IPL 2019: A look at CSK and RCB's intense rivalry
What's the story
With IPL 2019 set to begin in less than 10 days, the hype is high as ever. The opening game would take place between two big giants, as defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai. The stage is set to rekindle an epic rivalry between skippers MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Here we analyze the head-to-head records.
IPL rivalry
One of the greatest rivalries, but CSK on top
Till date, both the sides have faced each other on 22 occasions, with CSK winning 14 times and RCB winning just half. Of the seven matches played in Chennai, CSK have lost just one, while as for matches played in Bengaluru, CSK have won four out of eight and lost three. Out of the seven matches in neutral venues, CSK lead with four wins.
Players vs sides
MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and others who have shined
Although CSK hold the edge over RCB in head-to-head encounters, RCB skipper Virat Kohli, interestingly, has scored the most number of runs (732) against CSK, while Dhoni has 710 runs against RCB. Among today's bowlers, Harbhajan Singh has claimed the most number of wickets (20) against RCB, while Umesh Yadav has picked up 10 wickets against Chennai.
Switching loyalities
List of players who have played for both the sides
Notable players who have played for both the sides: Albie Morkel: CSK 2008-2013; RCB 2014 Muttiah Muralitharan: CSK 2008-2010; RCB 2012-2014 Parthiv Patel: CSK 2008-2010; RCB 2014, 2018-present Dirk Nannes: CSK 2013; RCB 2011 Subramaniam Badrinath: CSK 2008-2013; RCB 2015 Brendon McCullum: CSK 2014-2015; RCB 2018 Shane Watson: CSK 2018-Present; RCB 2016-2017 Kedar Jadhav: CSK 2018-Present; RCB 2016-2017
IPL 2018
CSK dominated RCB in IPL 2018
Considering their records in the IPL 2018, CSK were the top performer as they won on both occasions against RCB. While the opening game in Bengaluru was a top scoring one, CSK chased down the mammoth target of 206 and triumphed by five wickets. The return leg saw CSK decimate RCB again in a low-scoring tie as CSK won confidently by six wickets.
2019 predictions
CSK expected to dominate again, RCB look for retaliation
While CSK are the dominant ones in the rivalry, as they move in as the clear favorites. While both the teams have a star-studded side, the only thing missing from their rivalry is consistency from RCB. Nonetheless, it would be of no surprise if Kohli and his boys manage to turn things around and shock CSK fans.
Watch out for
Dhoni, Kohli, AB de Villiers to watch out for
CSK players to watch out for: Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, Dhoni, Imran Tahir, Harbhajan Singh and Mohit Sharma. RCB players to watch out for: Kohli, AB de Villiers, Washington Sundar, Marcus Stoinis, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee and Nathan Coulter-Nile.