Talking about the IPL, Chennai Super Kings is probably one of the first teams that come to our mind. They are one of the most powerful teams, with Captain Dhoni leading them from the front. On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore is one of those teams in the IPL which has a huge fan following. RCB always had a strong playing XI, and they put on a show with their performances. Unlike CSK who have won the title 4 times (2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021), RCB has not managed to win an IPL title even after reaching the Finals on multiple occasions. Let us look at the best XI of players who have played an essential role in both CSK and RCB’s journey over the years.
Openers – Brendon McCullum and Shane Watson:
Brendon McCullum was an extremely talented limited-overs batsman. He represented CSK and scored 405 runs in 2014 and 436 runs in 2015. But when he was picked by RCB in 2018, he was unable to replicate the rhythm with which he used to play for CSK. McCullum could score only 127 runs in the six matches he played for RCB.
Shane Watson is another talented player of the game to have represented both CSK and RCB. His batting performance was on another level with CSK. He was consistent with the bat, and his 117-run knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 IPL Final helped the Super Kings clinch the title. In his 2 years with RCB (2016 and 2017), his batting performances were not too successful, as he managed to score a total of 250 runs in 24 matches.
Middle Order – Subramaniam Badrinath, Robin Uthappa, and Parthiv Patel:
Subramaniam Badrinath was considered to be an aggressive middle-order batter. His career with the Super Kings often saw him as a player who could be relied upon in tough situations. His IPL career comprised a total of 95 matches, scoring 1441runs, with an average of 30.66. In 2015, he was signed by RCB after going unsold in the 2014 IPL auction. However, he was not allowed to prove his mettle for RCB.
The Chennai Super Kings have signed Robin Uthappa for the 2021 IPL season. However, he played an essential role of a finisher for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009 and 2010. His 50-run knock which came off 22 deliveries against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010 was a very valuable contribution towards RCB’s victory.
Parthiv Patel started his IPL career with the Chennai Super Kings as a backup wicketkeeper. He opened the batting for his team. Parthiv performed decently for the Super Kings, but could not prove his worth. He was a part of the squad from 2008-2010. RCB signed Parthiv Patel in 2014. However, the team released him in the next season. He scored a total of 205 runs in the 12 games he played, at an average of 20.50 in the 2014 season. RCB signed Parthiv again in 2018 and his second stint with the team shaped up to be good. However, he retired from the game of cricket in 2020.
All-Rounders – Moeen Ali, Albie Morkel and Chris Morris:
Moeen Ali made his IPL debut in 2018 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is a left-handed batting all-rounder. His 107-run partnership with AB de Villiers helped RCB set a mammoth target of 219 runs for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. RCB went on to win the match by 14 runs. Moeen will don the yellow jersey in the 2022 IPL season.
Albie Morkel started his IPL career with the Chennai Super Kings. He was a powerful hitter of the cricket ball. Being part of the XI, his contributions often helped CSK go after a victory. In 2012, Morkel smacked 28 runs off the first 6 balls he faced against RCB, which helped CSK pull off a successful chase to win the match. However, Morkel could not replicate his performance with RCB when he signed with the team in 2014.
Chris Morris made his IPL debut in 2013 with the Chennai Super Kings. He is an exceptional all-rounder. Being a lower-order batsman, his cameos proved to be extremely valuable. He would pummel the deliveries into the crowds on multiple occasions. On his debut, he picked up 2 wickets, giving away 27 runs against Kings XI Punjab. In 2020, he struck 25 runs off just 8 deliveries, which helped RCB put up a competitive total to defend against KXIP.
Bowlers – Tim Southee, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Karn Sharma
Tim Southee began his IPL journey with CSK in 2011, although he could play only 5 matches. In their first match, Southee helped CSK defeat KKR by 2 runs as he defended 9 runs off the last over. RCB signed Tim Southee in 2018. He picked up 2 wickets by giving away just 25 runs against the Mumbai Indians, which helped RCB defend their 168-run total. This spell got him the Man of the Match.
Muttiah Muralitharan started his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings in 2008. He is one of the greatest to ever spin the ball. Murali was the go-to spinner to help take down quick wickets. In 2009, he received the Man of the Match as he picked up 3 wickets by giving away just 11 runs in his spell. RCB signed him in 2012. He played 66 matches in his IPL career and picked up a total of 63 wickets.
Karn Sharma made his IPL debut in 2009. He represented RCB. Moreover, Karn has been part of teams that have made it to the playoffs and also go on to win the IPL title. Chennai Super Kings acquired the leg-spinner, Karn Sharma, in 2018. Karn picked up 4 wickets in the 6 matches he played. He was a part of the playing XI that went on to win the IPL title in 2018.
