How Many Times Has CSK Reached the IPL Final? – A Detailed History (2008–2024)

Short Answer First:

As of the end of IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reached the IPL final a record 10 times.

They appeared in the final in the following years:

2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023

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🏆 CSK IPL Final Appearances – Year-by-Year Breakdown

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1. IPL 2008 – Runners-Up

• Opponent: Rajasthan Royals

• Result: Lost by 3 wickets

• Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

Match Summary

In the inaugural IPL final, CSK posted 163/5 with Parthiv Patel and MS Dhoni steadying the middle. However, Yusuf Pathan’s all-round performance helped Rajasthan chase it on the final ball. It was a heartbreaking start but showed CSK’s potential early on.

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2. IPL 2010 – Champions 🏆

• Opponent: Mumbai Indians

• Result: Won by 22 runs

• Venue: DY Patil Stadium

Match Summary

CSK scored 168/5 thanks to Suresh Raina’s 57* and a strong finish. Doug Bollinger and Ashwin then bowled tightly to restrict Mumbai. It was CSK’s first title, ending the “chokers” tag.

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3. IPL 2011 – Champions 🏆

• Opponent: Royal Challengers Bangalore

• Result: Won by 58 runs

• Venue: Chepauk, Chennai

Match Summary

CSK batted first and posted a massive 205/5 with Murali Vijay scoring 95. The bowlers, led by Ashwin, crushed RCB’s chase. This made CSK the first team to win back-to-back IPL titles.

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4. IPL 2012 – Runners-Up

• Opponent: Kolkata Knight Riders

• Result: Lost by 5 wickets

• Venue: Chepauk

Match Summary

Despite a blazing 73 by Mike Hussey and a total of 190, KKR’s Manvinder Bisla shocked everyone with 89 runs, leading KKR to their maiden title. CSK’s bowling attack faltered in the death overs.

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5. IPL 2013 – Runners-Up

• Opponent: Mumbai Indians

• Result: Lost by 23 runs

• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Match Summary

Mumbai posted only 148, but CSK crumbled early, reduced to 39/6. Dhoni fought with an unbeaten 63*, but the damage was done. It was a dramatic low in a strong season.

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6. IPL 2015 – Runners-Up

• Opponent: Mumbai Indians

• Result: Lost by 41 runs

• Venue: Eden Gardens

Match Summary

Mumbai posted 202/5 with Lendl Simmons and Rohit Sharma going big. CSK’s chase never gained momentum. It marked CSK’s third final loss to Mumbai in five years.

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7. IPL 2018 – Champions 🏆

• Opponent: Sunrisers Hyderabad

• Result: Won by 8 wickets

• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Match Summary

Returning from a two-year suspension, CSK made a heroic comeback. Chasing 179, Shane Watson’s iconic 117 off 57 balls* sealed the win. A fairytale return and Dhoni’s leadership was hailed.

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8. IPL 2019 – Runners-Up

• Opponent: Mumbai Indians

• Result: Lost by 1 run

• Venue: Hyderabad

Match Summary

Arguably one of the most thrilling IPL finals ever. MI set 149, and CSK’s chase went to the last over. Watson scored 80, but a run-out and Malinga’s perfect yorker in the last ball denied CSK the title.

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9. IPL 2021 – Champions 🏆

• Opponent: Kolkata Knight Riders

• Result: Won by 27 runs

• Venue: Dubai

Match Summary

Faf du Plessis scored 86 in CSK’s total of 192/3. Shardul Thakur took key wickets to break KKR’s chase. This title showed CSK’s adaptability and bounce-back ability under Dhoni.

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10. IPL 2023 – Champions 🏆

• Opponent: Gujarat Titans

• Result: Won (DLS method)

• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Match Summary

GT scored 214, with Sai Sudharsan hitting 96. Rain interrupted the chase. CSK needed 171 in 15 overs. Conway and Shivam Dube took charge before Ravindra Jadeja sealed it with a 6 and 4 in the final 2 balls. Dhoni lifted his fifth IPL title as captain.

Read more – Who won yesterday’s IPL match 2025 LSG vs CSK?

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🏆 CSK IPL Final Appearances Summary Table

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🐐 CSK Legacy: What Makes Them a Final Regular?

1. MS Dhoni’s Captaincy

From 2008 to 2023, Dhoni was the face, brain, and spirit of CSK. His leadership style—cool under pressure, faith in veterans, and clarity in roles—turned CSK into a winning machine.

2. Core Consistency

Players like Raina, Bravo, Jadeja, Ashwin, and Faf du Plessis stuck with the franchise across multiple seasons, building trust and chemistry. This stability helped CSK handle pressure moments better than most.

3. Smart Auctions and Veteran Trust

CSK often picked experienced but undervalued players—Watson, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa—and created match-winners out of them.

4. Adaptability

CSK adapted across different IPL phases—spin-friendly Chennai to fast Dubai tracks. Their ability to reinvent kept them competitive year after year.

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👑 Championship Count & IPL Dominance

CSK and MI are tied with 5 IPL titles each as of 2024, but CSK has appeared in more finals than any other team – a testament to their consistency.

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💬 Reactions & Cultural Impact

• “The Manchester United of IPL.”
  CSK is often called the most loyal fanbase, with yellow seas visible at every stadium.

• “Whistle Podu”
  Their anthem is synonymous with Chennai summers and has become part of pop culture.

• “Thala Dhoni”
  MS Dhoni is not just a cricketer in Chennai—he’s a deity.

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🔮 What’s Next for CSK?

As of IPL 2025, CSK is rebuilding with a mix of experienced heads and youngsters. With Dhoni expected to transition into a mentorship or coaching role, fans are curious if CSK can maintain its final streak in the new era.

Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Ben Stokes, and Shivam Dube are expected to lead the next generation.

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✅ Final Verdict

Chennai Super Kings have reached the IPL final 10 times, the most by any franchise in the history of the tournament. With 5 titles and 5 runner-up finishes, they have set the gold standard for consistency, leadership, and team culture in T20 cricket.

Their legacy isn’t just in wins—it’s in how they play, how they lead, and how they connect with fans.