Former CSK Star Subramaniam Badrinath Replicates Viral Meme to Troll RCB—Video Captivates Internet

The season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is already on the horizon, and like every time, it comes with a charged ambiance replete with eagerness, enthusiasm, and bitter rivalries. One of the most eagerly awaited encounters in the tournament is between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The long-standing rivalry between these two franchises has kept cricket enthusiasts entertained for years, and on the eve of their highly anticipated showdown, former CSK sensation Subramaniam Badrinath has set the ball rolling with a rib-tickling social media clip.

The Viral Video That's Keeping Everyone Abuzz

In an Instagram video, Subramaniam Badrinath humorously mimicked a popular meme while taking a jab at RCB. The video shows Badrinath, who is representing CSK, greeting other members of other IPL teams with hugs and handshakes in a warm and friendly manner. But when it is time to greet the representative of RCB, he turns a blind eye to them and walks away without a second glance. The video, which gained popularity in no time on all social media platforms, fueled the already hot rivalry between the two franchises, eliciting laughter and reactions from fans on both sides.

CSK vs. RCB—A Rivalry That Never Fails

The CSK vs. RCB rivalry has been one of the most entertaining things about the IPL over the years. On one hand, there's Chennai Super Kings, a five-time IPL winner, with its reputation for consistency, strategic play, and a solid core of veteran players. On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with some of the biggest names in cricketing history, has yet to win an IPL title. This dichotomy has created thrilling encounters, heated fan arguments, and moments that become IPL lore.

RCB and CSK are to clash on two occasions in the IPL 2025 league phase. They will meet initially on March 28 at the Chepauk Stadium, which is home to CSK. The home game will occur on May 3 at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Those matches will feature among the greatest-watched match-ups of the season, given the past tension between the franchises and the escalated expectations surrounding their most recent fixture.

Although having star-laden line-ups throughout the years of IPL history, RCB has not been able to lay hands on a championship title yet. Former RCB spinner Shadab Jakati recently shed light on his take on why the franchise could not cross the finish line.

"Cricket is a team sport. If you wish to win trophies, the whole team must deliver as a unit. You cannot count on two or three star players to take the team to the victory," Jakati told Sportskeeda in an interview.

Jakati also drew attention to the contrast between franchises such as CSK and RCB in team management. "Chennai had a solid core of Indian players, topped with a balanced combination of overseas players. That was a big difference. RCB, on the other hand, put too much reliance on a couple of marquee players. The absence of depth and balance in their make-up of the team has been one of their greatest weaknesses."

He also stressed that camaraderie among team members is important in a franchise's success. "The dressing room culture at RCB was entirely different from CSK. Though RCB had very talented players, there was no bonding. But CSK created an atmosphere of togetherness, where each player felt important, which ultimately helped them succeed," he clarified

Predictably, Badrinath's viral video was met with a tsunami of reactions from fans. CSK fans welcomed the friendly shot, perceiving it as a light-hearted way to re-ignite their old rivalry with RCB. There were many in praise of Badrinath's sense of humor, while there were some of the RCB fans who turned to social media to vent their anger, asking their team to shut up their critics with powerful performances this season.

Memes, tweets, and Instagram reels overwhelmed the internet as supporters participated in the banter, making the future CSK vs. RCB encounters even more eagerly awaited. Some of the RCB supporters even came up with their own memes, humorously pointing out how their team has been on top in some encounters with CSK. 

With the tournament scheduled to begin on March 22, cricket enthusiasts are preparing for another exciting IPL season. The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will start the season against RCB at Eden Gardens, and the stage is all set for an exciting competition. Though all teams will be fighting to win the ultimate trophy, the CSK vs RCB rivalry is still one of the most interesting subplots of the tournament.

Badrinath's viral video is only a small reflection of the enthusiasm that IPL generates among fans, retired players, and cricket lovers globally. With the highly awaited CSK vs. RCB showdowns on the cards, everyone will be looking at the field to determine which team will triumph in this legendary rivalry.

One thing is sure—the war between CSK and RCB in IPL 2025 will be an event unlike any other, and fans would not want to miss a second of it!