Rajat Patidar Dedicates IPL 2025 Player of the Match to RCB Bowlers After Victory Over Mumbai Indians

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched a thrilling 12-run win over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, with standout performances from captain Rajat Patidar and star batter Virat Kohli. While Patidar was named Player of the Match for his explosive 64 off 32 balls, the skipper shifted the spotlight to his bowlers, dedicating the award to the bowling unit that successfully defended a formidable total of 221.

“This Belongs to the Bowlers,” Says Patidar

After the match, Patidar expressed his admiration for the bowlers’ composure under pressure. “The courage with which our bowlers bowled is commendable. This award goes to the entire bowling unit because it is difficult to stop a batting side like MI at this venue,” he said during the post-match presentation.

Krunal Pandya’s Final Over Changes the Game

Highlighting the performance of Krunal Pandya, who bowled the dramatic final over and claimed three wickets, Patidar added, “The way Krunal bowled in the last over was fantastic. It is very difficult to bowl like this against any team in such conditions.”

RCB had previously failed to defeat Mumbai Indians at Wankhede for nearly a decade. With this match, the tides have turned, and Patidar was quick to credit the team strategy and execution under pressure.

Patidar’s Game Plan and On-Field Strategy

Reflecting on the overall strategy, Patidar explained, “It was really a great match. It was clear that we had to take the game deep. The plan was to use Krunal’s over at the end strategically. The wicket was good, and the ball was coming well on the bat. After Hardik’s over, I knew I had to go all out.”

Patidar’s innings was instrumental in RCB’s score of 221/5, as he hammered 5 fours and 4 sixes, finishing with a remarkable strike rate of 200.

RCB’s Third Win of the Season

This win marks RCB’s third victory of the IPL 2025 season, breaking their long-standing losing streak against MI. With Patidar leading from the front and the bowling unit stepping up under pressure, RCB has positioned itself as a formidable contender in the league.