Mumbai Indians are gearing up for their fifth match in the IPL 2025 season, facing a critical test against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Monday. With three losses in their first four games, MI are under immense pressure to turn their fortunes around and stay in the playoff race.
The batting lineup of MI has been a major concern, with only Suryakumar Yadav and Ryan Rickelton managing to score half-centuries this season. This leaves MI with the unwanted record of having the fewest half-centurions among all teams. The team’s struggles are compounded by the lack of solid starts and poor conversion rates from middle-order stalwarts like Tilak Varma.
The availability of former captain Rohit Sharma remains uncertain after he missed the last game due to a knee injury. His potential return could provide the much-needed stability at the top of the order. Additionally, the return of Jasprit Bumrah to the squad offers a ray of hope, although his match fitness is still in question.
On the other side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shown signs of resurgence, securing two victories in their first three matches, positioning them third on the points table. Despite a narrow loss to Gujarat Titans in their last outing, RCB are brimming with confidence. While Virat Kohli has had a mixed start, the team’s strength lies in its all-round depth, with players like Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar making significant contributions. The addition of former MI star Tim David to the RCB squad could prove pivotal, especially given the short boundaries at Wankhede.
RCB’s bowling attack is led by the experienced pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, though their spinners are yet to find their rhythm. MI’s challenge will be to navigate this disciplined bowling unit without succumbing in the middle overs, a recurring issue for them this season.
Match Details: MI vs RCB at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Head-to-Head Record: Historically, Mumbai Indians have dominated RCB, particularly at home. However, the current form suggests a closely contested match, with RCB riding high on confidence and MI eager for redemption.
Squads:
Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ryan Rickelton, Robin Minz, Bevon Jacobs, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Raj Angad Bawa, Reece Topley, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arjun Tendulkar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, and others.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, and others.
As MI strive to halt their downward spiral, RCB will aim to capitalize on their momentum and further cement their position in the top half of the table. With both teams boasting significant firepower, fans are in for a high-octane Monday night clash at Wankhede Stadium.