The rivalry between the Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad may not always grab the same headlines as MI vs CSK or RCB vs KKR, but over the years it has quietly become one of the IPL’s most fascinating matchups.

On one side stands Chennai Super Kings — the five-time IPL champions known for calm leadership, tactical brilliance, and consistency under pressure. On the other side is Sunrisers Hyderabad — a team built around aggressive batting, high-quality pace bowling, and fearless cricket.

Historically, CSK has dominated the rivalry, but SRH has steadily become more competitive in recent seasons. Their breakthrough victory at Chepauk in IPL 2025 and another strong win in IPL 2026 showed that Hyderabad is no longer intimidated by Chennai’s legacy.

In this detailed article, we explore the complete CSK vs SRH timeline, head-to-head records, biggest matches, top performers, playoff clashes, memorable moments, and key statistics through IPL 2026.

Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Head-to-Head Record

Despite CSK’s dominance overall, the rivalry has become more balanced in the last few seasons.

Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Overall Stats

Highest Team Totals

• CSK: 223/3 (2013)
• SRH: 194/9 (2026)

Lowest Team Totals

• CSK: 132/5 (2019)
• SRH: 134 all out (2024)

These numbers perfectly reflect the rivalry — both teams are capable of producing dominant performances or dramatic collapses.

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How the Rivalry Started

The rivalry officially began in IPL 2013 after Sunrisers Hyderabad replaced the now-defunct Deccan Chargers.

CSK immediately asserted dominance in the matchup.

In their very first meeting:

• Chennai posted a massive 223/3
• MS Dhoni finished the innings brilliantly
• CSK comfortably defeated SRH

That game set the tone for several years of Chennai dominance.

Season-by-Season Timeline: Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

IPL 2013 – Rivalry Begins

• CSK won both matches
• Chennai posted 223/3 in Hyderabad
• SRH struggled against CSK’s experienced batting lineup

Key Players

• MS Dhoni
• Suresh Raina
• Dwayne Bravo

IPL 2014 – SRH Fights Back

Sunrisers Hyderabad secured their first-ever victory against CSK.

Highlights

• SRH won one game
• CSK won the other by 5 wickets
• David Warner became a major threat for Chennai bowlers

IPL 2015 – Spin vs Power

Both teams split wins again.

Memorable Moment

CSK defeated SRH by 45 runs in Chennai as their spinners completely controlled the middle overs.

IPL 2018 – The Defining Season

The 2018 season remains the most important chapter in CSK vs SRH history.

CSK returned after a two-year suspension and completely dominated SRH throughout the season.

Results in 2018

• CSK won both league matches
• CSK won Qualifier 1
• CSK won the IPL Final

No team had previously defeated the same opponent four times in a single IPL season.

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2018 IPL Final – Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

The only IPL final between these teams took place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Match Summary

• SRH: 178/6
• CSK: 181/2

Hero of the Final

Shane Watson played one of the greatest IPL final innings ever:

• 117* off 57 balls
• 11 fours
• 8 sixes

Watson famously batted through injury, with blood reportedly dripping from his knee during the innings.

CSK won their third IPL title with an unforgettable performance.

IPL 2019–2021: Chennai’s Control Continues

IPL 2019

Both teams won one game each.

Key Highlight

SRH defeated CSK in Hyderabad in a low-scoring contest.

IPL 2020

Played in the UAE due to COVID-19.

Results

• SRH won by 7 runs in Dubai
• CSK responded with a 20-run victory

IPL 2021

CSK dominated again.

• Won both matches
• Eventually lifted the IPL trophy

Key Performers

• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Faf du Plessis

IPL 2022–2024: SRH Starts Closing the Gap

This phase made the rivalry far more competitive.

IPL 2022

• SRH won by 8 wickets
• CSK won the second match by 13 runs

IPL 2023

CSK won comfortably at Chepauk.

IPL 2024

Both teams won one game each.

Biggest Moment

CSK crushed SRH by 78 runs in Chennai.

Match Hero

Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed 98 off 54 balls.

SRH were bowled out for just 134.

IPL 2025 – SRH Creates History

The most emotional SRH victory in this rivalry came during IPL 2025.

Historic Win at Chepauk

For the first time ever:

• SRH defeated CSK in Chennai
• Broke a long-standing Chepauk curse

Match Highlights

• CSK: 154 all out
• Harshal Patel: 4/28
• Kamindu Mendis: unbeaten 32

Harshal Patel used slower deliveries brilliantly on the slow Chepauk pitch.

Meanwhile, Kamindu Mendis delivered a complete all-round performance.

This victory changed the psychological balance of the rivalry.

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IPL 2026 – SRH Continues Momentum

SRH followed up their 2025 breakthrough with another impressive win in Hyderabad.

Match Result

• SRH won by 10 runs
• Posted 194/9

Their aggressive batting lineup finally looked capable of consistently challenging CSK.

Top Run Scorers in Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Matches

Key Observations

• Raina dominated the middle overs
• Dhoni maintained a strike rate above 150
• Kane Williamson anchored several SRH innings

Top Wicket-Takers in CSK vs SRH Rivalry

Rashid Khan and T Natarajan often troubled CSK’s aggressive batters with spin and yorkers.

Most Memorable Individual Performances

Shane Watson – 117* (IPL 2018 Final)

One of the greatest innings in IPL history.

MS Dhoni – 67* (2013)

Finished the first-ever CSK vs SRH game with trademark calmness.

Ruturaj Gaikwad – 98 (2024)

Powered CSK to a massive 78-run victory.

Harshal Patel – 4/28 (2025)

Destroyed CSK’s batting lineup at Chepauk.

Why CSK vs SRH Rivalry Is Unique

Unlike many IPL rivalries built purely around star power, CSK vs SRH is a tactical battle.

CSK’s Identity

• Calm under pressure
• Strong finishing
• Tactical captaincy
• Experienced core

SRH’s Identity

• Aggressive batting
• Fast bowling strength
• Fearless approach
• Young Indian talent

This contrast in styles makes the rivalry highly entertaining.

Key Takeaways

Conclusion

The Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad rivalry has evolved from one-sided dominance into a genuinely competitive IPL matchup.

CSK still holds the historical edge with:

• More wins
• Greater playoff success
• An IPL final victory
• Stronger consistency over time

But SRH’s recent performances show the rivalry is changing.

Their historic victory at Chepauk in 2025 and another strong showing in 2026 proved they are now capable of challenging Chennai on any ground.

With young stars emerging for Hyderabad and CSK continuing to rebuild around a new generation, the future of this Southern IPL rivalry looks more exciting than ever.

FAQs – CSK vs SRH Rivalry

Q1. Who has won more matches between CSK and SRH?

Chennai Super Kings has dominated the rivalry with 15 wins, while Sunrisers Hyderabad has won 8 matches till IPL 2026.

Q2. When did CSK and SRH first play against each other?

CSK and SRH first faced each other in IPL 2013 after SRH replaced the Deccan Chargers franchise.

Q3. Which team won the CSK vs SRH IPL Final?

CSK defeated SRH in the 2018 IPL Final by 8 wickets, thanks to Shane Watson’s unbeaten 117 runs.

Q4. What is the highest team score in CSK vs SRH matches?

CSK holds the record for the highest total in this rivalry with 223/3 against SRH in IPL 2013.

Q5. Which SRH victory against CSK is considered the most historic?

SRH’s 5-wicket win at Chepauk in IPL 2025 is considered their most historic victory because it was their first-ever win against CSK in Chennai.