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Rohit To School Bhuvi; Kohli To Thrash Pandya? 5 Player Battles To Watch Out In MI vs RCB Match



Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya [Source: @HashtagCricket/X]Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya [Source: @HashtagCricket/X]

On Monday April 7, it's going to be the battle of the bests between former India captains and new franchise skippers. RCB and Mumbai are two of the most prominent teams in IPL courtesy to their massive fan following and star studded lineups.

Adding to the craze of another El Clasico, there are some key matchups between the players of both the teams which spice things up for the audience. From Rohit Sharma jousting against Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Kohli's masterclass against Boult, let's take a look at some of the most important battles that might define the MI vs RCB game. 

1. Virat Kohli vs Trent Boult

Criterion
Data
Innings10
Runs
74
Dismissals
1
Balls63
Average74.00
Strike Rate117.46
  • Virat Kohli has navigated Trent Boult’s threat with caution, scoring 74 runs off 63 balls at a strike rate of 117.46 while falling just once in 10 IPL meetings. 
  • Kohli’s high average (74.00) reflects his ability to neutralize Boult’s swing early, but his subdued strike rate hints at a tactical battle of patience. 
  • With Boult’s knack for powerplay breakthroughs, this duel could set the tone for RCB’s innings. A test of Kohli’s adaptability against left-arm swing in the first six overs.

2. Rohit Sharma vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Criterion
Data
Innings15
Runs
85
Dismissals
1
Balls64
Average85.00
Strike Rate132.81
  • Rohit Sharma has dominated Bhuvneshwar Kumar, amassing 85 runs off 64 balls at a strike rate of 132.81 while being dismissed only once in 15 IPL face-offs. Bhuvi’s inability to exploit Rohit’s early vulnerability against swing remains puzzling. 
  • Rohit’s comfort against Bhuvi’s lengths, especially his back-foot punches through covers, makes this a lopsided contest. A battle where Bhuvi must innovate to avoid becoming Rohit’s powerplay prey yet again.

3. Hardik Pandya vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Criterion
Data
Innings7
Runs
27
Dismissals
2
Balls24
Average13.50
Strike Rate112.50
  • Bhuvneshwar Kumar has kept Hardik Pandya quiet, conceding just 27 runs off 24 balls and dismissing him twice in seven IPL encounters. Hardik’s average of 13.50 and strike rate of 112.50 highlight his struggles against Bhuvi’s variations, particularly the knuckleball and pinpoint yorkers. 
  • With Hardik’s role as a finisher, Bhuvi’s ability to outthink him in the death overs could prove decisive.

4. Virat Kohli vs Hardik Pandya

Criterion
Data
Innings9
Runs
55
Dismissals
1
Balls43
Average55.00
Strike Rate127.90
  • Virat Kohli has owned this matchup, scoring 55 runs off 43 balls at a strike rate of 127.90 while falling to Hardik just once in nine IPL innings. 
  • Kohli’s average of 55.00 underscores his knack for milking Hardik’s medium pace, especially through midwicket and covers. 
  • Hardik’s lack of express pace or swing makes Kohli’s task easier, but a well-disguised slower ball could flip the script. 

5. Suryakumar Yadav vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Criterion
Data
Innings7
Runs
35
Dismissals
1
Balls26
Average35.00
Strike Rate134.61
  • Suryakumar Yadav has managed 35 runs off 26 balls against Bhuvneshwar Kumar at a strike rate of 134.61, falling once in seven IPL meetings. SKY’s unorthodox strokeplay, including his audacious scoops and sweeps, keeps Bhuvi guessing. 
  • While Bhuvi has contained him relatively well, SKY’s ability to target midwicket and third man gaps makes this a high-stakes battle of innovation vs discipline.