The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen legendary battles, but one rivalry remains as fierce as ever—RCB’s quest for their first title and CSK’s dominance under MS Dhoni. Former cricketer Rashid Latif’s statement, “Till MS Dhoni is there in CSK, don’t even think RCB can touch the IPL trophy,” has reignited debates among cricket fans.
RCB’s Trophy Drought
Despite having cricketing greats like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Yuvraj Singh in their ranks, RCB has yet to lift the IPL trophy. Ahmed Shehzad believes that Mohammad Amir could be the game-changer RCB needs. However, given the tournament’s restrictions on Pakistani players, this remains a hypothetical scenario.
Dhoni’s Influence on CSK
For over a decade, MS Dhoni has been the backbone of CSK. His leadership, tactical brilliance, and ability to handle pressure have ensured CSK’s consistent performance in the IPL. Even with rumors of his retirement, CSK retained Dhoni, signaling that his presence remains crucial for the team’s future.
AB de Villiers on Virat Kohli’s Impact
Virat Kohli, the face of RCB since its inception, has carried the team’s hopes for years. Criticism over his strike rate in IPL 2024 was quickly shut down as he silenced doubters with a stunning turnaround, finishing as the season’s highest run-scorer. His adaptability and improved aggression against spin played a vital role in RCB’s late surge into the playoffs.
Can RCB Break the Curse?
With a new captain, Rajat Patidar, and a strong squad, RCB enters IPL 2025 with renewed determination. Their opening match against KKR will set the tone for their campaign. However, as long as Dhoni remains in CSK, the psychological edge and legacy he brings could continue to haunt RCB’s title dreams.
RCB fans remain hopeful, but as history has shown, dethroning Dhoni and CSK is easier said than done. Will 2025 finally be the year RCB ends their trophy drought, or will Dhoni’s CSK once again stand in their way? Only time will tell.