Mumbai Indians (MI) will tackle Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 20 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday, April 7.
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Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Preview
Throughout 18 seasons of the IPL, one lengthy-standing joke has adopted Mumbai Indians (MI): they solely appear to search out their rhythm as soon as Could rolls round. Within the early years, when the match started in April, MI usually stumbled by the opening matches earlier than hitting their stride a month later. Although the IPL calendar has advanced, MI’s gradual begins have remained a continuing — and the 2025 season isn’t any exception. With only one win from 4 video games, the 5-time champions are already treading on skinny ice. With 16 factors often thought of the magic quantity to safe a playoff berth, time is starting to slide away.
Nonetheless, there’s a silver lining for the franchise: Jasprit Bumrah is on the market for choice. If there’s one cricketer able to single-handedly shifting a crew’s momentum, it’s him. However whereas Bumrah’s return bolsters MI’s bowling assault, it does little to resolve their ongoing struggles with the bat. In three out of 4 matches, their opening partnerships have crumbled earlier than the second over. Rohit Sharma’s lean run with the bat hasn’t helped, and the crew continues to shuffle its batting order in quest of stability.
Naman Dhir, a retained expertise by MI’s proper-to-match card, discovered himself batting at No. 7 in two matches earlier than a powerful 24-ball 46 at No. 3 within the loss to Lucknow Tremendous Giants. With Rohit anticipated to return from a knee damage, Will Jacks could also be pushed again to No. 3, presumably displacing Dhir as soon as once more.
Suryakumar Yadav’s kind has been one of many few positives in an in any other case faltering high order. Tilak Varma has appeared unconvincing, even getting retired out in a single match, whereas captain Hardik Pandya hasn’t delivered the late-innings fireworks anticipated from him. MI’s decrease-order hitting energy has additionally come beneath scrutiny.
Regardless of the issues, head coach Mahela Jayawardene stays composed. Talking forward of their conflict towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he emphasised adaptability: “I need to be extra versatile with the batting order given the place we’re and the expertise and ability we now have,” he stated on Sunday. “So long as we now have productiveness from these guys in numerous positions, it would give us benefit going ahead.”
By now, Mumbai Indians’ tendency to begin seasons — and particular person matches — on the again foot is a effectively-recognized sample. Their struggles aren’t restricted to general outcomes; they usually stumble proper out of the gate, notably through the PowerPlay overs. More and more, these first six overs are proving decisive — and as a rule, they’re tilting the competition towards MI.
The stats paint a transparent image. Throughout 4 matches, MI have misplaced eight wickets through the PowerPlay — the second-worst report within the match. In distinction, they’ve solely managed to say 5 wickets in the identical section, once more the second-lowest tally. Solely Punjab Kings have carried out worse on the subject of taking early wickets.
Their most profitable PowerPlay efficiency got here towards Kolkata Knight Riders — the place they picked up 4 wickets within the first six overs (5 within the first seven) and misplaced only one whereas batting. Unsurprisingly, that match resulted of their solely win of the season to date. Within the excessive-stakes T20 format, this early-sport weak point is changing into a transparent PowerPlay drawback.
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene acknowledged the problem. “We’ve checked out these numbers as effectively. Starting the season with a comparatively new squad, these issues are certain to return up. It’s undoubtedly one thing we have to tackle. Controlling the PowerPlay is vital, and after we’ve managed that, we’ve carried out effectively. So sure, it’s an space we’re planning to enhance.”
Monday’s conflict towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the Wankhede might supply a turning level, as two key gamers — Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma — are anticipated to return. Bumrah has missed all 4 matches to date, whereas Rohit sat out the final sport. Each veterans will not be solely influential figures but additionally sport-changers within the PowerPlay, and their presence might be simply what MI have to regain early momentum.
Rohit Sharma’s current PowerPlay numbers proceed to boost concern. Because the begin of IPL 2023, the MI opener has been dismissed 21 instances in 33 innings inside the primary six overs, averaging simply 24.95 throughout this section. Amongst batters who’ve confronted the PowerPlay not less than 25 instances on this span, solely Wriddhiman Saha (20.85) has a decrease common — a telling statistic that underscores Rohit’s early vulnerability.
On the flip aspect, MI have a dependable finisher in Suryakumar Yadav, particularly on the subject of chasing. No participant has scored extra runs in IPL chases since 2023 than SKY (809 runs), and amongst these with not less than 10 innings in pursuit, solely Nicholas Pooran and Abhishek Sharma strike at a sooner fee than Suryakumar’s exceptional 184.28.
One vibrant spot with the ball has been skipper Hardik Pandya. All 5 of his wickets towards Lucknow Tremendous Giants got here from onerous-size deliveries — a zone the place he’s discovered notable success this season. Actually, with seven dismissals off onerous lengths, Hardik leads all seamers on this class in IPL 2025.
MI’s opponents on Monday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), have emerged as one of many standout groups within the early levels of IPL 2025. Though they’re coming off a house defeat to Gujarat Titans, RCB have excelled on the highway, profitable each their away fixtures — together with a historic victory at Chepauk, their first on the venue since 2008.
Nonetheless, the Wankhede Stadium hasn’t been a cheerful looking floor for them. RCB have defeated Mumbai Indians at this venue solely 3 times, with their final win courting again to 2015. Nonetheless, given their present kind and a effectively-balanced squad, this might be their greatest shot at breaking that lengthy-standing drought.
RCB boast a high order brimming with confidence — 4 of their batters have already notched up half-centuries this season. Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Rajat Patidar have all been among the many runs, whereas their bowling assault, led by Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Suyash Sharma, has proven loads of chew. Regardless of the current setback at house, they continue to be a aspect brimming with potential and have given their loyal fanbase real causes to dream huge.
“It’s been a unbelievable begin — two large wins away from house, together with at KKR and CSK, that are historically powerful grounds,” stated Tim David. “The final sport didn’t go our manner; we misplaced a number of early wickets, however that’s a part of the sport. We’re excited and searching ahead to the problem towards MI.”
There’s an added layer of intrigue to Monday’s conflict as a number of acquainted faces can be lining up on reverse sides. Tim David, Reece Topley, and Romario Shepherd — all a part of the Mumbai Indians setup final season — are actually donning the Royal Challengers Bengaluru jersey. Whereas David has featured prominently for RCB this season, Topley and Shepherd are but to make an look in IPL 2025.
On the flip aspect, Will Jacks, who lit up the match with a century for RCB within the earlier version, now finds himself an everyday fixture within the MI lineup. As gamers swap allegiances and scripts flip, these crossovers add an additional edge to what guarantees to be a excessive-stakes encounter on the Wankhede.
For RCB, Tim David continues to shine as a late-innings powerhouse. The onerous-hitting Aussie has smashed 31 sixes within the demise overs (seventeenth to twentieth) over the previous three seasons — greater than every other batter, edging out MS Dhoni (27) and Rinku Singh (26). In IPL 2025, he additionally holds the very best strike fee (220.83) within the demise overs amongst batters who’ve confronted not less than 20 balls throughout this section.
RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar can be on the point of a significant milestone. He at the moment sits degree with R Ashwin and Dwayne Bravo on 183 IPL wickets, needing only one extra scalp to turn into the third-highest wicket-taker in match historical past — behind solely Piyush Chawla (192) and Yuzvendra Chahal (206).
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Head-to-head
MI maintain a 19-14 head-to-head benefit over RCB, however the rivalry has been evenly poised lately, with each groups profitable two video games every since 2022. On the Wankhede, nonetheless, MI have been dominant, profitable 8 out of 11 encounters. RCB haven’t tasted victory on the venue since IPL 2015, struggling six straight defeats there since.
- Matches Performed: 33
- Received by Mumbai Indians: 19
- Received by Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 14
- Tied: 0
- No Consequence: 0
- First-ever Fixture: April 20, 2008
- Most-current Fixture: April 11, 2024
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Pitch Report and Climate Circumstances
Mumbai continues to expertise scorching and humid situations, with temperatures more likely to stay within the low 30s on Monday night. Regardless of Wankhede Stadium’s small boundaries, excessive-scoring video games have been comparatively uncommon, with simply 4 200-plus totals recorded since 2024 — two of which got here in the identical match.
Whereas groups batting first have received half of the final eight encounters at this venue, captains have constantly opted to bowl first, cautious of the potential affect of dew. Actually, each toss-profitable captain has chosen to chase in IPL matches on the Wankhede since 2024.
The pink-soil pitches right here usually favour batters, and the quick boundaries solely improve that. One other run-fest might be on the playing cards, although the effectiveness of chasing will hinge on how a lot dew settles on the outfield by dusk.
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Crew Information and Predicted XI
Mumbai Indians – Crew Information
Jasprit Bumrah is ready to make his return for MI, as confirmed by the crew administration, whereas Rohit Sharma, who spent near half-hour within the nets on Sunday, stays a sport-time choice attributable to a knee damage that saved him out of the earlier fixture. Tilak Varma, who has been nursing an damage, is anticipated to be match, as he was for the final sport.
Ashwani Kumar and Raj Bawa, each of whom didn’t characteristic with bat or ball towards LSG, are more likely to be not noted. Within the bowling division, Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult are anticipated to proceed opening the assault, sustaining their popularity for early breakthroughs. This might see Bumrah used strategically within the center overs and on the demise, the place his yorkers might be essential towards finishers like Tim David. Moreover, Vignesh Puthur could be launched as a tactical choice to comprise energy-hitters akin to Liam Livingstone.
Mumbai Indians – Predicted XI
- Rohit Sharma
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Will Jacks
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (capt)
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Deepak Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Vignesh Puthur
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Crew Information
Virat Kohli was absent from coaching on the eve of the match, however RCB are more likely to stick to their present XI. The one potential change might be the inclusion of an extra spinner, with both Suyash Sharma or Swapnil Singh being thought of rather than Rasikh Salam. Tim David acknowledged there are not any reported accidents within the squad.
RCB are anticipated to depend on their established sport plan towards MI. With Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar sharing the brand new ball, they need to be effectively-outfitted to problem MI’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. If chosen, Suyash Sharma will seemingly be tasked with containing center-order threats akin to Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Predicted XI
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (capt)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Krunal Pandya
- Tim David
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Rasikh Salam/Suyash Sharma
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Gamers To Watch Out For
Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians)
Tilak Varma’s IPL 2025 marketing campaign has gotten off to a gradual begin, regardless of a stellar worldwide season highlighted by two T20I centuries for India. Within the match opener, he managed 39 off 36 balls towards Gujarat Titans, adopted by a 25 off 23 towards LSG earlier than being retired out as MI’s chase went off monitor.
He now returns to the Wankhede, a venue that hasn’t been notably sort to him in T20s. Throughout 15 innings on the floor, his greatest rating stands at 38, whereas his strike fee of 124.07 is his lowest at any venue the place he’s batted not less than 5 instances.
Tim David (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
One visiting participant who might really feel proper at house in Mumbai on Monday is Tim David. A key finisher for MI between 2022 and 2024, David has fond reminiscences of the Wankhede. His strike fee of 188.95 on the venue ranks simply behind Dinesh Karthik (208.33) and Suryakumar Yadav (197.09) amongst gamers with not less than 5 IPL innings there.
Talking forward of the conflict, David stated, “Coming again to play in Mumbai, it’s a beautiful place to play on the Wankhede. I like batting right here. It’s a pleasant place to have as your property floor. It’s not my house floor anymore. Hopefully I get an opportunity to do some harm on the market within the center tomorrow evening.”
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Prediction
State of affairs 1
- Toss: Mumbai Indians win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Rating: 60-70
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Complete: 210-220
- Match Consequence: Mumbai Indians win the match
State of affairs 2
- Toss: Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the toss and bowl
- Powerplay Rating: 55-65
- Mumbai Indians Complete: 190-200
- Match Consequence: Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the match
When and The place To Watch Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Particulars
The Indian Premier League 2025 conflict between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru is ready to start at 7:30 PM IST on Monday, April 7, on the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The match can be broadcast stay on the Star Sports activities community and also will be out there for stay streaming on JioHotstar for FREE.
Learn Extra: IPL 2025: Siraj, Gill and Washington Energy GT to Hand SRH Fourth Straight Defeat
FAQs
What’s the head-to-head report between MI and RCB within the IPL?
Mumbai Indians lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru 19-14 in 33 matches performed to date.
How have MI and RCB carried out at Wankhede Stadium?
MI have dominated RCB on the Wankhede, profitable 8 out of 11 encounters; RCB’s final win right here got here in 2015.
Is Rohit Sharma enjoying towards RCB within the upcoming match?
Rohit Sharma is more likely to return after a knee damage, however his ultimate availability stays unsure.
What’s Tilak Varma’s IPL 2025 kind and Wankhede report?
Tilak Varma has had a gradual begin this season and averages a strike fee of simply 124.07 on the Wankhede, with a high rating of 38 in 15 innings.
Why is Tim David thought of a menace at Wankhede towards MI?
Former MI star Tim David boasts a strike fee of 188.95 on the Wankhede and is anticipated to be a key finisher for RCB.
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