The fierce rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to intensify in IPL 2025, with both teams facing off twice during the league stage. Their first encounter will take place in Chennai on March 28, followed by the return fixture in Bengaluru on May 3.
This southern rivalry has always been electric, and these matchups remain some of the most eagerly anticipated of the tournament. The last meeting in IPL 2024 was particularly significant, with RCB clinching a dramatic win that saw them secure a playoff spot, while CSK suffered a painful exit. The celebrations from the RCB camp were a testament to how much the victory meant to them.
With the new season just around the corner, former CSK cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has added fuel to the rivalry. He shared a hilarious video on Instagram in which he interacts with representatives of every IPL team, except RCB. In the video, Badrinath, representing CSK, either shakes hands or hugs most of the other team representatives. However, when he encounters the RCB representative, he coldly ignores him and walks away.
The video quickly went viral, sparking a frenzy among CSK fans and playfully mocking their long-time rivals.
CSK have been one of the most successful teams in IPL history, winning the title five times and setting the standard for consistency. They were the first team to win back-to-back titles, defeating RCB in the 2011 final.
RCB, despite boasting star-studded squads over the years, have yet to secure an IPL title. They’ve come close three times, with their most recent final appearance in 2016, under Virat Kohli’s leadership, where they fell short against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
A key storyline ahead of IPL 2025 is the leadership change at RCB. Rajat Patidar will take on the captaincy, making his debut as IPL captain. The franchise decided not to retain former skipper Faf du Plessis during the mega auction, signalling a fresh direction.
Meanwhile, CSK will continue under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership, who succeeded MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2024.