Royal Challengers Bangalore registered a comfortable 18-run win against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 12.
Hardik Pandya won the toss and decided to bowl first. However, the visitors struck the first blow with a brilliant partnership of 120 runs from 65 balls between Phil Salt and Virat Kohli. The former scored 78 runs off 36 balls, while the latter played the second innings and scored 50 runs off 38 balls.
Rajat Patidar lit up the Wankhede Stadium with a stormy innings as he smashed a 17-ball half-century and even Mumbai Indians fans had to appreciate the batting masterclass from the Bengaluru skipper. Tim David also played a good role as the visitors finished at 240/4 in 20 overs.
In reply, Mumbai Indians got off to a good start, with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton attacking the opposition bowlers. However, Rohit had to leave the field due to a hamstring problem and it became a problem for Mumbai.
Suryakumar Yadav joined Rickelton in the middle but their partnership yielded only 15 runs off 11 balls. Suyyash Sharma struck twice in the eighth over to send back Rickelton and Tilak Verma. Suryakumar was finally out in the 13th over after scoring 33 runs in 22 balls.
Hardik Pandya scored 40 off 22 balls and gave some hope to the home fans but Jacob Duffy ended his stay at the crease in the 15th over. Sherfane Rutherford single-handedly tried to lead his team to an impossible victory. However, Mumbai Indians needed runs from both ends, which they did not get. In the end, Rutherford remained unbeaten on 71 off 31 balls and Mumbai lost by 18 runs.
talking points
Phil Salt – Form is temporary, class is permanent
There were some concerns regarding of Phil Salt Form at the top of the order. He did not perform well with the bat in the T20 World Cup and contributed only 54 runs in the first three matches. Some fans and pundits are wondering if it's time to replace Solt with Jacob Bethel. However, the RCB management backed the England wicketkeeper and it paid off. Salt scored 78 runs in just 36 balls with the help of six fours and six sixes. After the inaugural stand the tourists never looked back.
Jasprit Bumrah did not get any wicket in the fourth consecutive match
Jasprit Bumrah Has been economical, but Mumbai Indians would love to see their charismatic fast bowler getting between the wickets. The experienced campaigner has played four matches this season but the wickets column is still blank. The five-time champions are missing a bowler who can get them wickets with the new ball or in the middle overs.
Rajat Patidar's purple patch continues
What a tournament Rajat Patidar has had. The RCB captain led from the front last season and will continue to do so in 2026 as well. The 32-year-old promoted himself to No. 3 to pick up where Salt left off. He did so with confidence and scored 44 runs off the first 11 balls. Ultimately, the right-handed batsman scored 53 runs in 20 balls with the help of four fours and five sixes, helping RCB dominate the middle overs.
who said what
Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians captain:
Yes (lost a lot of wickets) and at the same time, I think we gave away a lot (of runs) as well. I think it was always going to catch on. I think in the last few games, as a bowling unit or even as a batting unit, we have been leading the game rather than being ahead of the game. We really need to reflect, really need to look at what we can do best and how we can get that momentum and that click that we need. We have a few days off from here and we will play again. To be honest, now many things need to be reconsidered. Of course, it's not working. In some matches we have won the toss, but perhaps we need to see what other options we have in terms of a batting group or a bowling group. Considering the kind of wicket we have, it would be good if we can bat well. We still need to play good cricket, we need to bat well, we need to bowl well. If we do this then we will be fine regardless of the toss. That's what we are planning and talking about, how to get momentum in the powerplay. Because if you see, both batting and bowling, we are trying to hold on in the powerplay. As you said, a lot of options will be asked and explored. We will see what we can do in the next game. When we got him (Rutherford), it was always exciting for us. We always knew what kind of ability and what kind of power he had. The way he batted gives us extra help and also gives us confidence that if we want to make some changes or see what the team needs, we can definitely do that because of the way he is batting.
Rajat Patidar, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain:
I think, you know, whenever we come here to Mumbai, especially on this ground, the atmosphere, the fans, and playing with them and playing in a packed stadium – it's a different feeling. It was, I would say it's more clarity about each individual, I would say (on strong batting). And the way Virat bhai and Salt started the innings, I think he kept us in the driving seat. Then a nice cameo by me and Tim (David), I think it was a pure team effort. To be honest, people used to say that I like to play spin, but if someone asked me, I would say that I like to play pace. And playing pace on this track, I think it is a very good track for a fast bowler to play. So I think I like facing fast bowling. I don't know yet, but I think he, I think he is fine right now (on Virat Kohli).
Phil Salt, Player of the Match:
To be honest, I have no idea about it myself. It's got some highs and a lot of lows, and you can't ride them both. Stay as cool as I can, and I'm glad I could come out and perform for the boys. Yes, I would say so (on his batting philosophy). Some of these grounds are not the most favorable for bowlers, so you have to maintain the mindset that you are going to hold on to the opposition. And then don't forget your assets as a player. It's all about becoming a match winner, right? I know I can't score runs in every game, no one can. But if I can be as impactful as possible, I'm on the right track. Really good (on RCB's batting). And honestly, we probably had a few more in our tank, too. I think, you know, in our second ten innings, they really stopped us quite well at times. So, you know, promising signs for us as a batting unit. I think he bowled well then.
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