Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have one of the most competitive rivalries in the Indian Premier League. Yesterday the two franchises were again part of a closely-fought match. CSK emerged the victors by eight runs with the match going right to the last over.
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However, the intense competition between the two teams is strictly restricted to the game as could be seen in the post-match interaction between CSK skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and RCB ace Virat Kohli. The two former India captains could be seen having a lengthy conversation immediately after the game was over and sharing some laughs in between their chats.
Whistling Bold for the #Mahirat Duo! 🥳💛#RCBvCSK #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁pic.twitter.com/cGeFgVe5nw
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 17, 2023
What is Dhoni and Kohli's friendship like?
Dhoni and Kohli share a close bond which goes back all the way to the days when the former was the captain of the Indian national team, and the latter his deputy as the vice-captain. Eventually, the ex-RCB skipper took over the reins from Dhoni, who continued to support his successor.
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Even after Dhoni's retirement from International cricket, he continued to be pillar of support to Kohli. The former RCB skipper has stated that when he was no longer India's captain in the Test cricket format, the CSK captain was the only person he has played with to contact him and ask how he was:
I can tell you one thing... when I left Test captaincy, I got a message from only one person, with whom I have played previously - MS Dhoni. Many people have my number. On TV, lots of people give suggestions, but whoever had my number, no one texted. When you have a genuine connection with someone, it shows because you’re never insecure about each other.
❤️+💛= 🇮🇳 @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/CU0ktK3cG7
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 18, 2023
When will RCB and CSK play next?
RCB will next play away to Punjab Kings on 20 April, while CSK will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on 21 April in Chennai.