IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore Best Bets

Two of the most popular teams in the square off in a must-win game as Mumbai Indians take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. The home side won their first game of the season in their previous game, while RCB are still in search of their first win of the campaign. Take a look at our best bets for Match 25 of IPL 2024.

Venue: Wankhede Stadium

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MI clinched their first victory of the season against Delhi Capitals with an aggressive start, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan’s 75-run powerplay partnership. Despite a few early dismissals, including Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, late fireworks from Tim David and Romario Shepherd, who scored massively in the final overs, propelled MI to a significant total. Delhi, mirroring the needed final over-run count, fell short despite a solid chase. Jasprit Bumrah’s economical spell and Gerald Coetzee’s four-wicket haul highlighted MI’s defence, although their bowling against lower-order hitters remains a concern.

RCB’s season is marred by key players underperforming and strategic batting order issues, emphasising a rigid game plan that’s hard to execute. Their bowling struggles continue, with changes failing to turn fortunes. Despite Virat Kohli’s efforts, the team’s structure and strategy invite scrutiny. Tough choices lie ahead, including potential lineup changes, as they seek a turnaround.

Both teams face challenges, with MI aiming to climb higher and RCB desperate for form. The upcoming clash at Wankhede will test RCB’s adaptability and MI’s ability to maintain momentum.

The Wankhede pitch is renowned for favouring batsmen. While the new ball may offer some initial swing, as it gets older, the conditions become among the best for batting across India. The ground’s compact size and tendency for high scores make chasing the preferred strategy for teams. The coin toss will be crucial.

Despite that, Mumbai Indians will be going into this game brimming with confidence against a poor RCB side, so we expect the home side to walk away with the two points.

Players to Watch: Faf du Plessis will be in the spotlight as a batsman and captain. His 44 off 33 was challenging, and his captaincy tactics, particularly rigid bowler matchups, have been questionable.

Suryakumar Yadav’s return, despite a disappointing 0(2), brings optimism against RCB, against whom he has a strong scoring record, including an explosive 83 off 35 balls last season.

Key Stats

MI have an 8/4 record against RCB at home.

The average first innings score in Wankhede since the start of last season is 194.

Mumbai has a 61% win rate in the Wankhede when batting second and 60% when batting first.

RCB conceded the most sixes in all but one of their games this season.

Virat Kohli has scored more runs this season than RCB’s overseas trio combined.

Kohli vs Jasprit Bumrah in the IPL: 140 runs off 92 balls, four dismissals, average 35.

Rohit Sharma vs Mohammed Siraj in the IPL: 68 runs off 52 balls, zero dismissals.

Romario Shepherd batting during overs 16-20 in the IPL: 87 off 34 balls, 1 dismissal in four innings.

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