Is Playing Against CSK in Bengaluru the Most Thrilling Experience for Kohli?

Synopsis
Virat Kohli shares his thrilling experiences playing against Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru. He highlights the intense atmosphere created by passionate fans and reflects on the journey of IPL since its inception in 2008. Discover why Kohli believes this rivalry is unparalleled in excitement and competitiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli believes playing against CSK in Bengaluru offers unmatched excitement.
- The intense fan support creates a highly charged atmosphere.
- RCB's recent victories against CSK highlight the rivalry's competitive nature.
- Kohli reflects on the surreal beginnings of IPL in 2008.
- The IPL has transformed into a global cricket phenomenon.
New Delhi, May 3 (NationPress) The iconic batter of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Virat Kohli, expressed that the atmosphere while competing against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on their home ground in Bengaluru has provided him with the most exhilarating environment during an IPL match.
The last encounter between RCB and CSK in Bengaluru was in IPL 2024, where RCB triumphed by 27 runs in a nail-biting match, securing a spot in the playoffs. Earlier this season, the two teams faced off at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with RCB winning by 50 runs.
“Historically, one team with which we’ve had the most intense matches in Bengaluru is Chennai Super Kings. In Chennai, you see CSK fans everywhere, draped in yellow,” Kohli remarked.
“However, facing CSK in Bengaluru is an entirely different experience, as numerous CSK supporters travel to Bengaluru. They purchase tickets early and dominate a section of the stadium,” he added.
“The atmosphere inside the Bengaluru stadium when competing against CSK is incredibly intense. Naturally, the game becomes fiercely competitive, making it the most thrilling environment I’ve experienced,” Kohli shared on JioHotstar.
Kohli, who has accumulated 443 runs in IPL 2025 so far, also reminisced about the excitement and surreal moments from the inaugural IPL season back in 2008. "The first year was astonishing due to the unpredictability. We hadn’t played much T20 cricket. Moreover, franchise cricket enabled us to team up with players from across the globe—players we admired,” he reflected.
“During the auction in Kuala Lumpur, we were sold as first-class cricketers for a mere Rs 20 lakh. We went wild in the corridor, shouting, ‘We got Rs 20 lakh!’ That was the emotional high because we were oblivious to what awaited us—the opening ceremony and the chance to meet legendary cricketers—it was surreal,” Kohli noted.
“It’s been a lengthy journey, witnessing the IPL grow and evolve into this grand spectacle. Honestly, I never imagined the IPL could reach such heights when it first began. Yet here we are, 18 years later, experiencing the same excitement, if not more. This is a tremendous tribute to the league, its organization, the teams, the competitiveness, and the top-notch professionalism,” he concluded.