Related Articles
Match 20 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will see Mumbai Indians (MI) host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes this season—MI are struggling with just one win in four games, while RCB started strong but suffered a setback against Gujarat Titans. With MI’s home advantage and RCB’s explosive batting lineup, this clash promises to be an exciting contest. Below is a detailed preview of the match, including team analysis, fantasy picks, pitch report, toss prediction, and winner prediction.
Match Details
| Match | MI vs RCB (Match 20, IPL 2025) |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Tomorrow, [Insert Date] |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Recent Form | MI: L-W-L-L-L, RCB: L-W-W-L-W |
Team Previews
Mumbai Indians Preview
Mumbai Indians have endured a bumpy start to IPL 2025, securing just one win in four matches. Their recent loss to Lucknow Super Giants highlighted their struggles in both batting and bowling departments. The top order has been inconsistent, with Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton showing glimpses of form but failing to deliver consistently. Rohit Sharma’s absence in the last game further weakened the lineup, and his return remains uncertain.
Suryakumar Yadav has been the standout performer, scoring 171 runs in four innings at a strike rate of over 160. Hardik Pandya’s all-round contributions, including a five-wicket haul in the last game, have been crucial. However, the bowling attack lacks depth, with only Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult providing consistency. Ashwani Kumar’s debut performance of 4-24 gives them hope, but they need more support from the middle overs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru started the season strongly with two convincing wins but stumbled in their last game against Gujarat Titans. Their batting lineup remains formidable, led by Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, and Rajat Patidar. Salt’s aggressive approach and Kohli’s experience make them a dangerous opening pair, while Liam Livingstone and Tim David provide firepower in the death overs.
Their bowling unit has also stepped up this season. Josh Hazlewood has been exceptional, picking up six wickets at an economy of 7.26. Bhuvneshwar Kumar complements him well in the powerplay, while Krunal Pandya and Yash Dayal control the middle overs. Despite their recent loss, RCB’s balance and depth give them an edge heading into this clash.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| RCB | RCB’s balanced squad, explosive batting, and better overall form make them favorites over MI. |
Fantasy Team XI
Fantasy Team XI Table
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | Batsman | MI |
| Virat Kohli | Batsman | RCB |
| Philip Salt | WK/Batsman | RCB |
| Liam Livingstone | All-Rounder | RCB |
| Hardik Pandya | All-Rounder | MI |
| Tim David | Batsman | RCB |
| Naman Dhir | Batsman | MI |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | RCB |
| Trent Boult | Bowler | MI |
| Deepak Chahar | Bowler | MI |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler | RCB |
Explanation
This fantasy XI balances explosive batting (Yadav, Kohli), consistent performers (Salt, Livingstone), and wicket-taking bowlers (Hazlewood, Boult). It leans slightly towards RCB due to their better overall form.
Captain and Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav (In-form batter; capable of anchoring or accelerating)
- Vice-Captain: Virat Kohli (Classy batter; reliable under pressure)
Players to Avoid
- Will Jacks: Struggling for form and hasn’t contributed significantly.
- Rohit Sharma: Uncertain availability and poor recent form.
Team Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Squad Tables
| Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
|---|---|
| Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton | Philip Salt, Virat Kohli |
| Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav | Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar |
| Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma | Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma |
| Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner | Tim David, Krunal Pandya |
| Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult | Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood |
| Ashwani Kumar, Vignesh Puthur | Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma |
Probable Playing XI
| Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
|---|---|
| Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton | Philip Salt, Virat Kohli |
| Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav | Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar |
| Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma | Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma |
| Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner | Tim David, Krunal Pandya |
| Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult | Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood |
| Ashwani Kumar, Vignesh Puthur | Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma |
Pitch Report
The Wankhede pitch is known for being batting-friendly, offering assistance to pacers early on but becoming easier to bat on as the game progresses. Spinners may find some turn in the middle overs, but the surface remains conducive to high scores. A par score of around 190-200 could be competitive.
Toss Prediction
Bowling first is the preferred choice, as chasing has traditionally been easier at Wankhede due to dew in the second innings.
Winner Prediction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru hold the edge due to their explosive batting lineup, better form, and balanced squad. However, MI’s home advantage ensures a competitive contest.
Final Answer: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
