The Indian Premier League (IPL) never fails to churn out spectacular matches. The major reason behind this is the intensity with which teams play against each other.
In that process, many teams have picked up rivalries against one another, making the tournament more spicier. And who doesn’t like fierce competition?
Such ferocious battles between 2 teams only increase the popularity of the teams and the league.
On that note, this article lists the 5 intense rivalries between teams in IPL history.
5. Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings
Do you want to see close finishes and nail-biting thrillers? Then the IPL matches between the Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings won’t disappoint you.
This underrated rivalry has everything from drama and controversy to tight games. Remember Ravichandran Ashwin mankading Jos Buttler or Rahul Tewatia snatching a victory by hammering 5 sixes to Sheldon Cottrell?
There is no dearth of such moments when these 2 sides clash with each other. To go along with that, their encounters produce unpredictable results, finishing with tight margins.
Also Read | RR vs PBKS Head-to-Head in IPL
4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
The 2 southern IPL teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), have engaged in fierce contests. The rivalry between these 2 teams reached a new height when SRH beat RCB in the 2016 IPL final.
That massive blow by SRH to RCB is still fresh in the minds of Bengaluru’s players and fans. Thus, whenever these 2 sides play each other, it’s more than just a game.
Also Read | RCB vs SRH Head-to-Head in IPL
3. Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The classic Southern Derby or Cauvery Derby between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru has provided memorable moments to fans. However, CSK has a clear upper hand over RCB.
Be it the run feasts at Chinnaswamy Stadium or the edge-of-the-seat thrillers, this rivalry has dished out intense matches. Moreover, fans have been enthralled with Virat Kohli’s brilliant batting knocks and MS Dhoni’s midas finishing touches.
Also Read | CSK vs RCB Head-to-Head in IPL
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has a spicy dimension to it. Can you guess it?
Well, it’s the heated altercations between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli have made it a mouthwatering contest.
Apart from that, RCB versus KKR has always been a clash between a power-packed batting lineup and a quality spin attack that has delivered chilling matches.
Also Read | RCB vs KKR Head-to-Head in IPL
1. Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) versus Mumbai Indians (MI) is the battle of 2 stalwarts of the IPL. These 2 teams have been the most successful franchises, and no wonder they share an intense rivalry between them, earning the tag of ‘El Clasico’ of the IPL.
The matches between CSK and MI have delivered gripping contests, with several close finishes unfolding in the IPL finals. Thus, fans eagerly await the clash between CSK and MI, making it the biggest rivalry in the IPL.
