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Rohit Sharma can be a threat for RCB in IPL 2025 (Source: IPLT20.com)
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to start on March 22, and as always, one of the most anticipated game of the season will be between MI and RCB. Both the sides will meet only once in the group stage and that will be on April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium.
The rivalry between the two sides has been quite intense over the years and with plenty of superstars playing in the clash, the match this time is also expected to grab lot of eyeballs. MI have an edge in the competition so far, and they look favourites to win the clash this time around too, with the match at their home turf. So, let's analyze which MI players can make RCB dance to their tunes in the IPL 2025 clash.
1. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians skipper has a brilliant record against RCB at the Wankhede Cricket Stadium. He has hit four fifties in 10 innings against the team from Bengaluru at the Wankhede and with the ultra-aggressive approach he has adopted in recent times, he could be a real threat for RCB.
Rohit Sharma vs RCB at Wankhede Stadium (stats till 2023 IPL)
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Innings | 9 |
| Runs | 331 |
| Average | 47.3 |
| Strike-rate | 151.1 |
In the 2024 season, Rohit Sharma hit 38 off just 24 balls against RCB at a strike-rate of over 158. Also, Rohit Sharma was brilliant in 2024 in T20Is where he hit 378 runs in 11 innings at an average of 42 and strike-rate of 160.16.
Rohit did not get lot of big scores in Champions Trophy, but in the final, he displayed his form. If Rohit continues to play with the same freedom, he could destroy RCB. The franchise's most experienced pacer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has got Rohit's wicket only once in his IPL career, and all these shows there is great chance of Rohit firing against RCB in IPL 2025.
2. Hardik Pandya
The star all-rounder and the captain of Mumbai Indians had a poor IPL 2024, but he made a strong comeback at the international level, and now would be looking to prove a point for MI. The Wankhede Stadium suits his style of play as well with the ball coming on nicely on the bat. He has 30 wickets with the ball, and with the bat, the strike rate is 144.4 at MI's home ground.
Hardik Pandya vs RCB (Till 2022 season)
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Innings | 15 |
| Runs | 298 |
| Average | 42.6 |
| Strike-Rate | 149.7 |
Now, against RCB, his record is even better as evident from the table as has hit his runs at an average of over 40 and strike-rate of close to 150. In the 2024 season, too, he played a handy cameo of 21 in just 6 balls. His bowling form off-late has been good as well, and with Hardik Pandya known to deliver in big matches, he could unleash his best against RCB this season.
2. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the pillars of Mumbai Indians' batting line-up in IPL. For the majority of the last few years, he has been a best batter in the T20 format and has played plenty of memorable knocks for MI. His record against RCB is fantastic too and he has punished them quite a lot in the last few years.
Suryakumar Yadav vs RCB (Till IPL 2023)
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Innings | 18 |
| Runs | 449 |
| Average | 34.5 |
| Strike-Rate | 151.2 |
In 2024, he smashed 52 off just 19 balls while his record till 2023 season was also fantastic where he scored 449 runs in just 227 balls. In total, he has four fifties against RCB. So, he could punish them again on a flat deck, with inexperienced bowling attack at RCB's disposal.
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 "Aashay Chopade")
