Virat Kohli’s Report Vs MI: Can King Finish RCB’s Wankhede Curse in IPL 2025?
As Royal Challengers Bengaluru put together to face Mumbai Indians in Match 20 of IPL 2025, all eyes are as soon as once more on Virat Kohli, who has typically been a thorn in MI’s facet. The enduring Wankhede Stadium, the place Kohli has scripted a number of unforgettable IPL knocks, may as soon as once more witness a traditional chapter on this ongoing rivalry. Kohli’s stats towards MI inform a compelling story. In 33 IPL matches (32 innings), he has scored 855 runs at a median of 30.53, together with 5 fifties and a highest of *92. But it surely’s his document on the Wankhede that actually stands out — 334 runs in 11 video games at a powerful common of 41.75 and a strike price of 134.13. With 2 half-centuries, 23 fours and 15 sixes, the venue has typically introduced out the perfect in Kohli.
Bumrah Returns, However Can He Flip MI’s Fortunes Round?
Mumbai Indians, reeling from three losses in 4 matches, discover themselves precariously positioned early within the season. However the return of Jasprit Bumrah could possibly be the spark they desperately want. Bumrah’s availability immediately strengthens MI’s bowling assault and provides steadiness to a struggling squad. Nevertheless, issues nonetheless linger — significantly with the highest order. Rohit Sharma, who has endured a string of early dismissals since 2023, is about to return after lacking the final sport as a result of a knee problem. MI’s opening partnerships have barely survived past the second over this season, and the instability has trickled by means of the center order.
Key Match-Up: Kohli vs Bumrah – Fireplace Meets Ice
The stage is about for an iconic duel: Virat Kohli vs Jasprit Bumrah. Two of India’s fashionable greats. Kohli, together with his mastery of pacing a chase and his starvation for the massive stage, towards Bumrah, whose yorkers and change-ups can humble the perfect. This match-up may very nicely resolve the sport’s course, particularly if Kohli will get going early or if Bumrah can entice him inside the powerplay.
RCB Eye Wankhede Breakthrough After a Decade
Regardless of boasting a star-studded line-up, RCB have didn’t win on the Wankhede since 2015. Nevertheless, this 2025 squad arrives in Mumbai with momentum. Having already picked up away wins — together with one at Chepauk for the primary time since 2008 — RCB look like a unique beast this season. Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone and Kohli himself have all chipped in with fifties. With a well-rounded line-up and Tim David — previously an MI powerhouse — now donning RCB colors, the script could lastly flip in RCB’s favour.
In Focus: Tilak Varma and Tim David – A Story of Two Journeys
Tilak Varma, who dazzled in India colors, has didn’t ignite the IPL stage this season. With a strike price of simply 124.07 at Wankhede, MI’s younger hope has lacked fluency and struggled underneath stress. His efficiency might be underneath the scanner. In distinction, Tim David returns to Wankhede in a brand new avatar. As soon as MI’s designated finisher, David has the third-best IPL strike price on the venue (188.95) since 2022. He’ll relish the chance to remind his former franchise what they let go.
Pitch Report and Circumstances – Dew Issue Looms Giant
Count on a moist night in Mumbai with temperatures hovering across the low 30s. Whereas Wankhede is understood for its batting-friendly monitor, there have been solely 4 200-plus scores right here since 2024, hinting at higher bowling self-discipline. Captains are prone to chase, with dew an actual menace within the second innings. Nevertheless, groups batting first have nonetheless received 4 of the final 8 matches right here — suggesting it’s miles from a toss-dependent outcome.
