The defending champions Mumbai Indians take on a star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match of the IPL 2021 on Friday. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India’s most prominent players in recent years, face off in the season opener. Both, however, have had contrasting fortunes in the Indian Premier League when leading their respective teams (IPL). Though Rohit Sharma has led Mumbai to a record-breaking five IPL titles, Virat Kohli has yet to win the coveted trophy.
When it comes to IPL matchups between the two clubs, Mumbai Indians once again reign supreme. In reality, they have consistently outperformed RCB in the tournament.
The two teams have met 27 times, with Mumbai Indians winning 17 times and Royal Challengers Bangalore winning nine. One match ended in a draw, with RCB eventually winning after the Super Over.
Mumbai Indians have the highest win percentage (83.33) against Pune Warriors, whom they have defeated five times in six matches. They have also played 27 times against Kolkata Knight Riders, winning 21 of those matches.
MI’s highest win percentage is 64.81 against RCB, after Pune Warriors and KKR.
MI VS RCB
Matches Played: 27
MI Won: 17
RCB Won: 9
Tied: 1 (RCB won the following Super Over)
Until 2015, there was nothing to distinguish the two teams in the early stages of the IPL, with each winning at least one match in clashes against each other.
After 2015, the Mumbai Indians have nearly monopolised wins over the Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB did not win a single match in 2016 and 2017, and the same thing happened in 2019. Since 2016, RCB has only won two matches against MI (including a Super Over victory in 2020), while MI has won eight times.
With no home comforts for any of the teams this year, it might go either way. The Mumbai Indians are as big as ever, while the Royal Challengers Bangalore have a more balanced team, with some marquee buys in the IPL auction contributing to an already star-studded lineup.