New Delhi: As the TATA IPL 2025 heads into the decisive ‘Race to the Play-offs’ phase, fans are bracing for one of the biggest fixtures of the season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Ahead of this blockbuster clash, RCB legend Virat Kohli opened up about the electrifying rivalry, the evolution of the league, and his early memories of the IPL during a candid chat on ‘18 Calling 18’, streaming exclusively on JioHotstar.
Reflecting on the intensity of the RCB-CSK battles, especially in Bengaluru, Kohli admitted that the atmosphere is on another level.
“I would say one team that, historically, I’ve felt we’ve had the most intense games with is Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru,” Kohli shared. He added, “Because there are Chennai fans in Chennai, of course, it’s just yellow and CSK fans everywhere. But playing against CSK in Bengaluru is something else because a lot of Chennai fans come to Bengaluru. They buy tickets early and take over a section of the stadium. That environment is the most exciting I’ve been a part of.”
The mutual respect and fierce competition between the two sides, fueled by a divided but passionate crowd, has made this fixture one of the most anticipated in IPL history.
PL’s remarkable evolution over 18 Years
Kohli also reflected on the IPL’s remarkable journey as it celebrates 18 years since its inception. “Honestly, when IPL started, I never thought it could reach a stage like this. But 18 years and rolling, and every year you feel the same excitement, if not more. That’s a massive credit to the league, the way it’s organised, the teams, the competitiveness, and the professionalism— everything is top-notch.”
Memories from 2008
Reminiscing about the inaugural season in 2008, Kohli recalled how the experience was surreal for young Indian cricketers. “We hadn’t played much T20 cricket then, and being part of franchise teams, playing alongside international stars we had looked up to, it was a dream. When we were auctioned for ₹20 lakhs as uncapped players, we were thrilled. We were literally celebrating in the corridor in Malaysia. It was all so new and so exciting.”
High-stakes clash ahead
With both teams eyeing crucial points in their bid for a playoff berth, fans can catch the high-stakes clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings at 7:30 PM today, live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.
RCB and CSK renew their fierce rivalry in a high-voltage showdown as Kohli reflects on the IPL’s evolution and unmatched atmosphere at Chinnaswamy. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
