IPL 2026 is up and running. And we have already had a couple of thrillers unfold in the current season.
After all, the league is a one-stop destination for such thrillers, which have given birth to many rivalries. A few rivalries will be in focus as teams look to one-up their fierce competitors.
This article will list the top 3 biggest rivalries in IPL 2026.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The first-ever IPL match in 2008 involved these two teams. And on the same day, the rivalry between KKR and RCB began.
KKR and RCB have engaged in fierce battles in the league. The head-to-head record between both sides speaks for it.
And then there have been some on-field heated altercations between players that have further fuelled the rivalry to another level.
You can expect a tussle between KKR and RCB twice in IPL 2026. RCB have already sneaked in a victory in their first encounter. Can KKR counterback in the second match? It will be interesting to see.
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2. Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challenger Bengaluru square off in a closely followed ‘Southern Derby’. Although RCB haven’t had a lot of success against CSK, their previous match in 2024 had all the ebbs and flows.
Both teams needed a win to qualify for the playoffs in their last group stage matches. And RCB defeated CSK in front of a joyful Chinnaswamy crowd.
Now that both sides will meet twice in IPL 2025, CSK would like to have their revenge against RCB.
1. Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians
Without a tinge of a doubt, the biggest rivalry in IPL 2026 will be between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians (MI). After all, it’s the ‘El Clasico’ of the IPL.
CSK and MI have been the most successful teams in the league. The quality players they have had over the years meant there was always tough competition. And it was evident in the nail-biting fixtures both sides delivered on many counts.
You can expect the same in IPL 2025 as the two rejuvenated sides face each other. CSK are already 1-0 up this season with their win in Chennai. Now their next encounter will be on April 20 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
So keep an eye out for another thriller between CSK and MI in their celebrated IPL rivalry.
