rcb vs mi 2025

, IPL 2025 - Match 21: A Nail-Biting Encounter Unfold

RCB’s innings exploded out of the gates like a firecracker, with Phil Salt setting the tone with an exquisite cover drive off Trent Boult’s very first delivery. But just when it looked like Salt was ready to take control, Boult struck back with venom, uprooting the stumps on the very next ball to send RCB’s opener packing.

But that was just the beginning. Enter Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal – a partnership that would make even the most seasoned bowlers break into a sweat. The duo put on an absolute clinic during the Powerplay, with Kohli rediscovering his vintage magic. He blasted Jasprit Bumrah into the stands with a massive six over mid-wicket, sending a clear message that RCB was here to dominate. Padikkal, not to be outdone, took on Boult and Chahar with absolute ease, and before long, RCB raced to a blistering 73/1 after six overs.

Kohli’s swagger was in full force, and it wasn’t long before he brought up his second half-century of the season in style—launching Vignesh Puthur for a towering six into the stands. But just as RCB seemed unstoppable, Puthur came back with a vengeance, dismissing Padikkal for a fluent 37 off 22 balls, breaking a devastating 91-run partnership.

Hardik Pandya, never one to back down from a challenge, made his move in the 15th over. In a quick burst, he sent Kohli packing for a scorching 64 off just 31 balls, and followed it up by getting rid of Livingstone cheaply, briefly putting the brakes on RCB’s run-fest.

But if you thought RCB’s momentum was slowing, think again. Skipper Rajat Patidar stepped up to the plate with an absolute captain's knock. He counter-attacked with ruthless aggression, smashing Pandya for 16 runs in just three balls on his way to a quick-fire 50. His 62 off 32 balls came to a dramatic end when Ryan Rickelton pulled off a sensational running catch, but the damage was done.

With the match on the line, Jitesh Sharma stepped into the fray with a calm yet explosive 40 not out off 19 balls. His late blitz ensured RCB finished with a monstrous 221/5, leaving MI with a daunting target and plenty to think about.