RCB Breaks Wankhede Jinx as Hardik Pandya Stresses Positivity After MI’s Narrow Defeat
Mumbai: The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a gripping contest on Monday night as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally ended a decade-long dry spell against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at their home ground, scripting a 12-run victory in a high-scoring thriller in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the aftermath of the defeat, MI captain Hardik Pandya struck a tone of reflection and resilience, acknowledging the fine margins of T20 cricket and urging his side to stay positive amid mounting pressure.
This match marked a significant psychological victory for RCB, who had not won at Wankhede since 2015. Despite MI’s formidable record at home and the return of veteran opener Rohit Sharma to the playing XI, it was the Faf du Plessis-led RCB who held their nerves in the final overs to seal a crucial win, defending a challenging total on a batting-friendly pitch.
Pandya Admits Falling ‘Two Hits Short’
“It was a run feast. The wicket was really good,” Pandya said at the post-match presentation. “We fell short by just two hits. That’s all. I don’t have much else to say.”
Pandya’s succinct assessment underlined the intensity of the chase, which saw MI fall just short of a potentially match-turning finish. In a game dominated by batters, fine margins separated the two sides. With over 400 runs scored in total, bowlers had little room for error, and Pandya was quick to shield his bowling unit from blame.
“The way the wicket was, bowlers didn’t really have much to hide behind. If a batter executes well, there’s nothing much anyone can do. I don’t want to be harsh on the bowlers. It was a tough track. But maybe the difference was just 10-12 runs.”
RCB’s disciplined death bowling and sharp fielding efforts ultimately proved decisive. Despite a valiant late push by MI’s lower-middle order, the home team couldn’t bridge the final gap, much to the disappointment of their fans.
Tactical Tweaks and Batting Order Adjustments
One of the key talking points in MI’s recent matches has been the fluctuating batting order. In this game, youngster Naman Dhir was seen batting in the lower middle-order, a decision that raised eyebrows among some observers.
However, Pandya clarified that Dhir’s role had not changed suddenly.
“The original skeleton of our team always had Naman batting down the order. In the last game, Ro (Rohit Sharma) was not available, so we had to push someone up. With Ro back, it was natural for Naman to return to his usual spot,” Pandya explained.
Dhir, known for his versatility and aggressive style, has been one of MI’s rising talents this season. Pandya emphasized that players like Dhir are “multi-dimensional” and could adapt to various situations, depending on the team’s needs.
Praise for Tilak Varma’s Resilience
Among the positives MI will take from the loss was the performance of Tilak Varma, who showcased grit and determination despite carrying a niggling injury.
“Tilak was fantastic today. A lot happened in the last game, and people don’t know that he took a nasty hit the previous day,” Pandya revealed. “It was a tactical call not to play him then, as his finger was bothering him. The coach felt that someone fresh might be better. But today, he really showed character.”
Tilak’s return not only boosted MI’s middle-order but also underscored the team’s depth, particularly in handling injury-related setbacks.
Bumrah’s Presence ‘Very Special’
If there was one silver lining for MI amidst the gloom of defeat, it was the performance of Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer, who has been managing his workload with care this season, delivered a typically composed and clinical spell despite a batter-friendly surface.
“Having Bumrah in the team makes any team in the world very special,” said Pandya. “He came in, did his job, and made an impact. Always very happy to have him.”
Bumrah’s return to full fitness is a massive boost not just for MI, but also for the Indian national side, with the ICC T20 World Cup around the corner. His presence offers MI crucial experience and skill, especially during crunch situations.
The Importance of Powerplays
Pandya didn’t shy away from admitting that MI’s inability to capitalize on the powerplay overs made a difference in the final outcome. In a game where every over mattered, the opening six for both sides laid the platform for what followed.
“In these kinds of games, powerplays are very crucial. A couple of overs in the middle where we couldn’t get going put us a bit behind in the chase,” he said. “They (RCB) executed well in the death overs, and we were unable to match that.”
RCB’s bowlers, especially their spinners and death specialists, managed to apply pressure at critical junctures, limiting MI’s scoring potential just when they seemed poised to surge ahead.
‘Never Back Down’: A Captain’s Message
While the defeat marked MI’s third close loss this season, Hardik Pandya’s message was clear — focus on the positives and keep pushing forward.
“In life, never back down. Always see the positive side. Go out there, try to play the best cricket of your life, and back yourself. We all are backing each other. The team knows that, and we just hope the results go our way soon.”
His words reflected a captain trying to steady the ship amid rising scrutiny over leadership and tactical decisions. Since taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, Pandya has faced both applause and criticism. But his insistence on staying the course suggests confidence in the squad’s potential.
RCB’s Historic Win and Playoff Push
For RCB, the win carries significant weight beyond the points table. Breaking the Wankhede curse and winning away in such emphatic fashion may inject fresh momentum into their campaign. Their top order, backed by clinical finishing and improved bowling, showed signs of a well-rounded unit.
With the IPL 2025 playoffs approaching rapidly, every match becomes a potential turning point. MI, traditionally slow starters, will need to string together consistent performances to stay in the hunt.
As the dust settles on a Wankhede spectacle, one thing is clear: Mumbai Indians have the firepower, but must iron out minor flaws that are proving costly. For Hardik Pandya and his team, the focus now shifts to regrouping quickly, learning from the losses, and channeling the energy into upcoming fixtures.
With the IPL reaching its halfway mark, fans can expect more nail-biting finishes, and perhaps, a strong MI comeback — a script the league has seen many times before.
