IPL 2021: Why the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings rivalry is the best?

When it comes to rivalries, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have a deep connection rooted in history and water. The Kaveri issue has been simmering for decades between both states. In cricket, Karnataka had the better of Tamil Nadu. They have won more titles than Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy. In the previous Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2020, Karnataka defeated Tamil Nadu on both occasions. The tables are in favour of Tamil Nadu when it comes to the Indian Premier League.

In the IPL, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore have an intense rivalry. It is dubbed the Kaveri Derby or the Ashes of the South. The rivalry stems from the river dispute. It is fanned by the fanaticism of fans who hate losing at any cost. The contest has also generated plenty of thrillers. Neither team yields a quarter. The rivalry, in the last couple of seasons, has increased tremendously. It is Virat Kohli vs MS Dhoni. It is the apprentice vs the master.

Great moments galore

There are several rivalries that merit the definition of classic. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have a fantastic rivalry. However, Mumbai Indians have surged ahead in the encounters against Chennai Super Kings, making it almost one-sided. The fact that Mumbai Indians have dealt heart-breaking losses to Chennai Super Kings four times consistently has diluted the rivalry. The finals of 2013, 2015, 2019 as well as the 10-wicket hammering in Sharjah are instances.

But, with Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, there have been several edge-of-the-seat contests. In IPL 2012, Chennai Super Kings chased down 205 with Albie Morkel hitting 28 runs in one over bowled by Virat Kohli. Chennai Super Kings won off a last-ball no-ball in IPL 2013 as Royal Challengers Bangalore suffered the ultimate heartbreak.

In IPL 2018, Royal Challengers Bangalore were defeated by the tour-de-force of MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu in their chase in excess of 200 again. Dhoni threatened the impossible in IPL 2019. Dhoni blasted three sixes and a four in the last over that saw Chennai Super Kings needing 26. The equation boiled down to two runs in one ball. But, Royal Challengers Bangalore had the ultimate redemption as Parthiv Patel ran out Shardul Thakur and Virat Kohli’s team won by one run.

Royal Challengers Bangalore on an even keel

In the past, Chennai Super Kings had established a winning streak that extended their head-to-head record. In four matches in IPL 2019 and 2020, both sides have won two games apiece. Royal Challengers Bangalore have never beaten Chennai Super Kings twice in the same edition. In IPL 2021, their progress gives this rivalry a special edge.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have had the best start in IPL history, winning four games on the trot. They are firing in both the bowling and batting. Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, are staging a resurgence. They are already in a better stage as compared to IPL 2020. At the end of the day, there will be another chapter in this enthralling rivalry.