Final result
Rajasthan Royals won by 3 runs
Player of the match: R Ashwin
Result · Indian Premier League
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings
Result · Indian Premier League
H2H · RR 16–16 CSKVenue par · 192Chase success · 46%POTM · R Ashwin
Match preview & overview
Rajasthan Royals edge Chennai Super Kings by 3 runs at Chepauk in IPL thriller
Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings by 3 runs at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on 12 April 2023. Batting first, Rajasthan posted 175/8 on a surface that historically averages 192 in the first innings across 127 T20 matches at the ground. CSK's chase produced one of the more dramatic finishes of the IPL season: they fell to 113/6 at one point before a remarkable death-overs recovery of 59 runs off the final phase without losing a wicket brought them agonisingly close. R Ashwin, playing against his home crowd for the visiting side, won Player of the Match.
CSK won the toss and chose to field, a decision that looked correct early on. Rajasthan's powerplay of 57/1 was above the venue's average of 43 runs in the opening six overs, and their middle overs added a further 78 runs for 3 wickets. The death phase produced 40 runs at the cost of 4 wickets, which is broadly in line with the ground's historical average of 38 death-overs runs. The total of 175 was below the venue average but proved sufficient on the night.
Pitch report & venue insights
M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai — 127-match sample
Aggregate conditions from 2003–2026. Numbers that tend to decide matches at this ground — par score, chase success, powerplay averages and toss bias.
127
T20 matches hosted
192
Avg 1st-innings score
177
Avg 2nd-innings score
46%
Chase success rate
45
Avg powerplay runs
42%
Toss-field rate
Head-to-head record
32 completed meetings, level at 16–16
Seasons 2007–2026
Series standing
Rajasthan Royals
Chennai Super Kings32
Total meetings
0
No results
10
In last 10
Recent encounters
Last 102026RR won by 8 wickets
2025RR won by 6 wickets
2025RR won by 6 runs
2024CSK won by 5 wickets
2023RR won by 32 runs
2023RR won by 3 runs
2022RR won by 5 wickets
2021RR won by 7 wickets
2021CSK won by 45 runs
2020RR won by 7 wickets
Key talking points
Moments the match hinged on
Headline angle
Ashwin wins it for Rajasthan at Chepauk
R Ashwin took Player of the Match honours in arguably the most hostile ground for an away side in the IPL. Rajasthan squeezed home by just 3 runs despite CSK's death-overs charge producing 59 runs off the final phase without losing a wicket.
Angle 02
CSK's death-overs revival nearly pulled it off
Angle 03
Rajasthan's powerplay set the platform
Angle 04
Chepauk's chase record favoured the defending side
Angle 05
Head-to-head perfectly level going into this fixture
Betting & analytical angles
Angles the data surfaced
- Player of the Match markets may be worth considering at spin-friendly Chepauk, where single performers with the ball can swing a close contest. Ashwin's role in this result illustrates that dynamic.
- Total runs markets could be shaped by the toss. CSK chose to field and the match produced 347 runs in aggregate, above the venue's combined average of roughly 369 across first and second innings based on 192 and 177 figures.
- Top bowler markets tend to attract value at slow, turning surfaces where spinners can run through a middle order. Chepauk's pitch history suggests spinners should feature prominently in those lines.
- Close finish markets may be of editorial interest here given the 3-run margin. The head-to-head record of 16 wins apiece across 32 meetings suggests this fixture often stays tight.
For editorial context only. Not a forecast and not betting advice. 18+ only, please gamble responsibly.
Frequently asked
Questions about Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings
Who won the Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings IPL match on 12 April 2023?
Rajasthan Royals won by 3 runs. They posted 175/8 batting first, then held Chennai Super Kings to 172/6 in the chase at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
Who was Player of the Match in RR vs CSK on 12 April 2023?
R Ashwin was named Player of the Match. Ashwin, playing for Rajasthan Royals, played a key role in restricting Chennai Super Kings at the ground where he has historically been one of the most effective spin bowlers.
What is the head-to-head record between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings?
Going into this fixture the sides were level at 16 wins each from 32 IPL meetings with no no-results. Rajasthan's win on 12 April 2023 gave them a 17–16 lead, and they have won four of the last five encounters between the sides.
What did Chennai Super Kings score chasing 176 at Chepauk?
Chennai Super Kings finished on 172/6 from their 20 overs, falling 3 runs short. They lost 5 wickets in the middle overs but rallied strongly in the death phase, scoring 59 runs without losing a wicket in that final phase.
Where can I watch IPL matches live in the UK?
IPL matches are broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Cricket, with streaming available via Sky Go and NOW TV. Check the Sky Sports schedule for exact UK kick-off times, which vary depending on the day.
What is the batting record at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in T20s?
Across 127 T20 matches at the ground, the average first-innings score is 192 and the average second-innings score is 177. Chasing sides have won 46 per cent of matches, meaning the side batting first holds a modest historical advantage.
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Photo credits (3)
- Ravichandran Ashwin — photo by Dee03, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Ravindra Jadeja — photo by SR Vlogs, CC BY 3.0 · source
- Anil Kumble — photo by shrivsa from Bangalore, India, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source