RCB vs MI First Innings: RCB’s Batting Fireworks Light Up Wankhede

RCB vs MI First Innings: In a high-voltage clash at the Wankhede Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a batting masterclass, posting a formidable 221/5 against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 20 of IPL 2025. Led by Virat Kohli’s vintage 67 and Rajat Patidar’s explosive 64, RCB capitalized on a flat track and MI’s inconsistent bowling to set up a daunting chase for the hosts. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the first innings:

Powerplay Dominance: Kohli & Padikkal Weather Early Storm

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RCB’s innings began turbulently as Trent Boult struck on the second ball, dismissing Phil Salt (4 off 2) with a searing inswinger that shattered the stumps. However, Virat Kohli, unfazed by the early loss, launched a counterattack. He welcomed Jasprit Bumrah, returning from a three-month injury layoff, with a first-ball six over mid-wicket, signaling his intent.

Partnering with Devdutt Padikkal (37 off 22), Kohli tore into MI’s powerplay specialists. Padikkal hooked Boult for a six and smashed Deepak Chahar for back-to-back boundaries, while Kohli reached his 29-ball fifty, his fastest T20 fifty since 2019, with a slog-sweep off Vignesh Puthur. The pair added 91 runs in 52 balls, propelling RCB to 73/1 in the powerplay, their highest-ever against MI in this phase.

Middle-Overs Swing: MI Fight Back Briefly

The momentum shifted slightly when Puthur dismissed Padikkal in the 9th over, caught by Will Jacks at long-off. However, Kohli continued his charge, becoming the first Indian to cross 13,000 T20 runs during his 42-ball stay . His innings, laced with 8 fours and 2 sixes, ended in the 15th over when he holed out to Naman Dhir off Hardik Pandya’s slower ball.

MI’s captain struck again two balls later, removing Liam Livingstone (0 off 2) with a cleverly disguised bouncer, leaving RCB at 144/4. However, Rajat Patidar, RCB’s newly appointed skipper, seized control. After surviving a concussion check following a helmet blow, Patidar unleashed a flurry of innovative strokes, including ramps, scoops, and towering sixes off Pandya and Mitchell Santner.

MI vs RCB Playing 11: Mumbai Opt to Bowl as Bumrah and Rohit Return in High Stakes Clash

Death-Over Carnage: Patidar & Jitesh Seal the Deal

The final five overs belonged to RCB. Patidar raced to a 25-ball fifty, his second of the season, with consecutive sixes off Pandya, while Jitesh Sharma (40* off 19) joined the party by hammering Trent Boult for 18 runs in the 19th over, including a hockey-style sweep over fine leg. Patidar’s blistering 64 off 32 balls ended with a spectacular catch by Ryan Rickelton, but Jitesh ensured RCB crossed 220 with a last-over six off Bumrah.

Despite Bumrah’s economical 4-0-29-0 spell, highlighted by pinpoint yorkers and a denied DRS appeal against Jitesh, RCB’s late surge left MI needing a record chase at Wankhede.

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Key Performances & Turning Points

Virat Kohli’s Milestone Innings: Kohli’s 67 anchored RCB’s innings early, blending classical drives with aggressive sweeps. His dismissal marked a temporary shift in momentum, but Patidar’s onslaught nullified MI’s hopes.
Rajat Patidar’s Captain’s Knock: The RCB skipper’s fearless 64 included 5 fours and 4 sixes, with a strike rate of 200. His partnership with Jitesh (50 runs off 19 balls) demoralized MI’s bowlers.
Hardik Pandya’s Double Strike: Pandya’s 2/45 included Kohli and Livingstone’s wickets, briefly reviving MI’s hopes. However, his final over leaking 23 runs proved costly.
Jitesh Sharma’s Finishing Flair: The wicketkeeper’s unbeaten 40 off 19, featuring 3 sixes, showcased his ability to accelerate under pressure.

MI’s Bowling Struggles: Bumrah’s Return Fails to Dent RCB

While Bumrah’s return after injury was met with anticipation, his disciplined yet wicketless spell highlighted MI’s reliance on his brilliance. Trent Boult (2/57) and Vignesh Puthur (1/10) provided brief breakthroughs, but Santner (0/40) and Chahar (0/29) struggled to contain the flow . Rohit Sharma’s introduction as an Impact Player in the 16th over failed to spark a turnaround.

Historical Context & Implications

RCB’s 221/5 is their highest total against MI at Wankhede, a venue where they’ve historically struggled (only 3 wins since 2008). For MI, chasing 222 will test their fragile batting lineup, which has relied heavily on Suryakumar Yadav and Ryan Rickelton this season. A win would propel RCB to second place, while MI risk slipping further with a fourth loss in five games.

Conclusion: A Mountain to Climb for Mumbai

As the teams head into the break, RCB’s total looms large. MI’s chase hinges on Rohit Sharma’s fitness and their middle-order’s ability to counter RCB’s potent pace attack. For now, the night belongs to Kohli, Patidar, and Jitesh, a trio that turned Wankhede into a batting paradise under the lights.

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