Kohli, Patidar and Krunal star as RCB end ten-year Wankhede jinx in IPL 2025
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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivered a breathtaking performance in Mumbai on a historic night, breaking their decade-long jinx at the iconic Wankhede Stadium with a comprehensive victory. This match not only marked a major milestone in the IPL but also solidified the team’s determination to shake off their past demons and push forward with a winning mentality.
The Long-Awaited Victory RCB
For the last ten years, Wankhede Stadium had been a fortress that RCB found nearly impossible to breach. Over the course of multiple IPL seasons, they had visited the venue on numerous occasions, but each time, they faced setbacks in both thrilling and heartbreaking fashion. Whether it was the pressure of chasing down a target or the inability to contain opposition batsmen, the Wankhede Stadium had always seemed to have an aura of invincibility for RCB.
Virat Kohli: The Heartbeat of RCB’s Triumph
Virat Kohli, the RCB captain, was the architect of the chase. As the team walked out to bat, there was a sense of optimism among the supporters, yet a palpable pressure to overcome the Wankhede jinx. Kohli, a man synonymous with chasing big totals, had always been at the forefront of RCB’s IPL campaigns. In this match, he carried the team with his calm and calculated batting, exhibiting his trademark fluency and impeccable timing.
His leadership, as always, shone through, guiding RCB through the tricky middle overs. Kohli’s wicket, though, did not lead to a collapse. Instead, it paved the way for a remarkable partnership with fellow middle-order batsman Rajat Patidar.
Rajat Patidar: The Unsung Hero RCB
If Kohli’s knock was the anchor, Patidar’s innings was the explosion that drove RCB home. Coming in at a time when RCB still needed 70 runs off 40 balls, Patidar displayed the calm of a seasoned finisher and the flair of a rising star. His 43 off 25 balls was the defining knock that turned the tide in RCB’s favor.
Patidar’s partnership with Kohli was critical, but his ability to rotate the strike, find gaps, and accelerate at the right moments was what made the difference. By the time he was dismissed in the 15th over, the equation was down to just 30 from 30 balls, and RCB were cruising toward victory.
Krunal Pandya: The Finisher and the Game-Changer RCB
As RCB inched closer to the target, it was left to Krunal Pandya to finish off the job. The all-rounder has often been one to step up in pressure situations, and this match was no different. His 20 off 12 balls might seem modest, but the timing of his shots and his quick-fire cameo took the pressure off the chasing side at a critical stage.
Krunal’s crucial contribution was evident as he dispatched a few vital boundaries and gave RCB the cushion they needed to cross the line. His all-round skills – with the ball and bat – had already been on display during the first innings, and this match once again showed his value in RCB’s middle-order.
RCB’s Bowling Attack: Delivering Under Pressure
While the batting efforts of Kohli, Patidar, and Krunal stole the headlines, RCB’s bowlers were just as integral to the win. The Mumbai Indians (MI), known for their explosive batting line-up, found it difficult to get going, thanks to RCB’s disciplined and smart bowling attack.
The bowling strategy revolved around keeping the pressure on MI’s openers and spinners playing an important role. Mohammed Siraj led the charge with the ball, producing a vital spell of 3/29 in his four overs. His seam movement and accuracy were crucial, especially against the likes of MI’s explosive openers, who have often been known to take the game away from opponents.
A Historic Win with Multiple Layers of Significance RCB
This win was a historic moment for RCB fans who have waited for years to see their team break the Wankhede jinx. The victory was special on several fronts: it symbolized overcoming a mental block, showcased RCB’s ability to perform under pressure, and was a statement of intent as they aimed for their first IPL title.
A Turning Point in RCB’s IPL Campaign
RCB’s victory at Wankhede wasn’t just another win in their IPL campaign – it was a turning point. The team had been gaining momentum over the last few seasons, but this particular victory demonstrated that they had the grit and resilience to go all the way. The dynamic leadership of Kohli, combined with key match-winners in Patidar and Krunal, meant that RCB now had a squad capable of competing with the best.
Conclusion: A New Era for RCB?
As the final ball was bowled, and RCB sealed their victory at Wankhede, the iconic stadium seemed to lose its mystique. The ten-year jinx was broken, and the team had shown the world that they were no longer burdened by past failures. This win would go down as one of the defining moments in RCB’s history, and one that would inspire future generations of players and fans alike.
In Kohli, Patidar, and Krunal, RCB had players who could shoulder responsibility in crucial moments, and this match proved that RCB were no longer underperformers in high-pressure situations. For the first time in a decade, RCB’s fans could finally say – their team had conquered Wankhede, and with it, they had ushered in a new era of optimism and potential.
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