New Delhi: Over the course of its 18-year history, the Indian Premier League has offered a multitude of narratives, controversies, heated debates and also
a few rivalries.
These rivalries among teams have added a layer of competitiveness in the franchise competition. Some are based on the basis of success in the tournament while others are either determined by fans basis and geographical locations or historical incidents.
A look at the most fascinating rivalries of the glitzy competition.
Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings
Being the most successful teams with five titles each, it is no wonder that a rivalry has developed between the two teams.
Often dubbed the Champions’ Derby or El Clasico of the IPL, Mumbai hold a slender edge head-to-head rivalry with 21 wins to 19 losses and won their last encounter on April 20, 2025.
Mumbai have dominated in title matches, winning three of the 4 four IPL finals between the two sides but Chennai have won five of their last six encounters.
Rohit Sharma is the leading scorer in the match with 913 runs while Suresh Raina has scored 736 runs, the most for CSK.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders
The two teams were involved in the first ever match of IPL in 2008, where Brendon McCullum produced an unforgettable 158 not out in a 140-run KKR win.
Since then KKR have built a 20-15 edge in head-to-head records and have won the title three times. RCB won the title for the first time last season.
RCB’s Virat Kohli is the leading scorer in this contest, known as El Primero, with 1,000 runs while KKR’s Sunil Narine is the leading wicket taker with 27 dismissals.
CSK vs RCB
Dubbed the Kaveri Derby, it revolves around the star power of CSK’s MS Dhoni and RCB’s Kohli, the former captains of the two teams.
Historically, CSK have enjoyed an advantage in head-to-head encounters, with 21 wins to 13 defeats but RCB have won in their last three meetings.
Kohli is the top scorer in the rivalry with 1,098 runs, while Dhoni follows with 807 runs.
Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals
It is an emerging rivalry where Gujarat, who won the title on debut in 2022, enjoy a 6-2 advantage in head-to-head matches.
Gujarat beat Rajasthan by seven wickets in the 2022 final. Their skipper Shubman Gill (GT) is the top scorer in this contest with 332 runs. Sanju Samson has managed 271 runs for Rajasthan.
With 10 wickets, Gujarat’s Rashid Khan is the leading wicket-taker in this clash.
