IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra questions RCB vs CSK rivalry, drops bombshell on Virat Kohli becoming captain

The rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took an unexpected turn and became the talking point, especially after their last outing in the IPL 2024. The CSK vs RCB match was high-stakes, and emotions were running high among the Bengaluru players on May 18, 2024.

From fiery celebrations of wickets by the RCB players to MS Dhoni’s alleged denial to shake hands with the Bengaluru players, it was a great treat for the fans to watch out in the IPL 2024, which was won by Faf du Plessis and his team by 27 runs to qualify for the playoffs at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

RCB vs CSK rivalry heats up after stunning IPL 2024 showdown

Recently, former Indian batter Aakash Chopra shared his views on the rivalry between CSK and RCB in the IPL with a scorching statement, which would certainly not go down well with the Kohli and Bengaluru fans. The cricket pundit said that CSK has consistently dominated RCB over the years, making him wonder if this can truly be called a rivalry at all.

However, the IPL 2024 encounter between the two sides may have sparked new hope for RCB fans, as the franchise pulled off one of the most unexpected turnarounds in IPL history, leaving cricket fans stunned. It seemed like CSK had the upper hand, and at one point, the match looked all but sealed for the yellow brigade.

But RCB flipped the script in dramatic fashion, delivering a crushing blow to CSK and shaking up the IPL landscape. It was a statement win for a team that has long been in the shadows of its southern rival. This victory may not be enough to call the rivalry evenly matched, but it certainly adds fuel to the fire, according to the well-known commentator.

A rivalry truly develops when the results are close or evenly matched: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said on 2 Sloggers’ podcast on YouTube: “A rivalry truly develops when the results are close or evenly matched. Unfortunately, the truth so far has been that the matches between CSK and RCB have been very one-sided. This time, of course, CSK lost a major game, and RCB delivered one of the biggest turnarounds of the IPL history.

The ball was turning far more than expected, and at one point, it seemed like the match was slipping away. But then what happened was brilliant—RCB delivered a huge blow to CSK. So yes, there is a rivalry; there’s a niddle, but for this rivalry to become real, RCB needs to win a lot more matches against CSK.”

The big question now revolves around Bengaluru's leadership as they prepare for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Virat Kohli had stepped down from the role in 2021, but many fans would love to see the former Indian captain return as captain. However, Chopra said that it seems highly unlikely, as he's firmly set on his decision to focus solely on his batting.

Will Virat Kohli return or is a new captain on the horizon for RCB

He said that RCB may have no choice but to look for a new leader to guide the team forward if they remove the current skipper, Faf du Plessis. With the IPL 2025 mega auction on the horizon, RCB management will have to make some tough decisions. Should they invest in Faf for the next few years or look for a fresh face, possibly even from outside India, to take over the captaincy reins?

Chopra signed off by saying, “As for whether Virat Kohli will become RCB captain again, I have some doubts. As he's made up his mind, it is highly unlikely that he will don the captain's hat again. RCB might have to find a new captain. Faf du Plessis might not be available for the upcoming season.

The question is whether the team will invest in Faf for the next three years. He's a good captain and great option, but with the mega auction coming up, they may have to look for someone outside India if they want to make changes in leadership.”