The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one of the most successful teams in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Led by the legendary MS Dhoni, CSK has performed well with many playoff appearances and multiple title wins. But while they have won the IPL trophy several times, they have also faced tough losses in the final matches.
How Many Times CSK Lost Finals In IPL History?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lost 5 IPL finals, making them the team with the most runner-up finishes in the tournament’s history. They have played in 10 IPL finals and won 5 titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023), but they have also faced defeat five times.
This article explains every IPL final CSK lost, the reasons behind their defeats, and how they kept their strong position in the league.
IPL 2008 Final: How CSK Lost to Rajasthan Royals in a Thrilling Finish
- Teams: CSK vs RR
- Match Date: June 1, 2008
- Result: Rajasthan Royals won by 3 wickets
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made it to the final of the first-ever IPL season in 2008, showing their strength as a top team. But they lost a close match against Rajasthan Royals by three wickets at DY Patil Stadium on June 1, 2008.
Batting first, CSK scored 163/5 in 20 overs, with key knocks from Suresh Raina (43 off 30) and MS Dhoni (29* off 17). Rajasthan’s Yusuf Pathan changed the game with his all-round show, taking 3 wickets for 22 runs and scoring 56 off 39 balls. In the final moments, with just one run needed from the last ball, Sohail Tanvir secured the win for Rajasthan, handing CSK their first IPL final loss.
IPL 2012 Final: CSK’s Heartbreaking Loss to KKR in a High-Scoring Clash
- Teams: CSK vs KKR
- Match Date: May 27, 2012
- Result: KKR won by 5 wickets
In the 2012 IPL final, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 27, 2012, at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Batting first, CSK put up a strong total of 190/3, with Suresh Raina scoring 73, Mike Hussey adding 54, and Murali Vijay contributing 42. KKR had a shaky start, losing captain Gautam Gambhir for just 2 runs. But Manvinder Bisla (89 off 48) and Jacques Kallis (69 off 49) built a solid partnership, putting KKR in control.
CSK’s bowlers struggled to stop the chase, and in the final over, Manoj Tiwary hit two boundaries, sealing KKR’s first-ever IPL title. CSK, despite being the defending champions, lost their second IPL final.
IPL 2013 Final: CSK Falls Short Against Mumbai Indians in a Tough Battle
- Teams: CSK vs MI
- Match Date: May 26, 2013
- Result: MI won by 23 runs
In the 2013 IPL final, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took on Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 26, 2013, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Mumbai batted first and posted 148/9 in 20 overs, with Kieron Pollard playing a match-winning knock of 60* off 32 balls, earning him the Man of the Match award.
CSK had a poor start, losing early wickets as Lasith Malinga and Mitchell Johnson tore through the top order. Despite MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 63 off 45 balls, CSK struggled to chase the target and finished at 125/9, falling short by 23 runs. This was CSK’s third IPL final loss, while Mumbai celebrated their first-ever IPL title with a historic victory.
IPL 2015 Final: CSK Suffers Another Defeat as Mumbai Indians Clinch the Title
- Teams: CSK vs MI
- Match Date: May 24, 2015
- Result: MI won by 41 runs
In the 2015 IPL final, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 24, 2015, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Batting first, Mumbai posted a strong total of 202/5 in 20 overs. Lendl Simmons (68 off 45) and Rohit Sharma (50 off 26) gave a solid start, while Kieron Pollard (36 off 18) and Ambati Rayudu (36 off 24) added crucial runs at the end.
CSK struggled in the chase, failing to keep up with the required run rate. Dwayne Smith scored 57 off 48 balls, but other batsmen couldn’t form big partnerships. Mumbai’s bowlers, led by Mitchell McClenaghan (3/25), Lasith Malinga (2/25), and Harbhajan Singh (2/34), restricted CSK to 161/8. MI won by 41 runs, claiming their second IPL title, while CSK suffered their fourth IPL final defeat.
IPL 2019 Final: CSK’s Narrow Defeat Against Mumbai Indians in a Last-Ball Thriller
- Teams: CSK vs MI
- Match Date: May 12, 2019
- Result: MI won by 1 run (Closest IPL final ever)
In the 2019 IPL final, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 12, 2019, at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad.
Mumbai batted first and managed 149/8 in 20 overs, with Kieron Pollard scoring a crucial 41 off 25 balls. Deepak Chahar led CSK’s bowling attack, taking 3 wickets to keep MI’s total in check.
Chasing 150, Shane Watson played a brilliant innings, scoring 80 off 59 balls. However, CSK kept losing wickets at key moments. With 2 runs needed off the final ball, Lasith Malinga trapped Shardul Thakur LBW, and CSK fell short by just 1 run, finishing at 148/7.
Jasprit Bumrah (2/14) was named Man of the Match for his exceptional bowling. This heartbreaking loss was CSK’s fifth IPL final defeat, while MI secured their fourth IPL title in the closest final in IPL history.
How Many Times CSK Lost Finals in IPL History?
| Season | Opponent | Venue | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Rajasthan Royals | DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai | Lost | By 3 wickets |
| 2012 | Kolkata Knight Riders | M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Lost | By 5 wickets |
| 2013 | Mumbai Indians | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Lost | By 23 runs |
| 2015 | Mumbai Indians | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Lost | By 41 runs |
| 2019 | Mumbai Indians | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | Lost | By 1 run |
CSK’s Comeback Story: How They Bounced Back from IPL Final Defeats
Despite losing multiple IPL finals, CSK has always bounced back stronger. Here’s how they responded to each defeat:
- After losing in 2008, CSK won the IPL in 2010 and 2011.
- After losing in 2012 and 2013, they made a strong comeback by winning in 2018 after a two-year suspension.
- After losing in 2019, CSK secured their fourth title in IPL 2021.
This proves CSK’s determination and fighting spirit, making them one of the most successful teams in IPL history. With 10 IPL final appearances and 5 titles, they have the second-most championships, just behind Mumbai Indians.
| Season | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Rajasthan Royals | Lost |
| 2010 | Mumbai Indians | Won |
| 2011 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Won |
| 2012 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Lost |
| 2013 | Mumbai Indians | Lost |
| 2015 | Mumbai Indians | Lost |
| 2018 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won |
| 2019 | Mumbai Indians | Lost |
| 2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won |
| 2023 | Gujarat Titans | Won |
Conclusion
Even though CSK has lost 5 IPL finals, they are still the most consistent team in IPL history. Reaching 10 finals in just 14 seasons is a record no other team has matched. What do you think? Can CSK win another IPL title, or will they face another tough defeat?
