In a pulsating encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a dramatic 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, propelled by stellar performances from Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar. The match, played under the vibrant Mumbai floodlights, showcased RCB’s batting prowess and resilience, handing MI their fourth loss in five games this season.
RCB, batting first after MI skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss, posted an imposing 221/5 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli, the talisman of the franchise, anchored the innings with a fluent 67 off 42 balls, blending elegance with aggression. His knock included eight fours and two towering sixes, setting the tone for RCB’s onslaught. Captain Rajat Patidar, in scintillating form, smashed 64 off just 32 deliveries, peppering the boundary with five fours and four sixes. Their partnership, alongside a late flourish from Jitesh Sharma (40* off 19), ensured RCB set a daunting target.
MI’s chase began shakily, but Tilak Varma (56 off 29) and Hardik Pandya (42 off 15) ignited hopes of a comeback with a fiery counterattack. However, RCB’s bowling unit, led by Krunal Pandya’s match-defining 4/45, held their nerve. Krunal’s heroics in the final over—dismissing Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, and Naman Dhir—sealed the deal, restricting MI to 209/9.
The victory marked RCB’s third win in four matches, boosting them to third on the points table, while MI slumped to eighth. Patidar, named Player of the Match, credited the bowlers, saying, “The courage they showed on this ground was incredible.” As RCB eyes their maiden IPL title, this win signals their intent, with Kohli and Patidar emerging as the heartbeat of a rejuvenated side in 2025.
