Rivalry between CSK and RCB: It is competition or disrespect?
I don’t really understand the rivalry between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. In fact, I wasn’t even aware that such a rivalry existed until the third match of the Indian Premier League 2026, CSK vs RCB.
But what I noticed that day on social media made me realise something important: there is a very thin line between rivalry and disrespect.
My entire feed was filled with RCB fans and pages openly cussing CSK players, the management, and even the fans. Reels were mocking CSK for being at the bottom of the table, and most of the content wasn’t just banter, it was celebrating their downfall.
And then came the comment sections, honestly, the biggest spoiler of all. There was zero love for the game, zero respect for the opposition, and shockingly, no regard even for Indian players.
The CSK captain was being mocked with harsh words, and mind you, we are talking about an Indian player here. People were saying the team is nothing without MS Dhoni, as if no other player ever contributed to CSK’s success. As if those 5 IPL trophies just happened overnight. As if those iconic run chases, orange Caps, purple Caps, all of it meant nothing today.
And all of this just because CSK finished last in 2025 and lost their first three games in 2026. Aren’t ups and downs a part of the game?
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Is this rivalry? I don’t think so.
This feels more like disrespect, not just towards a franchise, but towards the game itself and the players who represent India. These are the same players who will go on to play for the country in future. Players like Sanju Samson, who contribute to India’s wins on the global stage, deserve better than this kind of treatment from their own fans.
Because if you truly love a sport, respect becomes a part of that love.
Now I don’t know if CSK's fans have ever shown the same level of disrespect towards RCB. As I said, I only recently became aware of this rivalry. But if it has happened, it wasn’t right then either.
And if it hasn’t, then does this become an interesting reflection of the team’s culture on their fan as well? CSK is often seen as calm, composed, and grounded. RCB is often seen as aggressive, loud, and emotionally charged.
But somewhere, in all this noise, we are forgetting what sport is really about.
Competition? Yes.
Rivalry? Absolutely.
But never at the cost of respect.
What do you think?
