The Bengaluru vs Chennai clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most thrilling rivalries in cricket. Known as the “Southern Derby”, this matchup between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) brings together two of the most passionate fan bases and legendary players in IPL history.
🏏 Bengaluru vs Chennai Teams Overview
| Feature | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 | 2008 |
| Home Ground | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), Chennai |
| Team Colors | Red, Black & Gold | Yellow |
| Captains Over the Years | Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Shane Watson, etc. | MS Dhoni (longest-serving), Ravindra Jadeja (briefly) |
| Trophies Won | 0 | 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) |
⚔️ Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | CSK Wins | RCB Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 21 | 10 | 0 |
👉 CSK has historically dominated this rivalry with a clear edge over RCB.
🌟 Iconic Players in the Rivalry
For Bengaluru (RCB):
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Virat Kohli – The face of RCB and IPL’s all-time highest run-scorer.
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AB de Villiers – “Mr. 360°,” known for his explosive batting.
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Chris Gayle – The “Universe Boss,” feared by CSK bowlers.
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Faf du Plessis – Former CSK star, now leading RCB.
For Chennai (CSK):
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MS Dhoni – The ultimate finisher and leader.
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Suresh Raina – “Mr. IPL,” loved for his consistency against RCB.
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Ravindra Jadeja – Match-winner with bat and ball.
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Dwayne Bravo – IPL’s leading wicket-taker for several years.
🔥 Memorable Matches
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2012 Thriller in Chennai – RCB scored 205, but CSK chased it down in the last ball thanks to Albie Morkel’s heroics.
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2018 Comeback – After CSK’s return from suspension, Dhoni smashed RCB bowlers to seal a classic win.
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2021 Match in Mumbai – Ravindra Jadeja scored 62 off 28 balls and took 3 wickets, destroying RCB single-handedly.
📊 Season-by-Season Clash Summary
| Season | Winner(s) of CSK vs RCB Matches |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Both teams won one each |
| 2009 | RCB dominated |
| 2010 | CSK |
| 2011 | CSK won Final vs RCB |
| 2018 | CSK |
| 2019 | Split wins |
| 2020 | RCB |
| 2021 | CSK |
| 2022 | Split wins |
| 2023 | CSK |
⚡ Fan Base Comparison
| Aspect | RCB | CSK |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Nickname | RCBians | Yellow Army |
| Social Media Presence | Very high due to Virat Kohli | Strong, especially due to Dhoni |
| Support Base | Passionate but trophy-starved | Loyal and trophy-rich |
🎯 Conclusion
The Bengaluru vs Chennai IPL rivalry is more than just a cricket match—it’s a battle of pride, passion, and legacy. While CSK has the upper hand with trophies and head-to-head records, RCB remains one of the most loved franchises, thanks to Virat Kohli and their superstar line-ups over the years.