Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings is the biggest rivalry in the IPL. It is the clash of the two most successful franchises in the tournament’s history, two teams that have lifted the trophy five times each, met in four finals, and faced each other more often than any other pair of teams. Every season, the build-up to an MI vs CSK match feels like a final in itself.
This article breaks down the complete head-to-head record between the two sides — every verified number, the finals, the biggest wins, the individual records, and the moments that built this rivalry.
| Stat | MI | CSK |
|---|---|---|
| Total IPL matches played | 41 (2008–2026) | |
| Matches won | 21 | 20 |
| No results | 0 | |
| Head-to-head win % | 51.2% | 48.8% |
| IPL finals won against each other | 3 | 1 |
| Total IPL titles | 5 | 5 |
| First ever meeting | 24 April 2008 — CSK won by 6 runs | |
| Most recent meeting | 2 May 2026 — CSK won by 8 wickets | |
The overall head-to-head record
The numbers tell you everything about how evenly matched this rivalry has been. Across 41 IPL meetings between 2008 and 2026, Mumbai Indians lead by the narrowest possible margin — 21 wins to Chennai’s 20, with no matches ending without a result. No other fixture in the IPL has produced this many games or such a knife-edge scoreline.
The rivalry began in the very first season of the league. On 24 April 2008, Chennai won the inaugural clash by 6 runs, setting the tone for a contest that would define the tournament for nearly two decades. The most recent meeting, on 2 May 2026, went Chennai’s way too — an 8-wicket win that extended their current winning streak against Mumbai to two games.
MI vs CSK in IPL finals and playoffs
What truly sets this rivalry apart is how often it has been decided on the biggest stages. The two teams have met in four IPL finals — more than any other pair — and nine knockout matches overall.
| Date | Stage | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Apr 2010 | Final | CSK won by 22 runs | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
| 23 May 2012 | Eliminator | CSK won by 38 runs | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| 21 May 2013 | Qualifier 1 | CSK won by 48 runs | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| 26 May 2013 | Final | MI won by 23 runs | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| 28 May 2014 | Eliminator | CSK won by 7 wickets | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai |
| 19 May 2015 | Qualifier 1 | MI won by 25 runs | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| 24 May 2015 | Final | MI won by 41 runs | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| 7 May 2019 | Qualifier 1 | MI won by 6 wickets | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| 12 May 2019 | Final | MI won by 1 run | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad |
The 2010 final was Chennai’s statement — their maiden IPL title, sealed with a 22-run win. But since then, Mumbai have owned this rivalry when it matters most, winning the 2013, 2015 and 2019 finals. The 2019 final remains the most dramatic of them all: a 1-run victory decided on the very last ball, with Lasith Malinga holding his nerve against Shardul Thakur. In finals alone, Mumbai lead 3–1, and in all knockout meetings the balance leans MI’s way as well.
Biggest wins and records
For a rivalry this close, the margins have occasionally been enormous. Chennai’s 103-run demolition of Mumbai at the Wankhede on 23 April 2026 stands as the biggest win by runs between the two sides — and it doubled as the heaviest defeat Mumbai have ever suffered in the IPL. On the other side, Mumbai’s 10-wicket thrashing of Chennai at Sharjah in October 2020 remains the biggest win by wickets.
- Largest win by runs: CSK won by 103 runs — Wankhede, 23 April 2026
- Largest win by wickets: MI won by 10 wickets — Sharjah, 23 October 2020
- MI’s highest total vs CSK: 219 for 6 (2021)
- CSK’s highest total vs MI: 218 for 4 (2021)
- MI’s lowest total vs CSK: 104 all out (April 2026)
- CSK’s lowest total vs MI: 79 all out (2013)
- Longest winning streak: Mumbai, 5 games (April 2018 to September 2020)
- Current streak: Chennai, 2 games (April 2026 onwards)
The April 2021 double-header deserves a special mention: in one of the wildest weeks in IPL history, Chennai posted 218 for 4 — and Mumbai chased it down, powered by Kieron Pollard’s 87 off just 34 balls to finish 219 for 6. Both teams’ highest scores against each other came within days of each other.
Venue-wise breakdown
Home advantage has counted for less in this rivalry than in most. At the Wankhede, across 14 meetings, Mumbai lead 8–6 — but Chennai’s 103-run win there in 2026 was a complete statement. At Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, the record is even tighter: 11 meetings, split 6–5 in Chennai’s favour. Mumbai are one of the few teams to have consistently won at Chepauk, a venue where Chennai usually dominate everyone.
Neutral venues — including the four finals, the UAE-leg matches from the Covid-era seasons, and playoff games at grounds like Eden Gardens and Chinnaswamy — are split 8–7 in Mumbai’s favour, largely because of those three final victories on neutral turf.
Individual records
- Most runs (rivalry): Rohit Sharma — 913 runs for MI
- Most runs for CSK: Suresh Raina — 736 runs
- Most wickets: Lasith Malinga (MI) and Dwayne Bravo (MI/CSK) — 37 each
- Most appearances: MS Dhoni — 37 matches
Rohit Sharma’s 913 runs make him the undisputed batting king of this fixture, while the shared bowling record between Malinga and Bravo reflects how both men tormented the other side at different stages. Dhoni’s 37 appearances underline his near-constant presence in this rivalry from day one.
Titles comparison
Both franchises have won the IPL five times, but at different times. Chennai’s titles came in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023 — built on consistency, with MS Dhoni captaining the side through every triumph. Mumbai’s came in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 — a dynasty under Rohit Sharma that included three titles in four seasons. They are the only two teams with five titles, and no one else is close.
Frequently asked questions
How many times have MI and CSK played each other?
The two teams have met 41 times in the IPL between 2008 and 2026. Mumbai Indians have won 21 of those games and Chennai Super Kings have won 20, with no matches ending without a result.
Who has won more finals, MI or CSK?
Mumbai Indians have the better record in finals between the two. They have met in four IPL finals — in 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2019 — with MI winning three of them (2013, 2015, 2019) and CSK winning one (2010).
Who has won more IPL titles, MI or CSK?
They are tied at five IPL titles each. CSK won in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023; MI won in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Who has scored the most runs in MI vs CSK matches?
Rohit Sharma of Mumbai Indians holds the record with 913 runs in matches between the two sides. Suresh Raina is the highest scorer for Chennai with 736 runs.
What is the biggest win between MI and CSK?
The biggest win by runs is Chennai’s 103-run victory at the Wankhede on 23 April 2026 — also Mumbai’s heaviest-ever IPL defeat. The biggest win by wickets is Mumbai’s 10-wicket win at Sharjah in October 2020.
When do MI and CSK next play each other?
The next meeting is expected in IPL 2027, with the exact fixtures to be announced by the BCCI closer to the season, which usually runs from March to May.
Conclusion
Forty-one matches, 21 wins to 20, four finals, five titles each — there has never been a more evenly balanced rivalry in the IPL. Mumbai have had the edge when trophies were on the line, but Chennai’s recent form, including that record 103-run win at the Wankhede, suggests the balance may be shifting. When the two sides meet again in IPL 2027, expect the usual: a packed stadium, nerves on both sides, and another chapter in the league’s greatest rivalry.
