Top 5 rivalries in the history of IPL

The Indian Premier League is by far the most star-studded T20 league in the world. Every year, all 8 teams face each other twice and the top 4 teams qualify to the playoff stages. While all matches should be equally important as a win in any match yields two points, some matches are more feisty than others.

These rivalries are sometimes created off the field by opposing fans but they are often created on the field. Rivalries are sometimes also formed between two successful teams as they want to get the bragging rights of the league.

Rajasthan Royals, Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians have lifted the trophy in IPL history so far. Initially, some rivalries were city-based but as time progressed the rivalry kept getting intense. The teams would look to give their 110 per cent in such games and this also helps them build a loyal fan base. Fans would always wait for such contests with bated breaths and support their teams to the hilt.

There have been a lot of memorable matches with some breathtaking performances throughout the 12 years of the IPL. Rivalries are a part of the sport and there have been some classic encounters between IPL teams. While some rivalries are one-sided, others go right down to the wire. In the last 12 years, IPL has witnessed fierce competition between franchises, giving rise to an IPL rivalry between the two sides.

Here’s a look at top five IPL rivalries in the history of the league:

5. Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals

Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals (formerly known as Delhi Daredevils) don’t have the most obvious rivalry in the IPL. It makes this list mainly because of the rivalry between the two cities. Mumbai and Delhi are the two biggest cities in India. While Delhi is the capital, Mumbai is the financial capital of the country. This rivalry is given the term “battle of heavyweights” in the inaugural season of the IPL.

While one of the above teams has won the IPL a record four times, the other has had a disappointing decade after showing strong promises in the initial seasons. Although Mumbai Indians look the far superior side considering their IPL track record, their H2H against Delhi Capitals suggests otherwise. They have played 24 times against each other and share the cake with 12 wins each. In fact, Mumbai is one of the few teams against which Delhi Daredevils have had a good winning track record.

Both the teams have never played against each other in the play-offs. In this year both the teams look very strong on paper and will be looking to win the trophy. In MI v DC games, MI skipper Rohit Sharma has been the highest run-scorer with 516 runs at an average of 36.86 in 16 matches. Lasith Malinga is the highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets in 12 matches.