Rivalries in sports bring more energy and passion from the players and fans alike. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some exciting rivalries over the years. For example, the fixtures involving teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have always been a treat for fans. It is these rivalries that have made the IPL a popular league worldwide. This blog looks at the top five most significant rivalries in IPL.
Top 5 Biggest Rivalries in IPL
The meeting between MI and CSK is one of the most prominent IPL fixtures. While this was mainly due to the presence of marquee players in the first few IPL seasons, the success of both teams has made the MI-CSK match a rivalry now. MI and CSK have also had some interesting battles with three-time IPL winners KKR. Whenever MI and CSK play against KKR, it will be a sell-out and, most likely, a closely contested clash. The three teams have combined won 13 of the 17 IPL trophies. RCB, the three-time IPL finalist, has a few rivals in the league. The clashes with fellow Southern outfit CSK, to whom they lost in the IPL 2011 final, and KKR are some of the eagerly anticipated T20 matches. Here are the top 5 biggest rivalries in IPL: CSK vs MI KKR vs RCB MI vs KKR CSK vs RCB CSK vs KKR
CSK vs MI
Undoubtedly, CSK vs MI is a marquee fixture in the IPL. Both teams have always had iconic Indian and overseas cricketers on their rosters, and the rivalry became intense after frequent meetings in the IPL finals. They have played each other in four IPL finals, with MI winning three of them. But CSK has had better fortunes since 2021, as they have won two titles, while MI made it to the playoffs only once in the last four seasons.
CSK vs MI Head-to-Head Record in IPL: Played - 37; CSK won - 17, MI won - 20
KKR vs RCB
There is a stark contrast between KKR and RCB in terms of their success in IPL. However, there have been nail-biting finishes between both teams and a few player altercations. In IPL 2013, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir engaged in a heated exchange. Since then, the KKR vs RCB fixture has become one of the most anticipated matches in the league.
KKR vs RCB Head-to-Head Record in IPL: Played - 34; KKR won - 20; RCB won - 14
MI vs KKR
All was good between MI and KKR until the IPL 2011 edition. However, a new rivalry took shape in 2012 after KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan received a five-year ban at Wankhede for his ugly spat with the stadium’s security staff. It didn’t augur well for the Kolkata outfit as they went on a winless run at Wankhede. The 12-year losing streak at the stadium ended when they beat Hardik Pandya’s men by 24 runs in the 2024 edition.
MI vs KKR Head-to-Head Record in IPL: Played - 34; MI won - 23; KKR won - 11
Getting a little heated out there 👀#MIvsKKR #NitishRana #HrithikShokeen pic.twitter.com/Kkzi7AnnSY
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) April 16, 2023
CSK vs RCB
CSK inflicted a deep wound on RCB and their faithful after defeating them in the IPL 2011 final. It was the Yellow Army’s second successive IPL triumph, while it was the second defeat in an IPL final for the Bengaluru outfit. Though these teams haven’t met in an IPL final again, fixtures between both teams have been intense. In IPL 2024, there were altercations between CSK and RCB fans during the crucial league stage fixture, in which RCB won and eliminated the five-time champions.
CSK vs RCB Head-to-Head Record in IPL: Played - 33; CSK won - 21, RCB won - 11; No Result - 1
CSK vs KKR
The IPL 2012 final, billed as a Dhoni vs Gambhir clash, was the first time both teams met in a high-stakes match. KKR defeated CSK and grabbed their maiden IPL title. Two years later, KKR added a second title to their name and leveled with CSK on most IPL trophies. But after the Chennai outfit’s return from the ban, they won three titles, including the victory over KKR in the IPL 2021 final.
CSK vs KKR Head-to-Head Record in IPL: Played - 29; CSK won - 19, KKR won - 10
Concluding Thoughts
These rivalries have brought more drama and intensity to the IPL. The fans of these respective teams and the neutrals also watch matches between CSK and MI, KKR and RCB, etc., and these fixtures live up to the hype most of the time.
FAQs
What are some gripping rivalries in IPL?
Here are the top five most gripping rivalries in IPL: CSK vs MI KKR vs RCB MI vs KKR CSK vs RCB CSK vs KKR
Which is the biggest rivalry in IPL?
CSK vs MI is considered the biggest rivalry in the IPL, as both teams have won five titles each and have met in four IPL finals.
Is there a rivalry between CSK and KKR?
Yes, as both teams have met in two IPL finals. KKR beat CSK in IPL 2012 final, while CSK won the IPL 2021 final against KKR.