Again Hardik Fight Hard but RCB Prevail in Wankhede Run-Fest 


 ​In a thrilling encounter at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on April 7, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), marking their first win at this venue since 2015. 


RCB's Innings:

After being put in to bat by MI's captain Hardik Pandya, RCB posted a formidable total of 221/5 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by stellar half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar. Kohli's aggressive approach, especially against Jasprit Bumrah, set the tone early on. Patidar's innings further solidified RCB's position, ensuring a challenging target for the hosts. Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya were the pick of the bowlers for MI, each claiming two wickets. ​

MI’s Rollercoaster Chase – 209 All Out

Chasing 222 on a true Wankhede wicket is never impossible, especially for a team like MI. But the early loss of Rohit Sharma (caught behind for 7) and Ryan Rickelton (bowled by Siraj) put them on the back foot.

Enter Tilak Varma—the young left-hander who has become a key figure in MI’s batting lineup. Alongside Hardik Pandya, he began rebuilding.

  • Tilak Varma scored a gritty 56 off 36 balls, anchoring the innings while rotating strike smartly.


  • Hardik Pandya turned up the heat, smashing 42 off just 15 balls, including 3 sixes and 4 boundaries, bringing MI back into the contest with a fiery counterattack.

Krunal Pandya's Decisive Over:

With MI needing 19 runs off the final over, RCB's Krunal Pandya showcased exceptional composure under pressure. He claimed three crucial wickets in that over, including those of Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, and Naman Dhir, effectively sealing the game for RCB.

Key Takeaways 

  1. Virat Kohli's return to form has significantly boosted RCB’s top order.

  2. Rajat Patidar’s maturity under pressure shows RCB’s depth in Indian batting talent.

  3. Hardik Pandya’s all-round brilliance is not enough without support from MI’s core.


  4. RCB’s spin and death bowling—previously their weak link—now looks sharp and well-coordinated.

  5. MI’s middle order collapse continues to be a concern, despite flashes of brilliance. 


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