Chennai Super Kings to FC Barcelona: Counterparts of IPL teams in football world
The IPL is the only cricket league that can compete against renowned football clubs in the world. So here we compare the Indian Premier League teams and their football clubs counterparts.
Only 1 day is left for the biggest T20 extravaganza- Indian Premier League (IPL) and the stage is all set for the opening clash between two heavyweights, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The IPL is the only cricket league that can compete against renowned football clubs in the world. Different countries have their own football leagues like Spain- La Liga, England - Premier League, Germany - Bundesliga. With the rise of cricket globally, the popularity is soaring high and players such as Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are leading them from the front.
Here we compare the Indian Premier League teams and their football clubs counterparts.
Mumbai Indians – Real Madrid
Like the Los Blancos, Mumbai Indians have won the most number of IPL trophies, tying the Blues with Chennai Super Kings (3). These teams have a lot of similarities like their history of having the greatest player of the game to have played for them like Sachin Tendulkar has represented the Mumbai Indians with the likes of Ricky Ponting and Sanath Jayasuriya while on the other hand, great footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, they all have played for the Spanish Giants in their past.
Chennai Super Kings – FC Barcelona
Both teams have a G.O.A.T in their presence and players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Lionel Messi both are known for their loyalty, dedication and game spirit. CSK are the defending champions of IPL and on the same hand, Barcelona are looking to retaining their title this year as well. Both teams have the ammunition that can win any game on any day. One thing that is also popular among the two heavyweights are that they have probably the best and the most loyal fanbase in the world.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Paris Saint Germain
They are the two most high profile teams with a lot of star power in their dressing room. They have the modern day legends in their team like Virat Kohli and Neymar Jr, but despite boasting of the best players and management in their squad, these two teams have never won the IPL trophy & UEFA Champions League respectively. They've always looked good on paper, but have evidently choked when it mattered at the big stage.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Bayern Munich
KKR and Bayern Munich are the two most balanced team in their respective sport. They both have the best home fans in their stadium who stick to them every season and situation. These both teams have the same style of play i.e. attacking that makes them very similar.
Delhi Capitals – Liverpool
The two most hardworking clubs in their respective fields, Liverpool and Delhi Capitals have plenty in common. They have a decent fan base who stick by the franchise in their dry run as well as the two teams, have not won their respective leagues yet. The two franchises have often made the mistakes of letting go of players who later on turn out to be the most wanted. Delhi had let go of AB de Villiers and David Warner who turned out to be star players for where they play now, whereas Liverpool lost Suarez, Coutinho and Torres to their rival clubs as well.
Rajasthan Royals – Manchester United
Rajasthan Royals were the winners of the inaugural season of the IPL when they were the biggest underdogs at the time, while Manchester United is the moment is riding on their rich history. Both clubs have endured a rough phase in the past few years as Rajasthan Royals have not matched up to their first season heroics while Manchester United have been struggling in the league and UCL respectively.
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Manchester City
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Manchester City are on the rise in the past few years and have a team on papers that is only improving every season. They have the balance in their squads which stands out amongst the crowd. They don’t have many fans as compared to other teams but they are working hard to achieve the ultimate glory.
Kings XI Punjab – Tottenham Hotspurs
Despite bringing in players that are highly impressive, the teams have been inconsistent which has cost them plenty of times. The two teams have not won their respective leagues yet but cannot be ruled out from the competition. While 'Harry-cane' leads Spurs' charge, Punjab are bringing in a 'Gaylestorm' this summer.