Clash of the titans – Three most iconic rivalries in IPL
The Indian Premier League is unarguably one of the finest short-format leagues in the world. Inaugurated in 2008, IPL has gained incredible prominence over the world and the graph of its craze has only gone upwards. Over these years, we have seen enough of every franchisee to know about their strengths and weaknesses.
Quite interestingly, even though a few players retire, some new step in, and the old keep shuffling through the IPL auctions from time to time, certain franchises have established a reputation of their own by performing with fabulous consistency whereas some have struggled. With time, certain franchises have also developed a renowned rivalry amongst themselves. Let’s take a look at three of such most iconic rivalries in the league-
1. Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians
The El Classico of IPL. Undoubtedly the most iconic in the 12-year history of the league. CSK and MI have been the strongest teams in terms of performance and have established a reputation of their own. Led by MS Dhoni, CSK kicked off a successful campaign right at the start in 2008 as they ended being runners up. MI, on the other hand, got a change in their fortune ever since Rohit Sharma wore the hat of captaincy.
CSK and MI have played more matches (30) against any other team in the IPL. The two teams have faced each other as many as four times in IPL finals, also the most for any two teams. However, in the head to head battle, it is MI that fares better. In 30 matches against each other, MI have won 18 whereas CSK have won 12.
2. Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Much like India versus Pakistan, CSK versus RCB is a rivalry beyond cricket. Often termed as the Ashes of the South, this competition has a different intensity due to certain political differences between two states related to the age-old Cauvery water dispute. Additionally, Chennai and Bengaluru happen to be two of the most prominent cities in the southern part of India, which adds to the fierceness of this battle.
From a cricketing perspective, it is the tussle between two of the most famous and characteristically opposite cricketers in India i.e. MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. One ice, another fire. In head to head battles, however, CSK emerges as the more dominant side. Out of a total of 25 encounters between them, CSK have won 16 whereas RCB have won only 8.
3. Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders
This was a thrilling rivalry in the initial years of the league as MI was led by Sachin Tendulkar and KKR by Sourav Ganguly. Two of India’s favourite players who scripted innumerable records playing with each other and made truckloads of runs as partners in both the format of the games.
With the passage of time, both teams have undergone various changes. However, their rivalry still remains dear to the fans and both the teams enjoy insane support in the league. MI and KKR have faced each other 25 times in the history of the league and while MI have ended victorious 19 times, KKR have been the victors six times.
