Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has revealed that some of the most electric contests he’s experienced over the past 18 seasons of the IPL have been against none other than the Chennai Super Kings. As RCB prepare to lock horns with CSK once again—this time at their fortress, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, on Saturday, May 3—Kohli reflected on the fierce rivalry and the atmosphere that surrounds these matchups.
“Historically, I’d say our most intense games have been against CSK in Bengaluru,” Virat Kohli said during a chat on JioHotstar. “In Chennai, it’s all yellow, the fans back CSK to the hilt. But in Bengaluru, it’s different. CSK fans travel in huge numbers. They buy tickets well in advance and take over large parts of the stadium. That creates an amazing buzz.”
This season, however, paints contrasting pictures for the two franchises. While RCB stand just one win away from sealing a playoff spot, Chennai have already bowed out of contention. MS Dhoni has resumed captaincy duties in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was ruled out with an elbow fracture.
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Kohli, on the other hand, has been the heartbeat of RCB’s batting order in IPL 2025. With 443 runs in 10 matches—including four fifties in his last five innings—he’s surging toward the Orange Cap and anchoring RCB’s charge.
Reflecting on the IPL’s evolution, Virat Kohli added, “I never imagined, back in 2008, that the IPL would grow into such a massive phenomenon. Now in its 18th year, the excitement just keeps growing. It’s a testament to the professionalism, the competition, and the way the league is run.”
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Saturday’s clash will also be emotionally charged, with fans likely witnessing one of the last IPL battles between Kohli and Dhoni—two icons who’ve shared a bond of mutual respect and leadership across formats. But come game day, sentiment will take a backseat. The Chinnaswamy will roar for its hero, as Kohli eyes one more big knock and a step closer to ending RCB’s elusive title drought.
