MI vs RCB: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar pile up a run mountain, Krunal Pandya wins battle of brothers

MI vs RCB IPL 2025: Kohli, Patidar’s Masterclass Outshines Hardik’s Heroics in Wankhede Thriller

In an absolute heart-stopper at the Wankhede, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pulled off a morale-boosting 12-run win against Mumbai Indians (MI), thanks to a sublime fifty by Virat Kohli and a fearless knock from Rajat Patidar. Despite a late carnage by Hardik Pandya, who nearly stole the show with a blistering 42 off just 15 balls, the RCB bowlers held their nerve in the final overs to secure a much-needed victory.

RCB, known for faltering at the Wankhede in past seasons, flipped the script with a high-octane performance with the bat and a gutsy show in the field. This match wasn’t just another win—it was a statement.

Kohli Leads From the Front

Virat Kohli, as he has done time and again, rose to the occasion under pressure. With every stroke, he reminded fans why he remains one of the most dependable batters in the world. Facing MI’s ace Jasprit Bumrah early on, Kohli set the tone with a jaw-dropping six over cow corner. What made it more special? It was against Bumrah—a bowler with whom he shares a long-standing rivalry.

Kohli combined elegance and aggression, picking apart every bowler who came at him. Whether it was Boult’s disciplined lengths or Chahar’s pace variations, Kohli had a response for everything. His 50 was not just a number—it was momentum, swagger, and timing rolled into one.

Patidar Provides the Spark

If Kohli lit the fire, Rajat Patidar turned it into an inferno. Coming in after Devdutt Padikkal’s aggressive cameo, Patidar began cautiously before shifting gears in jaw-dropping fashion. He played the shot of the night—a wristy flick to a ball outside off that raced away to the boundary. Moments later, he was taking on the spinners with back-to-back sixes.

Patidar’s fearless approach dismantled MI’s strategy. He wasn’t intimidated by Hardik’s aggressive fields or Santner’s angles. Instead, he attacked straight and smart, mixing innovation with traditional cricketing shots. His timely fifty boosted RCB to a towering 221/4, giving them the upper hand going into the chase.

Suyash Sharma Holds It Down

RCB’s bowling unit had its hands full defending against MI’s explosive lineup. While the chase started with cautious intent, things heated up as Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya walked in with destruction on their minds. But leg-spinner Suyash Sharma emerged as the unsung hero, bowling crucial middle overs that restricted MI’s flow.

His variations frustrated the MI batters, and even as Pandya and Varma threatened a game-changing stand, Suyash ensured that RCB stayed in the contest.

Pandya Nearly Pulls Off a Miracle

If ever there was an innings that screamed “don’t count me out,” it was Hardik Pandya’s blitzkrieg. When MI needed something extraordinary, he delivered fireworks. With unrelenting aggression, he smashed 22 runs off a single Hazlewood over, followed by 19 off his brother Krunal.

At one stage, it felt like Pandya alone would chase down the steep total. He tore into the RCB attack with fierce pulls, lofted drives, and authoritative flicks. Alongside him, Tilak Varma played a valuable supporting hand, offering sweet redemption after missing out in the previous game.

But just as MI’s hopes were peaking, Hazlewood returned with a near-perfect yorker to send Pandya back. That wicket swung the match back in RCB’s favor. Krunal Pandya, who had taken some punishment earlier, made up for it with a composed final over, sealing a tense win for his side.

Breaking the Wankhede Jinx

For RCB, this win wasn’t just about the two points. It was about breaking psychological barriers. They had lost their last six matches at this venue. To now walk away with a victory—beating MI at their fortress—is a sign of a team slowly discovering its rhythm.

RCB’s campaign so far has seen them collect away wins at Eden Gardens, Chepauk, and now Wankhede—a rare hat-trick of road wins. These victories could prove crucial in the race for the playoffs.

What This Means for IPL 2025

As the points table tightens, every match, every over, and every moment counts. With Kohli looking sharp, Patidar in form, and the bowling unit delivering under pressure, RCB could very well be peaking at the right time.

Meanwhile, MI will rue their missed opportunity. Despite the brilliance of Hardik and Tilak, their inability to finish games continues to haunt them. But with the tournament far from over, expect more fireworks from both teams.