There’s a saying that MI vs CSK is the El Clásico of the IPL. However, if we’re looking for a tough competitor for this game, there’s nothing better than an RCB vs CSK clash. IPL 2024 is set to witness one of the much-awaited games between RCB and CSK. This match is a do-or-die situation for both teams, as their playoff chances depend entirely on the result of this game. Undoubtedly, with teams including MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis, who would want to miss seeing them play?
Looking at the past, both teams have been involved in a lot of crunch games. Since they’re meeting once again, let’s take a look at the top 3 clashes, which give us a clear picture of why this clash always tops the Indian Premier League.
Top 3 CSK vs RCB clashes
IPL 2023, Match 24 Group Stage
We don’t need a time machine to dig into the past. Just last year, we witnessed a high-scoring thriller between the southern derbies at the Chinassawmy Stadium in Bengaluru. Batting first, CSK posted a breathtaking total of 226 runs in 20 overs. Thanks to Devon Conway’s 83 runs, which helped CSK reach the huge total.
When RCB came to bat, they challenged the CSK bowlers, especially Glenn Maxwell and Captain Faf du Plessis. They almost snatched the game from CSK’s jaws. But Matheesha Pathirana’s last over wonder, where he gave away just 10 runs and picked up a wicket as well, restricted RCB to 218. Gave the game to CSK.
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IPL 2019, Match 39 Group Stage
This 2019 match between both teams is enough to clarify the fickle nature of T20 cricket. Although RCB didn’t set a big target at Chinnaswamy Stadium, when CSK came to bat chasing a total of 162. They faced some hiccups as their top-order batters Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, and Suresh Raina went to pavilion in no time. However, MS Dhoni, known for his big hits and who was in a purple patch, played a remarkable innings of 84 runs, nearly single-handedly turning the game around.
CSK needed 26 runs off the last over, bowled by Umesh Yadav, with Dhoni and Shardul Thakur at the crease. Dhoni was striking every RCB bowler, and Yadav’s over was no exception. With two runs needed off the last ball, Dhoni was controversially adjudged to run out while attempting a second run. This decision left CSK falling short by one run, handing RCB a heart-stopping victory.
IPL 2011, Final: It’s fair to say that this was surely an anticipated encounter. As both teams reached the final after showcasing amazing performances in the group stage. But it turned out to be a one-sided game in the finals as CSK, who posted a score of 205 runs thanks to Mr. Cricket Michael Hussey’s 63 runs and then Murali Vijay’s inspiring knock of 95 runs, created the base for the yellow team.
However, when it comes to RCB’s batting, they disappointed, as they got bundled under 150 runs. With this win, CSK hugged the trophy for the second time after clinching it in 2010.
