‘Bengaluru welcomes, Chennai shuts you out’ - Virat Kohli on RCB vs CSK rivalry
“One team we’ve historically had the most intense games against, I feel, is CSK in Bengaluru," said Kohli.
Virat Kohli has opened on the Indian Premier League (IPL) rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), especially when the two teams meet at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The two teams are set to renew the rivalry on April 5. Ahead of that, Kohli expressed that the CSK vs RCB rivalry is one of the most intense, and the intensity goes a notch higher when Bengaluru hosts the Men in Yellow due to the presence of CSK supporters.
“One team we’ve historically had the most intense games against, I feel, is CSK in Bengaluru, because when we play CSK, a lot of Chennai fans turn up here as well. At their stadium, there are just CSK fans everywhere. In Bengaluru, people are welcoming like, 'Come and see the game.' But in Chennai, it’s all yellow, it’s like, ‘we won’t let you in.’ And our fans don’t travel there as much,” said Kohli in a throwback video posted by Star Sports.
Kohli highlighted that while RCB supporters do not travel to Chennai in such large numbers, the CSK supporters ensure their presence at the Chinnaswamy Stadium each time the two teams meet, building an atmosphere of both tension and banter.
“CSK fans, on the other hand, travel in huge numbers. They buy tickets very early and often end up occupying an entire section of the stadium. That creates a unique atmosphere in CSK vs RCB games, with the tension and banter between fans over who is louder. And, of course, the game itself becomes very intense and competitive. That environment, I would say, is the most exciting,” Kohli added.
Meanwhile, RCB and CSK have made contrasting starts in the tournament in 2026. RCB started their campaign on the right note, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in the tournament opener at home. CSK, on the other hand, extended their wooden-spoon rut from 2025, losing their season opener to Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets in Guwahati, followed by a five-wicket drubbing against Punjab Kings at home.
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