Former CSK star Robin Uthappa believes the rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has grown into something much bigger than just cricket. What started as a high-stakes sporting contest has now transformed into an emotionally charged battle between two of the most passionate fan bases in the Indian Premier League.
Robin Uthappa, who has represented both franchises in the IPL, shared his perspective on how this rivalry has intensified in recent years, not just on the field, but among the fans as well. “There’s something unique about CSK vs RCB games,” he said on his YouTube channel. “Even when they play away from home, it feels like a home crowd for both teams. The fan support is just unreal.”
Recalling a recent match in Bengaluru, Robin Uthappa described how RCB fans jeered at CSK players as they exited the stadium.
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“Mocking players as they leave the stadium isn’t in good taste,” he said. He went on to narrate a disturbing incident where a clash between CSK and RCB supporters escalated into a physical fight outside the stadium. “I even saw women being heckled—it went far beyond what a cricket rivalry should look like,” he added.
The tension reached a new level during the May 3 clash in Bengaluru this season. RCB fans were seen selling mock “jail” T-shirts with black stripes and inscriptions like “Thala” and a number resembling MS Dhoni’s, referencing CSK’s two-year suspension from the IPL. “That was disturbing,” said Uthappa. “This rivalry is getting a bit toxic. There’s a fine line between banter and hostility, and I feel we’re crossing it.”
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From a cricketing standpoint, RCB have had the upper hand recently. They’ve won three of their last four encounters against CSK, including a landmark victory at Chepauk, breaking a 17-year drought. However, CSK still dominate the head-to-head record, winning 21 of the 35 matches played.
As the IPL evolves, so does its rivalries. But as Uthappa rightly pointed out, passion must not overshadow sportsmanship. Cricket is meant to bring people together, not push them apart.
