorer in CSK-PBKS meetings, with 719 runs.
Season record: CSK 2-0 KXIP.
CSK vs PBKS in 2014
The 2014 season produced some of the most memorable games in the entire CSK vs PBKS timeline.
Punjab defeated Chennai three times during the season. One of those victories came in a spectacular league match in Cuttack, where KXIP posted 231/4. Another came in the Qualifier 2 at Wankhede Stadium.
The knockout match was especially significant. Kings XI Punjab scored 226/6, powered by Virender Sehwag’s stunning 122 from 58 balls. Chennai fought back through Suresh Raina, who blasted 87 from only 25 balls, but CSK eventually finished on 202/7 and lost by 24 runs.
The victory sent Punjab into their first IPL final.
Season record: KXIP 3-0 CSK.
CSK vs PBKS in 2015
Chennai dominated the rivalry in 2015.
CSK won both league meetings. The most emphatic victory came when Chennai defeated Kings XI Punjab by 97 runs, one of the largest winning margins in the fixture.
The second meeting ended with another CSK victory, this time by seven wickets.
Season record: CSK 2-0 KXIP.
CSK vs PBKS in 2016–2017
There were no CSK vs Kings XI Punjab matches during the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons because Chennai Super Kings were suspended from the competition.
Kings XI Punjab continued to compete during these two seasons, but the direct rivalry was temporarily paused.
The two-year gap eventually made the 2018 meeting more significant because it represented the return of CSK to the IPL.
CSK vs PBKS in 2018
CSK returned to the IPL in 2018 and immediately resumed their rivalry with Kings XI Punjab.
Punjab won the first meeting by 4 runs, producing another close contest between the sides. Chennai responded in the reverse fixture with a 5-wicket victory.
The 2018 season therefore ended level at 1-1.
CSK vs PBKS in 2019
The two teams again split their meetings in 2019.
CSK won the first match by 22 runs, but Kings XI Punjab responded later in the season with a six-wicket victory at Mohali.
The rivalry was becoming increasingly competitive, with neither team maintaining the kind of sustained dominance seen during the early IPL years.
CSK vs PBKS in 2020
The 2020 IPL season was played in the UAE, and Chennai dominated both encounters.
On October 4, CSK chased down Punjab’s 178/4 with an unbeaten 181/0, winning by 10 wickets.
The reverse fixture on November 1 was another CSK victory. Chennai scored 154/1 while Punjab managed 153/6, giving CSK a nine-wicket win.
These two matches remain among the most comfortable CSK victories in the modern phase of the rivalry.
Season record: CSK 2-0 KXIP.
CSK vs PBKS in 2021
The 2021 season produced another split.
CSK won the April meeting by 6 wickets after Punjab were restricted to 106/8. Deepak Chahar played a major role with the ball.
Punjab responded in the second half of the season, defeating CSK by six wickets in Dubai. Chennai scored 134/6, while Punjab chased it down with five balls to spare.
Season record: 1-1.
CSK vs PBKS in 2022
Punjab Kings dominated both matches in 2022.
The first meeting at Brabourne Stadium was one of PBKS’s biggest wins over Chennai. Punjab posted 180/8, then dismissed CSK for just 126, winning by 54 runs.
In the second meeting at Wankhede, Punjab again came out on top. They scored 187/4 and restricted Chennai to 176/6, winning by 11 runs.
Season record: PBKS 2-0 CSK.
CSK vs PBKS in 2023
The 2023 meeting was another thriller.
Chennai scored a huge 200/4 at Chepauk, but Punjab chased down the target by reaching 201/6, winning by four wickets. The match demonstrated how much the rivalry had changed: Punjab were no longer simply trying to compete with CSK; they were successfully chasing huge totals against them.
CSK vs PBKS in 2024
The two teams played twice, splitting the results.
On May 1 at Chepauk, Punjab Kings chased CSK’s 162/7 and won by 7 wickets.
Four days later at Dharamsala, Chennai responded emphatically. CSK scored 167/9 and restricted Punjab to 139/9, winning by 28 runs.
Season record: 1-1.
CSK vs PBKS in 2025
Punjab Kings won both meetings in 2025.
The first match took place on April 8 in New Chandigarh. CSK scored 201/5, but Punjab chased the target by reaching 219/6, winning by 18 runs. Priyansh Arya’s century was one of the standout moments of the match.
The second meeting came on April 30 at Chepauk. Chennai made 190/10, but Punjab reached 194/6 with two balls remaining. Shreyas Iyer was named Player of the Match after scoring 72 from 41 balls.
Season record: PBKS 2-0 CSK.
CSK vs PBKS in 2026
The latest meeting in the timeline took place on April 3, 2026, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Punjab Kings again won a high-scoring contest. CSK scored 209/5 in 20 overs, but PBKS chased the target with a score of 210/5 in 18.4 overs, winning by five wickets. Priyansh Arya was named Player of the Match.
The result extended Punjab’s recent advantage in the fixture and made the overall rivalry even more closely contested.
CSK vs PBKS Season-Wise Match Results
| Season | Result |
| 2008 | CSK won both matches |
| 2009 | CSK won both matches |
| 2010 | CSK won one; one match tied and KXIP won Super Over |
| 2011 | KXIP won |
| 2012 | KXIP won both |
| 2013 | CSK won both |
| 2014 | KXIP won all three |
| 2015 | CSK won both |
| 2016 | No meeting — CSK suspended |
| 2017 | No meeting — CSK suspended |
| 2018 | CSK and KXIP won one each |
| 2019 | CSK and KXIP won one each |
| 2020 | CSK won both |
| 2021 | CSK and PBKS won one each |
| 2022 | PBKS won both |
| 2023 | PBKS won |
| 2024 | CSK and PBKS won one each |
| 2025 | PBKS won both |
| 2026 | PBKS won |
The season-by-season result pattern shows two very different phases. CSK controlled much of the rivalry during the early IPL years, while Punjab has enjoyed considerably more success in recent seasons.
CSK vs PBKS Biggest Wins
Biggest CSK Victory
CSK’s biggest victory over Punjab came in 2015, when Chennai defeated Kings XI Punjab by 97 runs.
It remains one of the most significant one-sided results in the rivalry.
Biggest PBKS Victory
Punjab Kings’ biggest victory over Chennai came in 2022, when PBKS won by 54 runs. Punjab scored 180/8 and bowled Chennai out for 126.
Biggest Margin by Runs
| Team | Biggest Win |
| CSK | 97 runs |
| PBKS | 54 runs |
CSK vs PBKS Highest Team Scores
CSK’s highest score against Punjab is 240/5, made in the very first meeting in 2008. Michael Hussey’s 116* powered Chennai to the enormous total.
Punjab’s highest score against CSK is 231/4, made by Kings XI Punjab in 2014. The team also scored 226/6 against Chennai in the Qualifier 2 later that season. More recently, PBKS made 219/6 in 2025, while successfully chasing 202.
| Team | Highest Score | Season |
| Chennai Super Kings | 240/5 | 2008 |
| Punjab Kings/Kings XI Punjab | 231/4 | 2014 |
| Punjab Kings | 219/6 | 2025 |
CSK vs PBKS Lowest Team Scores
Punjab’s lowest score against CSK is 92/8, recorded during the low-scoring 2009 match at Durban. Chennai defended 116/9 successfully, with Muralitharan and Ashwin playing key roles.
CSK’s lowest total in the rivalry is 107/4, recorded in the 2021 meeting, although Chennai successfully chased Punjab’s 106/8 and won the match by six wickets.
The 2022 match produced another major CSK collapse, with Chennai bowled out for 126 in a 54-run Punjab victory.
CSK vs PBKS Top Run Scorers
The individual batting records are heavily influenced by players from the early and middle years of the rivalry.
Suresh Raina remains the leading run-scorer in CSK vs PBKS matches with 719 runs. MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis also feature prominently on the CSK side, while KL Rahul is the leading Punjab batter in the overall rivalry with 365 runs.
| Player | Team | Runs |
| Suresh Raina | CSK | 719 |
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 637* |
| Faf du Plessis | CSK | 593 |
| KL Rahul | KXIP/PBKS | 365 |
| Shaun Marsh | KXIP | 296 |
*MS Dhoni’s listed total varies slightly among statistical databases because of differences in database updates and match classification.
CSK vs PBKS Leading Wicket-Takers
The bowling rivalry has also been dominated by Chennai’s experienced spinners and all-rounders.
Ravichandran Ashwin has taken 20 wickets against Punjab according to the latest available statistical listings, while Dwayne Bravo has also been among the leading wicket-takers. Ravindra Jadeja is another major contributor.
| Player | Team | Wickets |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | CSK/KXIP | 20 |
| Dwayne Bravo | CSK | 18 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | 17* |
| Albie Morkel | CSK | 12 |
| Shardul Thakur | CSK | 12 |
*Figures can vary slightly between databases depending on how franchise/team classifications are handled.
For Punjab, Parvinder Awana was particularly effective during the franchise’s earlier years, while more recent bowling records include players such as Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Most Memorable CSK vs PBKS Matches
2008: Hussey’s 116* on Opening Day
The first meeting remains one of the most iconic games because CSK immediately produced a 240-run total. Hussey’s unbeaten 116 was a statement performance in the inaugural IPL.
2008: Balaji’s Five-Wicket Haul
The return fixture produced a completely different contest. Balaji took 5/24 as Chennai successfully defended 181.
2010: The Super Over Thriller
The teams finished level at 136 before Punjab won the one-over eliminator. It remains the only tied result in the rivalry’s statistical record.
2011: Valthaty’s 120*
Paul Valthaty’s unbeaten 120 from 63 balls remains one of Punjab’s most memorable individual performances against CSK. He successfully chased a target of 189 almost single-handedly.
2014: Sehwag’s 122
The 2014 Qualifier 2 is arguably the most important knockout game in CSK-PBKS history. Sehwag smashed 122 from 58 balls as Punjab posted 226/6 and eliminated Chennai despite Raina’s extraordinary 87 from 25 balls.
2023: Punjab Chase 201
Punjab chased CSK’s 200/4 at Chepauk, reaching 201/6 to win by four wickets. It remains a strong example of PBKS’s improved ability to chase large targets against Chennai.
2025: Priyansh Arya’s Century
Punjab’s 2025 win at New Chandigarh was another major chapter. PBKS scored 219/6 after CSK had made 201/5, with Priyansh Arya’s century playing a major role in the successful chase.
MS Dhoni vs Punjab Kings
MS Dhoni has been one of the defining figures in the CSK vs PBKS rivalry.
He was already a major contributor in the second meeting of the inaugural season, scoring an unbeaten 60 from 43 balls in Chennai’s 181/4.
Over the years, Dhoni’s importance against Punjab has extended beyond batting. His captaincy has been central to several CSK victories, particularly during the franchise’s dominant years.
Dhoni is also among the leading run-scorers in this matchup, although Suresh Raina remains clearly ahead at the top of the historical chart. Recent statistical listings place Dhoni among the top three CSK run-scorers against Punjab.
CSK vs PBKS Key Players Over the Years
The rivalry has featured several generations of IPL stars.
- For Chennai Super Kings, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Michael Hussey, Faf du Plessis, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Dwayne Bravo, Murali Vijay and Ruturaj Gaikwad have all played important roles at different stages.
- For Punjab/Kings XI Punjab, Virender Sehwag, KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Shaun Marsh, Paul Valthaty, Adam Gilchrist, David Miller, Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan have contributed memorable performances.
More recent matches have introduced another generation, including Priyansh Arya and other young Punjab batters who have challenged the experienced CSK attack.
CSK vs PBKS Playoff & Knockout Encounters
The most important knockout meeting between the two franchises came in the 2014 Qualifier 2.
Punjab had enjoyed an outstanding league campaign and reached the Qualifier 2 against Chennai at Wankhede Stadium. Sehwag produced a sensational 122 from 58 balls as KXIP scored 226/6. CSK’s chase briefly looked possible because Raina smashed 87 from only 25 deliveries, but Punjab held their nerve and won by 24 runs.
The result sent Kings XI Punjab into their first IPL final. They eventually lost the final to Kolkata Knight Riders by three wickets, but the 2014 campaign remains one of the most successful seasons in the franchise’s history.
CSK vs PBKS Rivalry Statistics
| Statistic | Record |
| First meeting | April 19, 2008 |
| Latest meeting | April 3, 2026 |
| Total matches | 33 |
| CSK wins | 16 |
| PBKS wins | 16 |
| Ties | 1 |
| CSK highest total | 240/5 |
| PBKS highest total | 231/4 |
| CSK lowest total | 107/4 |
| PBKS lowest total | 92/8 |
| Highest individual score | Virender Sehwag, 122 |
| CSK highest individual score | Michael Hussey, 116* |
| CSK best bowling | Lakshmipathy Balaji, 5/24 |
| PBKS best bowling | Parvinder Awana, 4/30 |
| CSK leading run-scorer | Suresh Raina, 719 |
| PBKS leading run-scorer | KL Rahul, 365 |
| Leading wicket-taker | Ravichandran Ashwin, 20 |
The historical archive confirms 33 meetings through April 3, 2026, with 16 wins apiece and one tie when the 2010 Super Over match is classified separately.
CSK vs PBKS Timeline: Key Turning Points
The rivalry can broadly be divided into several phases.
2008-2010: CSK’s early advantage
Chennai won most of the early meetings and established itself as the stronger franchise in the fixture.
2011-2012: Punjab’s response
The Valthaty-inspired win in 2011 and two victories in 2012 showed that Punjab could challenge CSK consistently.
2013-2015: Alternating dominance
CSK returned to control in 2013 and 2015, while Punjab had its best overall season against Chennai in 2014, winning all three meetings and eliminating CSK in Qualifier 2.
2016-2017: Rivalry interrupted
CSK’s suspension meant there were no direct matches for two seasons.
2018-2021: Competitive middle period
The teams frequently exchanged victories. CSK dominated the 2020 UAE meetings, while Punjab won important matches in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
2022-2026: PBKS gains the upper hand
Punjab’s two wins in 2022, followed by victories in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, changed the recent balance of the rivalry. The latest results show that PBKS has become a particularly difficult opponent for Chennai.
CSK vs PBKS Recent Form
The recent head-to-head record strongly favors Punjab.
The last eight completed meetings before and including the April 3, 2026 match show Punjab winning most of the contests. PBKS won both games in 2025, one of two in 2024, the 2023 meeting, both matches in 2022 and the latest 2026 encounter. CSK’s recent wins include the 2024 Dharamsala match and the 2021 meeting.
| Season | Recent Result |
| 2022 | PBKS won both |
| 2023 | PBKS won |
| 2024 | CSK and PBKS won one each |
| 2025 | PBKS won both |
| 2026 | PBKS won |
This is a significant change from the early years when Chennai regularly dominated the matchup.
Conclusion
The Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings timeline has evolved from an early CSK-dominated matchup into one of the more unpredictable rivalries in the IPL. The first chapter belonged firmly to Chennai, with CSK winning the first four meetings across the opening two seasons. Punjab gradually found ways to challenge them, producing memorable victories through players such as Paul Valthaty, Virender Sehwag and KL Rahul.
The 2014 Qualifier 2 remains a defining chapter, with Sehwag’s 122 sending Punjab into their first IPL final despite Raina’s explosive 87. The 2020 season briefly saw Chennai return to complete dominance, but the balance shifted again from 2021 onward.
In the modern phase, Punjab Kings have enjoyed the stronger run. Their victories in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 have transformed the recent head-to-head picture. The latest meeting on April 3, 2026, continued that trend as PBKS chased CSK’s 209/5 to win by five wickets.
What makes the CSK vs PBKS rivalry particularly interesting is that its history contains almost every type of IPL contest: massive totals, low-scoring thrillers, successful run chases, bowling masterclasses, Super Overs and knockout drama. With the overall historical record still remarkably close, every future meeting has the potential to add another memorable chapter to the Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings timeline.
FAQs
1.When did Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings first play each other?
CSK and Punjab’s predecessor Kings XI Punjab first met on April 19, 2008, in Mohali during the inaugural IPL season. CSK won by 33 runs after scoring 240/5.
2.Who has won more matches between CSK and PBKS?
The answer depends on how the 2010 Super Over is classified. The statistical archive records 16 wins each and one tie, while conventional IPL head-to-head listings count Punjab’s Super Over victory as a win, giving PBKS a 17-16 advantage.
3.What is the highest score in CSK vs PBKS history?
CSK’s highest score is 240/5, made in Mohali in 2008. Punjab’s highest is 231/4, made in 2014.
4.What is the biggest CSK win over PBKS?
CSK’s biggest victory came in 2015 when they defeated Kings XI Punjab by 97 runs.
5.What is the biggest PBKS win over CSK?
Punjab’s biggest victory came in 2022, when they defeated Chennai by 54 runs after scoring 180/8.
6.Who has scored the most runs in CSK vs PBKS matches?
Suresh Raina is the leading run-scorer in the rivalry with 719 runs. MS Dhoni and Faf du Plessis are also among the leading CSK batters.
7.Who has taken the most wickets in CSK vs PBKS matches?
Recent statistical records list Ravichandran Ashwin as the leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets, followed by Dwayne Bravo with 18.
8.What was the most memorable CSK vs PBKS match?
Several matches could claim that title. The 2010 Super Over thriller, the 2011 Paul Valthaty 120*, the 2014 Qualifier 2 featuring Sehwag’s 122 and Raina’s 87 from 25 balls, and the 2023 chase of 201 are among the strongest candidates.
9.How many times have CSK and PBKS played each other in the IPL?
They have played 33 matches through April 3, 2026. The historical statistical archive records 16 CSK wins, 16 PBKS wins and one tie, while noting two cancelled matches.
