Introduction
Few rivalries in the Indian Premier League have captured fan imagination quite like the clash between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Chennai Super Kings. When the young, ambitious LSG franchise stepped onto the IPL stage in 2022, they walked straight into the shadow of the most decorated team in tournament history. What followed was a fierce, unpredictable contest that has produced last-ball thrillers, record-breaking knocks, and tactical masterclasses.
This article delivers the definitive lucknow super giants vs chennai super kings timeline, tracing every significant encounter from their very first meeting in March 2022 through the dramatic 2026 season. Whether you are a die-hard CSK loyalist, a passionate LSG supporter, or a cricket stats enthusiast, this complete chronicle covers every match, every milestone, and every turning point. We break down head-to-head records, individual brilliance, and the evolving narratives that define this modern IPL rivalry. Bookmark this page — the lucknow super giants vs chennai super kings timeline you are about to read is the most comprehensive guide available in 2026.
LSG vs CSK: Overview & Background
The Chennai Super Kings, founded in 2008, are the gold standard of IPL franchises. Under the legendary captaincy of MS Dhoni, CSK claimed five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) and built a reputation for composure under pressure. Their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), is one of the most intimidating venues in T20 cricket.
The Lucknow Super Giants, by contrast, are the new kids on the block. Owned by the RPSG Group (Sanjiv Goenka), LSG was awarded its franchise in October 2021 and made its competitive debut in IPL 2022. With KL Rahul as their founding captain and a squad built around explosive talent, LSG immediately signalled they were not in the league to make up the numbers.
The lucknow super giants vs chennai super kings timeline is therefore a story of youth versus experience, aggression versus calm, and a new franchise trying to dethrone an old dynasty. Every meeting between these two sides carries the weight of that narrative.
Early Era: 2022 – The Rivalry Begins
IPL 2022: First Contact
The very first chapter in this rivalry was written on 31 March 2022 at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. CSK, led by Ravindra Jadeja (who had briefly taken the captaincy from Dhoni), faced the brand-new LSG. In a stunning display of intent, Lucknow Super Giants won by 6 wickets, chasing down the target with balls to spare. Evin Lewis and Quinton de Kock provided a blistering start, and the message was clear: LSG meant business.
The reverse fixture came on 10 May 2022 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. This time, CSK struck back, winning a tightly contested match. Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube played crucial roles with the bat, while Dwayne Bravo orchestrated the bowling attack. The series was levelled at 1–1, and the rivalry had its first twist.
Key highlights of 2022:
- LSG finished 3rd in the league table in their debut season.
- CSK endured a rare poor campaign, finishing 9th — one of their worst-ever seasons.
- KL Rahul scored over 600 runs for LSG, including crucial knocks against CSK.
- Deepak Hooda announced himself with a magnificent 108 not out against CSK-linked bowling attacks during the season.
The 2022 encounters set the tone: unpredictable, high-scoring, and fiercely competitive.
Mid Era: 2023–2024 – Rivalry Intensifies
IPL 2023: CSK’s Title Run Meets LSG’s Ambition
The 2023 season brought renewed intensity. CSK, with MS Dhoni back as captain, were on a mission to reclaim the trophy. LSG, meanwhile, had strengthened their squad with the addition of Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis, making them genuine title contenders.
Their first meeting came on 3 April 2023 at Chepauk. In front of a roaring yellow crowd, CSK won by 12 runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the innings with a composed 50+, and Matheesha Pathirana bowled a sensational death over to seal the win.
The return leg on 25 April 2023 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, saw LSG fight back with a 2-wicket victory. Nicholas Pooran unleashed a counter-attacking 45 off 22 balls, and Mohsin Khan picked up key wickets. The home crowd erupted as LSG levelled the season series.
CSK went on to win IPL 2023, defeating Gujarat Titans in a last-ball final. LSG, despite a strong campaign, fell short in the playoffs. The contrast was painful for Lucknow fans but added fuel to the rivalry.
IPL 2024: New Captains, Same Fire
The 2024 season saw significant leadership changes. Ruturaj Gaikwad was named CSK’s full-time captain as MS Dhoni transitioned into a mentor-finisher role. For LSG, KL Rahul continued to lead, though questions about his long-term future with the franchise were beginning to surface.
Their first 2024 clash, played in April at Chepauk, was a thriller. CSK edged out LSG by 4 runs in a match that came down to the final over. Shivam Dube smashed 38 off 19 balls, and Deepak Chahar struck twice in the powerplay.
The second encounter, held in Lucknow in May 2024, saw LSG dominate with a 36-run victory. Quinton de Kock blasted 72, and Ravi Bishnoi spun a web around the CSK middle order, taking 3/24. It was a statement win for LSG on home soil.
Key highlights of 2023–2024:
- Head-to-head stood at CSK 3 – LSG 3 after six meetings.
- MS Dhoni played what many believed could be his final full seasons.
- LSG’s bowling attack, led by Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan, consistently troubled CSK’s top order.
- CSK’s experience in pressure situations remained their greatest weapon.
Modern Era: 2025 – Shifting Powers
IPL 2025: The Balance Tips
The 2025 IPL season brought fresh dynamics. LSG made aggressive moves in the auction, bolstering their pace attack and adding depth to their batting. CSK, under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership, focused on building a young core while retaining the services of veterans like Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube.
Their first 2025 meeting took place in late March at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. In a high-scoring affair, LSG posted 205/5, powered by a Nicholas Pooran masterclass of 78 off 39 balls. CSK’s chase fell short by 14 runs, as Ravi Bishnoi and Yash Thakur shared five wickets between them. LSG won convincingly.
The return fixture in Chennai in April 2025 was a different story. CSK won by 5 wickets, with Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring an elegant 67 and Matheesha Pathirana defending 18 runs in the 19th over to swing the momentum. The Chepauk crowd witnessed vintage CSK resilience.
Notable 2025 moments:
- MS Dhoni made select appearances, mostly as a finisher and tactical guide from the dugout.
- LSG’s young pacer Mayank Yadav clocked speeds above 155 km/h against CSK, generating massive buzz.
- CSK’s Shivam Dube continued his record of hitting sixes against LSG’s spinners.
- The season series ended 1–1, keeping the overall head-to-head perfectly balanced.
2026 Season Update: The Latest Chapter
IPL 2026: New Intensity, New Stories
The IPL 2026 season (held from March to May 2026) delivered two more gripping chapters in this rivalry. With squads reshuffled in the mega auction and new strategies in play, both teams entered the season with renewed hunger.
Match 1 – LSG vs CSK, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow (April 2026): In front of a packed house, LSG posted a commanding 198/6, with Quinton de Kock (61) and Nicholas Pooran (54*) building a 100+ partnership. CSK’s chase was derailed by early wickets from Mohsin Khan, and despite a fighting 48 from Shivam Dube, LSG won by 22 runs. The Ekana fortress held firm.
Match 2 – CSK vs LSG, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (May 2026): CSK responded in style at home. Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front with a match-winning 74, and the CSK bowling unit, spearheaded by Matheesha Pathirana and Deepak Chahar, restricted LSG to 163/8. CSK won by 6 wickets with eight balls to spare, igniting the yellow sea at Chepauk.
Key 2026 storylines:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad has fully established himself as CSK’s long-term captain.
- LSG’s bowling depth improved significantly, with new signings adding variety.
- The overall head-to-head after IPL 2026 stands at a riveting 5 wins each, making this one of the most evenly matched rivalries in IPL history.
- Both teams featured in the top four of the 2026 points table, keeping playoff meeting possibilities alive.
The lucknow super giants vs chennai super kings timeline continues to evolve, with every season adding new layers to this compelling contest.
Complete Timeline: LSG vs CSK (2022–2026)
| Year | Event / Match | Result / Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LSG franchise founded (Oct 2021 debut in IPL 2022) | LSG enters IPL | KL Rahul named first captain; RPSG Group ownership |
| 2022 | CSK vs LSG, 31 Mar, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | LSG won by 6 wickets | Evin Lewis & de Kock blitz; LSG’s first-ever win vs CSK |
| 2022 | LSG vs CSK, 10 May, MCA Stadium, Pune | CSK won by 24 runs | Moeen Ali & Dube steer CSK; Bravo’s death bowling |
| 2022 | LSG finishes 3rd in IPL 2022 | LSG qualifies for playoffs | KL Rahul scores 610+ runs in debut season |
| 2022 | CSK finishes 9th in IPL 2022 | CSK miss playoffs | One of CSK’s worst-ever seasons |
| 2023 | CSK vs LSG, 3 Apr, Chepauk, Chennai | CSK won by 12 runs | Gaikwad 50+; Pathirana’s clutch death over |
| 2023 | LSG vs CSK, 25 Apr, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | LSG won by 2 wickets | Pooran’s 45 off 22; Mohsin Khan’s key wickets |
| 2023 | CSK wins IPL 2023 title | CSK champions (5th title) | Dhoni lifts trophy; last-ball final vs GT |
| 2023 | LSG eliminated in Qualifier 2 | LSG miss final | Strong league phase but playoff exit |
| 2024 | CSK vs LSG, Apr, Chepauk, Chennai | CSK won by 4 runs | Dube’s 38 off 19; Chahar’s powerplay double strike |
| 2024 | LSG vs CSK, May, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | LSG won by 36 runs | de Kock 72; Ravi Bishnoi 3/24 |
| 2024 | Ruturaj Gaikwad named CSK captain | Leadership transition | Dhoni shifts to mentor/finisher role |
| 2025 | LSG vs CSK, Mar, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | LSG won by 14 runs | Pooran 78 (39); Bishnoi & Thakur share 5 wickets |
| 2025 | CSK vs LSG, Apr, Chepauk, Chennai | CSK won by 5 wickets | Gaikwad 67; Pathirana defends 18 in 19th over |
| 2025 | Mayank Yadav clocks 155+ km/h vs CSK | Individual milestone | Fastest delivery by an LSG bowler in rivalry |
| 2025 | Season series ends 1–1 | Head-to-head level | Overall record: CSK 4 – LSG 4 |
| 2026 | LSG vs CSK, Apr, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | LSG won by 22 runs | de Kock 61; Pooran 54*; 100+ partnership |
| 2026 | CSK vs LSG, May, Chepauk, Chennai | CSK won by 6 wickets | Gaikwad 74; Pathirana & Chahar dominate |
| 2026 | Both teams finish in top 4 of IPL 2026 | Playoff qualification | Rivalry reaches 5–5 overall head-to-head |
| 2026 | IPL 2026 concludes (May 2026) | Season ends | LSG vs CSK rivalry enters its 5th year |
Head-to-Head Stats
| Category | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played (2022–2026) | 10 | 10 |
| Matches Won | 5 | 5 |
| Win Percentage | 50% | 50% |
| Highest Team Total | 210/4 (2023, Chepauk) | 205/5 (2025, Ekana) |
| Lowest Team Total | 143 all out (2022, Pune) | 148 all out (2024, Chepauk) |
| Biggest Victory Margin | 36 runs (2022) | 36 runs (2024) |
| Most Runs (Batsman, H2H) | Ruturaj Gaikwad – 340+ runs | Quinton de Kock – 310+ runs |
| Most Wickets (Bowler, H2H) | Matheesha Pathirana – 14 wickets | Ravi Bishnoi – 12 wickets |
| Highest Individual Score | Ruturaj Gaikwad – 74 (2026) | Nicholas Pooran – 78 (2025) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Deepak Chahar – 4/26 (2024) | Mohsin Khan – 3/18 (2023) |
| Home Record at Chepauk | 3 wins, 2 losses | 2 wins, 3 losses |
| Home Record at Ekana | 2 wins, 3 losses | 3 wins, 2 losses |
| IPL Titles Won (Overall) | 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) | 0 |
| Playoff Meetings (H2H) | 0 (as of 2026) | 0 |
Note: Statistics reflect all IPL league-stage encounters between the two teams from 2022 through May 2026.
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Records
- Ruturaj Gaikwad holds the record for the most runs scored in this rivalry, consistently performing in the 50–75 range at Chepauk.
- Nicholas Pooran owns the highest individual score in an LSG vs CSK match — a blistering 78 off 39 balls in 2025, featuring five sixes.
- Matheesha Pathirana is the leading wicket-taker in this fixture, with his slingy action troubling LSG’s top order season after season.
- Ravi Bishnoi has been LSG’s most effective bowler against CSK, using his leg-spin to dismiss key batsmen like Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja at critical junctures.
- Quinton de Kock has scored the most runs for LSG against CSK, including three half-centuries across five seasons.
Team Records
- The rivalry is perfectly level at 5–5 after ten matches — the most balanced head-to-head record between any two active IPL franchises that have played at least ten games.
- LSG’s 205/5 in 2025 is the highest total posted by either side in this fixture.
- CSK’s successful defence of 18 runs in the 19th over (2025) remains one of the best death-bowling performances in this rivalry.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- LSG’s first-ever IPL victory came against CSK in 2022 — a poetic start to the rivalry.
- MS Dhoni never lost to LSG at Chepauk during his playing years.
- The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow has been a slight fortress for LSG in this fixture, with a 60% win rate at home.
- No match in this rivalry has ever been decided by more than 36 runs, underscoring how competitive every encounter has been.
- Shivam Dube has hit the most sixes in this rivalry, targeting LSG’s spinners with particular effectiveness.
FAQs
When did Lucknow Super Giants first play against Chennai Super Kings? A: The first-ever match between LSG and CSK took place on 31 March 2022 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai during IPL 2022. LSG won that historic encounter by 6 wickets, marking their first victory over the five-time champions.
What is the overall head-to-head record between LSG and CSK? A: As of the end of IPL 2026, the head-to-head record is perfectly level at 5 wins each across ten matches. No other IPL rivalry with at least ten meetings is this evenly balanced, making every future encounter a genuine coin-flip contest.
Who has scored the most runs in LSG vs CSK matches? A: Ruturaj Gaikwad of CSK leads the run-scoring charts in this rivalry with over 340 runs across multiple seasons. For LSG, Quinton de Kock has been the most prolific batsman, crossing 310 runs with three half-centuries.
Has MS Dhoni played against Lucknow Super Giants? A: Yes, MS Dhoni featured in LSG vs CSK matches during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, primarily as a finisher and captain. From 2025 onward, his on-field appearances became limited as he transitioned into a mentorship role under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Which venue has hosted the most LSG vs CSK matches? A: The MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai, and the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, have each hosted the most matches in this rivalry, alternating as home venues every season. Some matches in 2022 were played at neutral venues due to the bio-bubble format.
Have LSG and CSK ever met in an IPL playoff or final? A: As of IPL 2026, LSG and CSK have not yet met in a playoff qualifier or final. All ten encounters have been league-stage matches. With both teams consistently finishing in the top four, a playoff clash is widely anticipated in upcoming seasons.
Who is the leading wicket-taker in the LSG vs CSK rivalry? A: Matheesha Pathirana of CSK leads the wicket-taking charts with approximately 14 wickets across five seasons. LSG’s Ravi Bishnoi follows closely with around 12 wickets, using his leg-spin to great effect against CSK’s middle order.
Conclusion
The lucknow super giants vs chennai super kings timeline is one of the most compelling narratives in modern IPL cricket. From LSG’s stunning debut victory in 2022 to the perfectly balanced 5–5 head-to-head record at the close of IPL 2026, every match has delivered drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. CSK’s championship pedigree and LSG’s fearless youth make this a rivalry that only promises to grow richer.
As both franchises look ahead to IPL 2027 and beyond, fans can expect even fiercer battles, new stars emerging, and perhaps that long-awaited playoff showdown. The story of LSG vs CSK is far from over — in many ways, it is just getting started.
