IPCricket or Drama? 5 Explosive IPL Controversies That Ignited Rivalries In IPL History

 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just a cricket tournament; it's a spectacle of intense competition, fierce rivalries, and high-voltage drama. Over the years, the league has witnessed heated clashes, on-field altercations, and off-field controversies that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. Some of these moments have added fuel to already intense rivalries, making the IPL even more thrilling.

 

Here’s a look at five explosive controversies that have ignited the fiercest IPL rivalries

 

1. Virat Kohli vs. Gautam Gambhir – The War of Words

 

One of the most talked-about IPL rivalries involves Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, two fiery competitors known for their aggressive approach to the game.

The Incident:

During the 2013 IPL season, a heated exchange took place between Kohli (RCB) and Gambhir (KKR). Kohli was dismissed, and instead of walking back quietly, he exchanged some harsh words with Gambhir. The situation escalated into an intense face-off before teammates intervened.

The rivalry flared up again in IPL 2023 when Gambhir, now the mentor of LSG, had another altercation with Kohli after an RCB vs. LSG match.

Impact: The Kohli-Gambhir spat remains one of the most heated moments in IPL history, making RCB vs. KKR (and later RCB vs. LSG) matches even more intense.

 

2. MS Dhoni vs. Umpires – The "Captain Cool" Outburst

 

MS Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor, shocked everyone when he stormed onto the field in IPL 2019 to confront the umpires over a controversial no-ball decision.

The Incident:

During CSK vs. RR in IPL 2019, with CSK needing 8 runs off 3 balls, the umpire signaled a no-ball for height and then reversed the decision.

A furious Dhoni walked onto the field, questioning the umpires mid-game. The rare display of anger from “Captain Cool” became a major talking point.

Impact: Dhoni was fined 50% of his match fee, but the incident added more drama to CSK vs. RR encounters.

 

3. Pollard vs. Starc – Bat Throwing and Verbal Spats

 

The MI vs. RCB rivalry saw tempers flare between Kieron Pollard and Mitchell Starc in IPL 2014, leading to one of the most shocking moments in IPL history.

The Incident:

During an MI vs. RCB match, Starc bowled a fiery bouncer at Pollard, followed by an aggressive stare-down.
The next ball, Pollard pulled away at the last moment, but Starc still bowled the delivery towards him.
Pollard, in frustration, threw his bat towards Starc! Luckily, it landed a few feet away, avoiding a major controversy.

Impact: This moment intensified the MI vs. RCB rivalry, with fans eagerly anticipating their matchups each season.

 

4. Harbhajan vs. Sreesanth – The Infamous Slapgate

 

The biggest controversy of IPL 2008 was the infamous Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth slapgate, which stunned cricket fans worldwide.

The Incident:

After KXIP (now PBKS) defeated MI, Sreesanth was seen smiling and allegedly provoking Harbhajan.

In response, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth on the field, leaving him in tears.

The incident led to Harbhajan being banned from the remainder of the tournament.

Impact: This controversy overshadowed IPL 2008, and MI vs. KXIP matches carried extra intensity for years.

 

5. Ashwin’s ‘Mankading’ Controversy – Spirit vs. Rules Debate

 

The 2019 IPL saw a major controversy when Ravichandran Ashwin ran out Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end before delivering the ball—a move known as ‘Mankading’.

The Incident:

During RR vs. KXIP in IPL 2019, Buttler was backing up too far when Ashwin stopped mid-action and removed the bails.

This led to heated arguments between players, with Buttler visibly frustrated.

The cricketing world was divided—some supported Ashwin for playing by the rules, while others questioned the "spirit of the game".

Impact: The ‘Mankading’ incident intensified the KXIP vs. RR rivalry and sparked global debates about sportsmanship in cricket.

 

Conclusion

 

The IPL thrives on its intense rivalries, and these controversies have only added to the drama, making every season even more exciting. Whether it’s fiery confrontations, rulebook debates, or shocking moments, the IPL never fails to deliver high-voltage entertainment.