There can be no denying that cricket – and specifically the IPL – is king in India. And with the Cricket World Cup being hosted in the country in just a matter of weeks, it’s clear to see what action those in the subcontinent will be following closely throughout the Autumn. However, another huge tournament gets underway at the start of September, and it’s the only league on the face of planet Earth that is more lucrative than the aforementioned Indian Premier League.
The NFL gets underway on September 7th when an upstart Detroit Lions side that is prone to springing the upset heads to Arrowhead Stadium, home of the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs. The hosts rallied to overturn a ten-point halftime deficit back in February at Super Bowl LVII, eventually defeating the Philadelphia Eagles courtesy of a last-gasp field goal to lift the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in four seasons. They are approaching dynasty-like status, but winning the AFC Conference will be no easy feat this term with powerhouses such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bengals emerging.
Choosing an NFL Team to Support Based on Your Favorite IPL Team
If you’re a die-hard cricket fan who has been toying with the idea of jumping on the NFL bandwagon but has no idea who to support, then you’re in luck. We’re here to help you choose an NFL team based on your favorite IPL team. While these sports may be different, they both have plenty of parallels – the athleticism of the players, the competitive intensity, and the passion of the fans. So let’s dive in and help you find your perfect NFL match.
Chennai Super Kings – Kansas City Chiefs
The Chennai Super Kings are the joint most successful team in the IPL, with five titles to their name. They are the reigning champions in the competition after securing a five-wicket victory over the Gujrat Titans at the end of May, lifting the trophy for the third time in the last five years. Similarly, the Kansas City Chiefs are the current dominant force in the NFL, and as we have mentioned, they are the current reigning champions. In fact, popular NFL betting platforms have made them the +600 favorites to retain their crown this term.
Should they do exactly that, they would match the Super Kings’ three titles in the last five years. Surely that’s not just a coincidence?
Mumbai Indians – New England Patriots
The Mumbai Indians have a long-standing history of success, matching the Super Kings with five IPL titles under their belt. All of their titles came within a seven-year period between 2013 and 2017, emerging as Indian cricket’s greatest dynasty. Similarly, throughout the 2010s, the New England Patriots were the NFL’s undisputed top dog.
Between 2011 and 2018, the Boston-based outfit reached at least the Conference Championship game in eight consecutive seasons. They converted five of those appearances into a trip to the Super Bowl and in three of those ‘Big Games’, they walked out as champions. That kind of pedigree can only be matched by the Mumbai Indians, and Bill Belichick’s team will be hoping to return to form this term after missing out on the playoffs altogether last season.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Dallas Cowboys
With Virat Kohli at the helm, the Royal Challengers Bangalore boasts an impressive lineup of talent with a charismatic leader. Similarly, the Dallas Cowboys are America’s most valuable sports franchise, and with a unique star logo, the team has a loyal following. Despite a lack of recent success, both teams have a dedicated fan base and always keep their supporters on the edge of their seats. If you’re on board with the RCB’s “Play Bold” mentality, then get ready to bellow out “How ’bout them Cowboys!”
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Seattle Seahawks
The Sunrisers Hyderabad are a team that’s built around strong teamwork and strategic thinking. Their successful campaign in 2016, where they consistently defended low totals, showcased their grit and determination. The Seattle Seahawks is also built on a staunch defense, a defense that has earned the nickname the “Legion of Boom,” a play on the words of iconic former WWE Tag Team Legion of Doom.
Those defensive masterclasses wouldn’t look out of place in Jose Mourinho’s playbook, and just as they have done for the Special One, they also led the Seahawks to silverware. They famously headed into Super Bowl XLVIII at the culmination of the 2013 season with the league’s meanest defense. And once the Big Game got underway, they utterly dismantled Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos, running out 43-8 winners in one of the most lopsided Super Bowls of all time.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Kolkata Knight Riders have an impressive record in the IPL, winning two titles. Their ability to play well in crunch situations and adapt to high-pressure games is something that sets them apart. The Pittsburgh Steelers, with their ‘Steel Curtain’ defense and multiple Super Bowl wins, are a team known for their fearlessness and skill under pressure. The Steelers and the Knight Riders mirror each other’s traits, making them the perfect match.
Do check out: Top 10 most expensive IPL team franchises in 2023
