Top 5 IPL Rivalries of all-time | Head to Head Stats and Key IPL matches

Indian Premier League (IPL) is indeed the most widely followed T20 league around the globe. Every IPL season, each of the eight franchises competes against each other to claim the coveted IPL trophy. However, over the years, various teams have also developed a history against each other. It won't be astonishing to say that IPL rivalries exist between certain teams which in every fashion enhances the popularity of the IPL.

Fans from respective franchises cheer for their beloved teams and hope for their victory especially against their IPL rivals. The IPL rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings is one of the most intensely followed duels amongst all the other teams.

In the last 12 years, IPL has witnessed fiercest competition between franchises, giving rise to an IPL rivalry between the two sides. Here's a look at top five IPL rivalries in the history of the league:

1. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings

Mumbai Indians vs CSK IPL
MI-CSK IPL rivalry stems from a close competition that exists between the two teams

Often known as the ‘El-Classico' of the IPL, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have shared an IPL rivalry ever since the 2010 IPL final. The CSK-MI rivalry saw birth in 2010 IPL final when CSK came up trumps in an intense finale by 22 runs. Ever since, MI and CSK have played out some of the most riveting IPL contests, giving heartbreaks to fans on both sides. However, Mumbai Indians have an edge over CSK in terms of the matches won in this MI-CSK IPL rivalry.

In the most recent encounter, Mumbai Indians emerged victorious in the IPL 2019 final vs CSK in a last-ball thriller in Hyderabad. It was Mumbai's third win in an MI-CSK IPL final.

MI vs CSK head to head stats in IPL:

Played: 28

Mumbai Indians: 17

Chennai Super Kings: 11

No Result: 0

 

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2. Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

CSK-RCB rivalry is centred around Dhoni-Kohli
CSK-RCB rivalry is centred around Dhoni-Kohli

Regarded as the most popular Southen derby in the IPL, the faceoff between CSK and RCB is treat to all the IPL fans. With some of the most renowned superstars featuring on both sides, CSK vs RCB contests tends to produce fireworks on the field. While there isn't a great competition between the two teams, it is majorly due to the popularity of their respective captains that RCB-CSK rivalry is hugely hyped among the fans.

However, in the last Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings encounter in IPL 2019, both teams featured in an edge of a seat thriller contest in Bengaluru. It was only in the end that RCB held their nerve to claim victory over CSK by 1 run. MS Dhoni rose to the occasion for CSK before his 48-ball 84 went in vain. It was RCB's first win over CSK in last three IPL seasons.

CSK vs RCB head to head stats in IPL:

Played: 24

Chennai Super Kings: 15

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 8

No Result: 1

 

3. Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

KKR vs RCB IPL
KKR vs RCB matches always tends to raise the temperature on both sides

The seed of the KKR vs RCB IPL rivalry was sown in the inaugural IPL fixture in 2008. It was a memorable night for all the KKR fans when Brendon McCullum wreaked havoc at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium with his unbeaten 158 against RCB. Ever since the IPL opener, KKR-RCB rivalry has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Heated arguments, last-ball finishes, heart-breaks, and many more such emotions like have been a constant during the RCB-KKR IPL matches.

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Both RCB and KKR have always fancied some of the most powerful hitters in their line-ups. As a result, a high-scoring RCB vs KKR contest is always on the cards. Even in the last IPL season in 2019, both the matches between KKR and RCB saw runs being scored in excess of 200. While Andre Russell's heroics blew away the RCB attack in Bengaluru, Kohli and co. proved too good for KKR at Eden Gardens.

KKR vs RCB head to head stats in IPL:

Played: 24

Kolkata Knight Riders: 14

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 10

No Result: 0

 

4. Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Mumbai Indians vs KKR
MI vs KKR IPL matches always come along with an associated excitement factor

Mumbai Indians clearly have an edge over Kolkata Knight Riders in the MI-KKR IPL rivalry. However, still, MI vs KKR contests are one of the most highly anticipated clashes in the entire IPL season. Being the two top cities in India, fans from both side expect their teams do well against each other.

In IPL 2019, both Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders won a game each. Both the teams lost their away fixture while claimed victory at their home ground. However, Mumbai Indians won the more important fixture at Wankhede where KKR was completely rolled over in a one-sided encounter.

MI vs KKR head to head stats in IPL:

Played: 25

Mumbai Indians: 19

Kolkata Knight Riders: 6

No Result: 0

 

5. Delhi Capitals vs Kings XI Punjab

KXIP and DC have a history in the IPL
Delhi Capitals vs Kings XI Punjab IPL

Two of the most unsuccessful IPL franchises, Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab lock horns against each other to claim the honours in the northern derby. In the earlier editions of the IPL, Delhi and Punjab began as two probable contenders of the IPL trophy. However, the IPL ride for both the teams tapered off due to mismanagement within their group. However, despite the fact, DC-KXIP rivalry has come a long way in the IPL.

Clearly KXIP has had an upper hand in the rivalry against Delhi. In one of the most exciting KXIP vs DC encounters, Punjab registered a come from behind victory in IPL 2019. Delhi succumbed to pressure and eventually lost the match by 14 runs in Mohali in 2019. A Sam Curran hattrick was one of the highlights from that epic KXIP vs DC fixture.

DC vs KXIP head to head stats in IPL:

Played: 24

Delhi Capitals: 10

Kings XI Punjab: 14

No Result: 0