Top 10 Greatest Matches Between CSK and KKR in IPL History

CSK, riding on Suresh Raina's blistering 73 off 38 balls and Michael Hussey's composed 54, posted a daunting 190/3. In reply, KKR lost captain Gautam Gambhir in the first over to Ben Hilfenhaus[reference:4]. Then came the unexpected hero—Manvinder Bisla, playing only because of an injury to L Balaji, smashed 89 off 48 balls with 8 fours and 5 sixes[reference:5]. He shared a match‑defining 136‑run partnership with Jacques Kallis (69 off 49)[reference:6]. Kallis took the game deep before falling in the penultimate over, but Shakib Al Hasan and Manoj Tiwary held their nerves to seal a historic victory[reference:7]. KKR denied CSK a hat‑trick of titles and won their maiden IPL trophy[reference:8].

KKR were struggling at 89/5 after 10 overs when Andre Russell walked in at number seven[reference:9]. What followed was pure carnage. Russell smashed 88* off 36 balls—including 11 sixes, the lowest T20 score to have that many maximums[reference:10]. Dwayne Bravo conceded six sixes alone. KKR posted a formidable 202/6.

In reply, CSK lost early wickets but Sam Billings played the innings of his IPL career—56 off 23 balls with breathtaking strokeplay[reference:11]. Cameos from Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo ensured CSK crossed the line with a ball to spare, Jadeja finishing with a six off Vinay Kumar[reference:12]. Russell's heroics went in vain, but the match remains an all‑time classic.

Sent into bat, CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis put on a steady 50‑run stand[reference:13]. Du Plessis anchored the innings with a magnificent 86 off 59 balls, supported by Robin Uthappa's quickfire 31 and Moeen Ali's unbeaten 37, as CSK posted 192/3[reference:14].

Chasing 193, KKR got off to a rollicking start with Venkatesh Iyer (50) and Shubman Gill (51) adding 91 for the first wicket[reference:15]. At 88/0 at the halfway mark, KKR looked in control. But Shardul Thakur turned the game on its head, dismissing Iyer and Nitish Rana (duck) in the same over[reference:16]. The collapse continued as KKR slumped from 91/0 to 120/6, eventually finishing at 165/9. CSK won their fourth IPL title, with Dhoni's men executing a perfect death‑bowling performance.

Srikkanth Anirudha's composed 64 guided CSK to a modest 153/4, with Raina and Dhoni chipping in[reference:17]. KKR's spinners kept the batsmen in check throughout.

In reply, Jacques Kallis scored a fighting 54, while Bisla and Tiwary contributed 27 each[reference:18]. But KKR kept losing wickets at crucial junctures. With 9 runs needed off the final over, Tim Southee conceded just 6 as CSK pulled off a remarkable 2‑run win[reference:19]. This match exemplified CSK's ability to defend low totals at Chepauk through tactical brilliance and death bowling.

Chris Lynn played a stunning lone hand, smashing 82 off 51 balls with 7 fours and 6 sixes[reference:20]. But Imran Tahir turned the game with his career‑best IPL figures of 4/27[reference:21]. Tahir dismissed Nitish Rana, Robin Uthappa (first ball), and most crucially, he removed both Lynn and Andre Russell in the same over—the 15th—breaking KKR's spine[reference:22].

KKR managed only 161/8—the lowest total at Eden Gardens in IPL 2019. CSK's chase was anchored by Suresh Raina's unbeaten 58 off 42 balls, with Ravindra Jadeja providing the finishing flourish (31* off 17)[reference:23]. Tahir credited Dhoni's advice for his success: 'He encouraged me to go slower and attack instead of defending'[reference:24].

CSK posted an imposing 188/3, powered by Suresh Raina's brisk half‑century and MS Dhoni's late fireworks (40 off 28)[reference:25]. KKR, who had struggled throughout IPL 2009, produced one of their most spirited batting performances. Brendon McCullum (81 off 48) and Brad Hodge (71 off 44) put on a belligerent show, taking KKR to a last‑ball victory[reference:26].

This match remains significant as one of the few occasions where KKR successfully chased a 180+ target against CSK, and it came when CSK were the dominant force in the league.

Batting first, CSK unleashed mayhem on the KKR bowlers, smashing 235/4—the highest team total in the history of this rivalry[reference:27]. The innings featured contributions from multiple batsmen and highlighted CSK's evolution into an ultra‑aggressive batting unit.

KKR, in reply, managed 186/8, falling short by 49 runs. The match underlined CSK's ability to dominate even away from home and set a new benchmark for batting excellence in this fixture.

KKR batted first and could only manage 119 runs in their 20 overs on a turning Eden Gardens track[reference:28]. CSK's spinners—led by Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin—strangled the KKR batting lineup.

In reply, CSK also struggled against KKR's spin attack, losing wickets at regular intervals. The chase went down to the wire before CSK's lower order eked out a 4‑wicket victory. This match showcased the tactical battle between two of IPL's best spin‑heavy teams and remains a classic example of how low‑scoring games can produce immense drama.

KKR set a formidable 202‑run target, powered by aggressive batting[reference:29]. In response, CSK's top order—led by Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad—made light work of the chase, reaching the target with 4 balls to spare. The win demonstrated CSK's chasing prowess and foreshadowed their dominance in the 2021 final later that season.

KKR humbled CSK at their fortress Chepauk, restricting them to just 103/9—one of CSK's lowest totals ever[reference:30]. The KKR bowlers exploited the conditions perfectly, never allowing CSK's batsmen to settle.

In reply, KKR chased down the target in just 10.1 overs, winning by 8 wickets with 59 balls to spare. It was KKR's most comprehensive victory over CSK and marked the first time CSK lost both league matches of a season to KKR (KKR also won the return fixture at Eden Gardens in a close chase)[reference:31].