RCB Equated To Melbourne Stars: IPL Teams And Their BBL Equivalents Listed

IPL equivalents of BBL teams analysed [Source: AFP]

Recently, it was reported that the Big Bash League is set to get the upcoming season underway away from Australia. They are likely to schedule the opening fixture in Chennai to grab eyeballs, much like the IPL has managed for almost two decades now.

Additionally, Cricket Australia officials have very openly spoken about being open to the privatisation of the league. 

It is currently on hold, but considering IPL franchises' investment in overseas leagues like SA20, CPL and MLC, among others, BBL is another place where the Indian franchises would happily invest.

As IPL's investment in BBL has become a real possibility now, we take a look at the teams every IPL owner can buy, considering their legacies in their respective competitions.

Mumbai Indians - Perth Scorchers

One of the most straightforward comparisons to draw between IPL and BBL teams is between the Mumbai Indians and the Perth Scorchers. Both teams are the most successful sides in their respective leagues and have an impeccable record in the finals.

Both MI and Scorchers boast of a brilliant win record at home venues. The IPL giants have won five of their six finals, and their BBL equivalents have won six of their 9 finals.

Additionally, the star players from both teams, like Rohit Sharma and Mitchell Marsh, have led their national teams, while other stars are also well-placed in the Indian and Australian white-ball set-ups.

Chennai Super Kings - Sydney Sixers

The Chennai Super Kings are the joint-most successful IPL team with five titles, like MI, while the Sydney Sixers have won three BBL titles. 

However, what makes them similar is the number of final appearances, i.e., 10 and 8, respectively. Both CSK and Sixers have lost 5 finals each but are consistently in the knockout rounds.

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Considering the success, both teams have big fanbases and have had several stars from the national team like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja for CSK and Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon for Sixers.

Kolkata Knight Riders - Brisbane Heat

The Kolkata Knight Riders and Brisbane Heat are the third most successful teams in IPL and BBL, with 3 and 2 titles, respectively. 

Both teams have had some common links with Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn, both explosive openers, who have gone berserk for both teams at different times.

The teams rely on heavy metal openers and have waited for over a decade to end their trophy droughts. These teams have also had prominent stars from the national team who are consistently with the team, but not the ones who get a lot of media attention.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Melbourne Stars

This one might feel like a mismatch, considering RCB recently ended their wait to lift the IPL trophy, while Melbourne Stars are yet to win one. However, both teams have appeared in numerous finals each and have had some of the best T20 talents at their disposal.

Both RCB and stars could also be called proper entertainment packages, with their star-studded top orders; however, underlying issues have always been there, considering their squad depths. They have both fumbled at the finish line on multiple occasions as well due to weak bowling lineups.

The players like Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell have been their franchise stars for ages, while AB de Villiers, Marcus Stoinis, Yuzvendra Chahal and Adam Zampa would draw great similarities.

Sunrisers Hyderabad - Adelaide Strikers

Sunrisers Hyderabad, who recently reached another IPL playoffs, and Adelaide Strikers have each won one of their three finals, which is the biggest similarity between the two sides. Secondly, both SRH and Strikers have built their identity around their formidable bowling attacks.

Historically, they have both defended a lot of low totals, have respect from most fans across the table and have successfully remained relevant without a lot of noise around them.

Someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar can be compared to Peter Siddle, who eventually left the franchises, while Rashid Khan and Travis Head are their common links. In current rosters, Pat Cummins and Jamie Overton can also be compared as their lead pacers.

Rajasthan Royals - Hobart Hurricanes

The biggest defining factor between RR and Hobart Hurricanes is one trophy, having reached multiple finals and been there and thereabouts of the knockout stages. 

The two sides have maintained low-key identities, boasting stars who are performers for the national team but go under the radar, like Sanju Samson and George Bailey.

Both units have built a reputation for being cohesive and remaining underdogs. James Faulkner and Jofra Archer are the common players for the teams. 

Stars like Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer can be compared with Matthew Wade and Tim David for their respective sides.

RR and Hurricanes are also known for unearthing some young and exciting talents throughout their history.

Punjab Kings - Melbourne Renegades

What binds PBKS and Melbourne Renegades is the chaos around the teams. Both sides have had some upheavals over the years and have found themselves in a major identity crisis. 

Both sides failed to stick to a plan and build in the long term, and have rather seen themselves struggling due to short-sighted decision-making, like captaincy merry-go-rounds.

Despite one trophy won by the Melbourne Renegades, they are very similar to PBKS in terms of showing early promise at the start of the season but not living up to the reputation and building a clear core that could carry the team for years to come.

Delhi Capitals - Sydney Thunder

Another straightforward comparison that can be drawn between IPL and BBL teams is the Delhi Capitals and the Sydney Thunder. Historically, both teams are known to have crushing campaigns, where they would finish at the bottom of the points table.

While DC (then DD) failed to win consistently in the early 2010s, their BBL counterparts went on a 19-match winless streak from 2011 to 2014. 

Similar to PBKS and Renegades, these two have also struggled to create a clear identity like other teams in their respective leagues.

Both the Capitals and the Thunder have had some top stars from the respective countries, but have never really been able to replicate the on-paper promise on the field. 

Good examples can be the likes of Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel and KL Rahul for DC, while Thunder have had David Warner and Alex Hales as bona fide T20 stars.

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