Rivalries in cricket have always added thrill and excitement to the game. Whether it's India vs Pakistan on the world stage or Australia vs England in the Ashes, these clashes bring fans together in huge numbers. Similarly, the IPL, over the last 17 years, has given us some unforgettable rivalries that go beyond just cricket. From legendary face-offs to new emerging battles, these matchups are filled with passion, drama, and high stakes betting on PinUp. As IPL 2025 approaches, fans are eagerly waiting for some of the biggest rivalries to unfold once again. Let’s take a look at the most intense and exciting battles that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats this season.
The IPL 2025, starting on March 22, 2025, promises thrilling action as fans gear up to cheer for their favorite teams. But beyond the race for the trophy, it's the intense rivalries that will steal the spotlight. These epic battles will bring drama, passion, and unforgettable moments, making the tournament even more exciting.
The biggest rivalry in the Indian Premier League, often called the "El Clásico" of IPL, is the clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. This battle isn’t just about winning matches as it’s about two of the most successful franchises, both with five IPL titles each, fighting for dominance. Over the last 17 seasons, MI and CSK have faced each other 37 times, with Mumbai Indians leading the head-to-head with 20 wins, while CSK has won 17 times. Their encounters have often decided the fate of the tournament, including four IPL finals, where Mumbai Indians triumphed three times, and CSK won once.
In IPL 2025, the rivalry continues, with these giants set to meet twice. The first battle will take place on March 23, 2025, at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, while the second showdown will be on April 20, 2025, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This time, the teams will have new captains leading the charge as Hardik Pandya for Mumbai Indians and Ruturaj Gaikwad for Chennai Super Kings. With pride, history, and legacy at stake, fans can expect fireworks, drama, and a contest to remember.
The Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru rivalry, known as the “Southern Derby,” has always been an exciting contest, but it reached another level on May 18, 2024. In a high-stakes match, RCB defeated CSK in the final league game, securing a playoff spot while knocking out the five-time champions. What followed was pure mayhem on social media, as RCB fans trolled CSK, celebrating their team’s dramatic comeback. Looking at the head-to-head record, CSK has dominated, winning 21 out of 33 matches, while RCB has won 11 times.
But history doesn’t always decide the future, and IPL 2025 promises a fresh battle between these two southern powerhouses. Fans won’t have to wait long, as CSK and RCB will clash twice in the upcoming season. The first showdown will be on March 28, 2025, while the second encounter is set for May 3, 2025. This time, Rajat Patidar will be leading RCB, while Ruturaj Gaikwad takes over as CSK’s captain. With past rivalries, fresh leadership, and unfinished business, this Southern Derby will be more than just a match.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru rivalry has been one of the most thrilling battles in the IPL, bringing countless moments of joy, heartbreak, and drama for the fans. Their history dates back to 2009, when Deccan Chargers defeated RCB in the final, and the rivalry intensified in 2016, when SRH crushed RCB’s title dreams in another IPL final to lift their maiden trophy. Since then, SRH has haunted RCB on multiple occasions like knocking them out in the 2020 Eliminator, pushing them from 2nd to 3rd place in 2021, and even dismissing RCB for just 68 runs in IPL 2022.
These moments have fueled an intense competition between the two sides, making every match a high-stakes battle. Looking at the head-to-head record, SRH leads with 13 wins out of 25 encounters, while RCB has won 11 times, with one game ending in no result. In IPL 2025, fans will get just one chance to witness this rivalry, as SRH and RCB face off on May 13, 2025, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This time, Rajat Patidar will lead RCB, while Pat Cummins will captain SRH. With history, revenge, and pride at stake, this match is bound to be explosive.
When it comes to iconic IPL rivalries, Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders is one of the fiercest. This rivalry has had everything from heated on-field clashes like the famous Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir fight to record-breaking moments, including KKR bowling out RCB for just 49 runs, the lowest total in IPL history. Over the years, these teams have faced off 34 times, with KKR leading the head-to-head with 20 wins, while RCB has won 14 times, still trailing in the contest.
Every time these two teams meet, it’s not just a game as it’s a battle for dominance. In IPL 2025, fans will witness this rivalry twice. The first match will be on March 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where KKR will have the home advantage. The second showdown will take place on May 17, 2025, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where RCB will look to settle the score in front of their home crowd. With so much history and unfinished business between these two teams, their clashes in IPL 2025 will be more than just regular league games.
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad rivalry has become one of the most intense battles in the IPL, especially after their IPL 2024 final clash, where KKR defeated SRH to lift their third IPL trophy. Over the years, these two teams have shared some memorable encounters, filled with high stakes, drama, and nail-biting moments. Their rivalry dates back to IPL 2016, when SRH knocked KKR out in the Eliminator. In 2017, KKR returned the favor, eliminating SRH in the same stage. But in 2018, SRH struck back, once again ending KKR’s title hopes.
This back-and-forth battle has fueled the competitive spirit between these two sides, making their clashes even more thrilling. Looking at the head-to-head record, KKR has the upper hand, winning 19 out of 28 matches, while SRH has secured 9 victories. In IPL 2025, fans will witness this exciting contest twice—first on April 3, 2025, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and then on May 10, 2025, at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. With unfinished business and a title-winning history, expect another fierce battle when these two teams collide.
Some may not consider Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings as a major rivalry, but over the years, this contest has delivered some of the most thrilling moments in IPL history. Every time these two teams meet, something dramatic unfolds, making it a must-watch battle for cricket fans. It all began in 2018, when R Ashwin "Mankaded" Jos Buttler, sparking a heated debate. Then came 2020, when Rahul Tewatia pulled off one of the most unbelievable comebacks, smashing five sixes in an over to help Rajasthan pull off a stunning chase. The drama continued in 2021, when Sanju Samson’s century was overshadowed by Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant final over, securing victory for Punjab.
And who can forget Kartik Tyagi’s magical final over in 2021, where he defended four runs off six balls, pulling off an impossible win for Rajasthan? With 16 wins in 28 matches, Rajasthan Royals hold a slight edge, while Punjab Kings have won 12 times. As IPL 2025 approaches, this unpredictable and thrilling battle is set to continue. The first encounter will take place on April 5, 2025, at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, followed by a second showdown on May 16, 2025, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Expect fireworks, drama, and another chapter in this exciting rivalry!
Coming to the rivalries, IPL 2025 promises to be an electrifying season filled with intense clashes, unforgettable moments, and fierce battles between teams that have built history over the years. From the legendary El Clásico between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to the ever-growing Southern Derby of CSK vs RCB, every matchup is set to bring high-voltage action. RCB’s ongoing battles with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders will continue to fuel emotions, as both teams have played a part in crushing RCB’s dreams in the past. Meanwhile, the finalists of IPL 2024, KKR and SRH, will be eager to prove their dominance once again, making their encounters even more thrilling.
