RCB thrown out of the picture as Harbhajan Singh picks IPL's most intense rivalry

Former India offspinner Harbhajan Singh has been named the most intense rivalry in the history of the Indian Premier League. He rated the rivalry between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians very highly and even compared that to the rivalry between India and Pakistan.

Through this statement, Harbhajan Singh termed Royal Challengers Bengaluru irrelevant as they were not on his list of most intense rivals despite being one of the most popular teams in the IPL.

RCB's matches with CSK and MI have witnessed some unprecedented viewership with the fans cheering for their respective teams. However, Harbhajan thinks otherwise and refuses to keep RCB on this list.

Also read: RCB head coach Andy Flower gets in a fight with KKR during press conference before IPL 2025 opener

Harbhajan Singh names IPL's most intense rivalry

While speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh compared the CSK vs MI rivalry to India vs Pakistan. He feels that both teams have a huge fan following and have produced world-class players over the years.

According to him, both teams are tough to beat and they always produce high-voltage games whenever they face each other. It is also the reason why this rivalry is also known as the 'El Clasico' of the IPL.

"CSK vs MI is like India and Pakistan of IPL; their fans support them to the core. Many big players have played for both teams. CSK is one of the top teams in IPL, and if you beat them, your team will be in the headlines, and the same goes for Mumbai Indians. High pressure, high voltage game and full of fun," Harbhajan said.

Both these teams are the most successful teams in the history of the IPL with five titles each. Harbhajan Singh has represented both of them and played a key role in several title wins as well.

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of IPL 2025 on March 22. RCB will be looking to start their season on a high as they aim for the elusive IPL title.

CSK vs MI head-to-head

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have faced each other 39 times over the years. Mumbai have the upper hand over their opponents with 21 wins while Chennai have won the match on 18 occasions.

However, CSK have emerged as a better team over the last few years. In the last six matches between these two sides, Chennai have won the match on five occasions. With the upcoming match between these two teams in Chennai, CSK will have the upper hand as they know the conditions well.

Fittingly, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will face each other on March 23 for their opening match of IPL 2025. The match is expected to be an exciting one as both the teams have plenty of potential in their sides.

Harbhajan Singh lauds Riyan Parag

Harbhajan Singh also opened up on Riyan Parag and is eager to see him this season. Parag was recently named the captain of Rajasthan Royals and Harbhajan wants to see how he manages his performances with his captaincy.

"Many young players come every season, score runs, and pick up wickets. My eyes are on Riyan Parag, he has been named Rajasthan Royals captain...We have seen what he can do and he has tremendous talent. I want to see him as a grown man who wins matches and tournaments," the former CSK player said.

Riyan Parag will lead Rajasthan Royals in the first three games of IPL 2025 as Sanju Samson is yet to fully recover from the finger surgery that he underwent last month. Parag had a fantastic season last year as he emerged as the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament.

He made his international debut after putting in impressive performances in the IPL. He will be expected to do well in the upcoming season as well. Parag also has experience of leading his state team Assam in domestic cricket.