All eyes are once more on Virat Kohli, who has often been a thorn in MI’s side as Royal Challengers Bengaluru get ready to meet Mumbai Indians in Match 20 of IPL 2025. Once more, the legendary Wankhede Stadium—where Kohli has written countless remarkable IPL knocks—saw a classic chapter in this continuous rivalry. Kohli’s numbers versus MI provide an interesting narrative. Having collected 855 runs at an average of 30.53 in 33 IPL games (32 innings), he has five fifties and a best of *92. But his record at the Wankhede really jumps out: 334 runs in 11 games at an outstanding average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 134.13. With 2 half-centuries, 23 fours and 15 sixes, the venue has frequently highlighted Kohli’s finest.
Bumrah Returns: But Can He Reverse MI’s Fortunes?
From three losses in four games, Mumbai Indians find themselves dangerously positioned early in the season. But the return of Jasprit Bumrah might be the spark they so much need. Bumrah’s availability sharpens MI’s bowling assault right away and gives a struggling team balance. Still, issues remain especially with regard to the top tier. After missing the last game owing to a knee problem, Rohit Sharma—who has had a series of early dismissals since 2023—is expected to return. MI’s opening alliances have barely survived beyond the second over this season, and the volatility has crept into the middle order.
Key Match-Up: Kohli against Bumrah — Fire Meets Ice
An historic duel between Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah is set up on stage. Two of modern greats from India. Against Bumrah, whose Yorkers and change-ups can humble the best, Kohli, with his knowledge of timing a chase and thirst for the big stage, can challenge. Particularly if Kohli gets going early or if Bumrah can trap him inside the powerplay, this match-up can very well determine the course of the game.
RCB Eye Wankhede Breakthrough Following Ten Years
RCB has a star-studded line-up, but since 2015 they have not won at the Wankhede. But this 2025 team enters in Mumbai with might. Having already collected away wins, including one at Chepauk for the first time since 2008 — RCB seems like a different animal this season. Among those who have contributed fifty are Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, and Kohli himself. With Tim David—formerly a MI powerhouse—now wearing RCB colors and a well-rounded line-up, the script may at last turn in RCB’s advantage.
Focus: Tim David and Tilak Varma – A Story of Two Journeys
Though he sparkled in Indian colors, Tilak Varma has not sparked the IPL stage this season. At Wankhede, MI’s young hope has lacked flow and battled under pressure with a strike rate of just 124.07. His performance would be under scanner. Tim David, on the other hand, goes back to Wankhede in a different persona. David has the third-best IPL strike rate at the venue (188.95) once MI’s appointed finisher. He will appreciate the chance to remind his old franchise what they let go.
Pitch Report and Conditions: Dew Factor looms big.
Mumbai expects a muggy evening with low 30s in temperature. Although Wankhede boasts a batting-friendly course, there have only been four 200-plus runs here since 2024, suggesting improved bowling discipline. Given dew a serious threat in the second innings, captains are probably going to chase. Teams batting first have nevertheless won four of the last eight games here, though, demonstrating it is far from a toss-dependent outcome.