IPL 2025 Match 21 MI vs RCB: Match Summary
IPL 2025 Match 21 witnessed Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Mumbai Indians by 12 runs in a dramatic, high-scoring clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. This wasn’t just another victory for RCB—it marked their first win at the venue in 10 years, breaking a long-standing jinx against MI on their home turf.
With this win, RCB continues their unbeaten run on the road and climbs to third in the points table, asserting themselves as strong playoff contenders.
RCB’s Dominant Batting Display
Opting to bowl first, Mumbai Indians were met with a barrage of aggressive strokes right from the first over. Though Trent Boult struck early by removing Phil Salt, RCB quickly turned the momentum.
The opening partnership between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal laid a solid platform with 72 runs in the powerplay—their highest ever against MI in the first six overs of an IPL game. Kohli, once again showing his class, smashed 64 off 42 deliveries, while Padikkal chipped in with a fluent 37 off 22.
The innings gained further momentum with a blazing knock from skipper Rajat Patidar, who hit 64 from just 32 balls, including 5 boundaries and 4 sixes. Finisher Jitesh Sharma turned up the heat with a 19-ball 40 that lifted RCB to a formidable 221/5.
Despite wickets from Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai bowlers struggled with control. Boult’s 4-over spell conceded 57 runs, the most expensive of his IPL career. On the flip side, Jasprit Bumrah bowled a rare wicketless but economical spell, giving away just 29 runs in his 4 overs—MI’s only bowler with an economy under 10.
MI’s Chase: Spirited but Stifled
Chasing a massive 222, Mumbai Indians got off to a shaky start. Both openers—Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton—departed inside the powerplay with identical scores of 17. The middle order couldn’t provide stability either, with Will Jacks (12) and Suryakumar Yadav (28) failing to build momentum.
The innings found a glimmer of hope in Tilak Varma, who delivered a superb 56 off 29 balls, showcasing elegance and timing. But it was Hardik Pandya’s 42 off just 15 balls that turned heads—an innings packed with aggression, intent, and a hint of miracle.
Unfortunately for MI, the duo fell within three deliveries of each other, halting their charge. With pressure mounting, RCB’s bowlers tightened the noose.
Krunal Pandya’s Redemption Spell
While the batters stole headlines, the star performer with the ball was Krunal Pandya. Facing his former team, he delivered a game-changing spell of 4/45, including crucial wickets at turning points of the match.
Supporting him were Josh Hazlewood (2/37) and Yash Dayal (2/46), both of whom picked up key wickets and applied pressure during the death overs. Suyash Sharma’s economical middle-over spell also played a pivotal role in building dots and frustration among the MI batsmen.
Top Performers
RCB Batting Highlights
- Virat Kohli: 64 (42) – Anchored the innings with control and class.
- Rajat Patidar: 64 (32) – Explosive stroke-play under pressure.
- Jitesh Sharma: 40* (19) – Late flourish with sixes at will.
MI Batting Highlights
- Tilak Varma: 56 (29) – Steadying knock amidst a collapsing middle order.
- Hardik Pandya: 42 (15) – Brutal cameo that almost turned the tide.
Bowling Performances
- Krunal Pandya (RCB): 4-0-45-4 – Match-winning spell against his old franchise.
- Josh Hazlewood (RCB): 4-0-37-2 – Reliable death overs execution.
- Jasprit Bumrah (MI): 4-0-29-0 – Economical under pressure.
Match Summary: MI vs RCB – IPL 2025 Match 21
| Team | Score | Overs |
| RCB | 221/5 | 20.0 |
| MI | 209/9 | 20.0 |
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 12 runs.
What This Means for Both Teams
RCB on the Rise
This result gives RCB their third win in four games, moving them into the top 3. Their ability to win away from home, especially breaking the 10-year Wankhede curse, speaks volumes about their current form. The side seems well-balanced—with aggressive openers, a dependable middle order, and a bowling unit that’s finally clicking.
MI in Trouble
For Mumbai Indians, it’s now four losses in five matches. Their tendency to start slow has come back to haunt them, and unless they find consistency in both departments, their road to playoffs will be an uphill climb. Questions remain about bowling balance and batting collapses, both of which need immediate attention.
Final Thoughts
IPL 2025 Match 21 was a rollercoaster packed with moments of brilliance, aggression, and history-making drama. As Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Mumbai Indians by 12 runs, they not only climbed the standings but also broke psychological barriers.
The focus now shifts to the next fixtures, where momentum will be key. RCB looks like a team on a mission. MI, however, must regroup swiftly or risk falling further behind.
