First Match of the IPL from 2018 to 2024: The IPL is back with a bang, and the first match of the upcoming 2024 season is already making headlines! Scheduled between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), this match promises to kick off the tournament with a blast, fans are already excited to see Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni on the field together in a face-off.
Here we’ll take a trip down memory lane, recalling the excitement of past IPL openers while eagerly anticipating the showdown between CSK and RCB. It’s cricket at its finest, and you won’t want to miss a moment of the action!
Take a Closer Look at the List of First Match of the IPL from 2018 to 2024
1. 2018: Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians
The 2018 IPL season kicked off with a blockbuster clash between two of the most successful teams in the league’s history: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). This match marked the return of CSK to the IPL after a two-year suspension, and they announced their comeback in style. The game was a nail-biter, with CSK chasing down MI’s total on the last ball of the match. It was a perfect start to the season, setting up a narrative of resilience and competition that would be a recurring theme throughout the tournament.
2. 2019: Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore
The following year, the IPL curtain-raiser featured Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This match was a testament to the tactical depth of T20 cricket, with CSK’s spinners turning the game into a low-scoring affair that still kept the fans on the edge of their seats. CSK’s victory was a masterclass in defending a modest total, showcasing the importance of bowling and fielding in the shortest format of the game.
3. 2020: Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians
In 2020, the IPL returned to its favourite opening duo, CSK and MI, reigniting one of the most riveting rivalries in the league. This match was unique as it was played in the UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, without the usual fanfare and packed stadiums. Nonetheless, the cricketing action was as intense as ever, with CSK overcoming MI in a chase that reminded everyone why this rivalry is so celebrated. It was a match that combined nostalgia with the new reality of cricket in a pandemic-affected world.
4. 2021: Mumbai Indians vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore
The 2021 season began with a change in the opening fixture, featuring Mumbai Indians against Royal Challengers Bangalore. This match offered a thrilling start to the season, with RCB clinching a victory in the final over. The game was a showcase of individual brilliance, with standout performances from both teams lighting up the encounter. It was a reminder of the individual talents that make the IPL a breeding ground for cricketing stars.
5. 2022: Chennai Super Kings vs. Kolkata Knight Riders
In 2022, the IPL opening match brought together Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), two teams with a rich history in the tournament. This match was a clash of champions, with both teams having multiple IPL titles to their name. KKR’s victory in this game was a statement of intent, signalling their ambition for the season. It was a contest that highlighted the competitive balance of the IPL, where any team can triumph on their day.
6. 2023: Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans
The 2023 IPL season opener was a battle between the seasoned champions, Chennai Super Kings, and the new titans of the league, Gujarat Titans (GT). Having won the title in their debut season in 2022, GT were keen to prove that their success was not a one-off. The match was a thrilling encounter, with GT showcasing their mettle against one of the most successful teams in IPL history. It was a game that reflected the changing dynamics of the league, with new teams rising to challenge the established order.
7. 2024: Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore
As per the schedule revealed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the 2024 IPL season opener is slated to witness a showdown between two IPL giants, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, scheduled on March 22, 2024. This upcoming clash between these two powerhouses promises to be an electrifying start to the season, with both teams aiming to set the tone for their campaign. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this match, as it heralds the beginning of another thrilling chapter in the history of the IPL.
Stay tuned for the upcoming season of IPL 2024!
