RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ready to lock horns in Mumbai
Once the backbone of India’s batting across formats, the Rohit-Kohli tandem now operates as ODI-only stalwarts. Their fanbases, which have mellowed in recent times, are expected to reignite the classic IPL-era rivalry, backing their favourites passionately in a high-stakes contest.
Both MI and RCB come into the match seeking redemption after being outclassed by Rajasthan Royals’ teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. MI are under pressure after two successive defeats, while RCB look to rediscover their winning rhythm following a setback away from home.
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes the contest could be decided in the final overs. “RCB are travelling now. When they played their first two games at home, they won comfortably, but the moment they went on the road, they lost in Guwahati against the Rajasthan Royals. So, there will be a few questions in the camp. I feel the game might be decided by which team bowls better in the end overs, and the toss will be an important factor too. RCB have the form, but in a man-to-man comparison, I feel Mumbai are slightly ahead,” he said.
RCB’s batting has been a standout, with Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal and Tim David striking at over 200 this season. In contrast, MI have relied heavily on Rohit, while their bowling unit has struggled, with multiple bowlers conceding at high economy rates.
Historically, MI lead the head-to-head record, but RCB have won three of the last five meetings. Adding another layer to the contest is the Kohli vs Jasprit Bumrah match-up, with both players enjoying success against each other.
With star power, narrative, and form colliding, only one side will emerge stronger in what promises to be a defining clash.
MI vs RCB Squads:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Venkatesh Iyer, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam Dar, Kanishk Chouhan, Jacob Duffy, Mangesh Yadav, Swapnil Singh, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Satvik Deswal
Mumbai Indians Squad: Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, AM Ghazanfar, Jasprit Bumrah, Sherfane Rutherford, Corbin Bosch, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Mayank Markande, Quinton de Kock, Will Jacks, Mayank Rawat, Raghu Sharma, Atharva Ankolekar, Danish Malewar, Mohammed Salahuddin Izhar.
