The 31st match of the 2025 season, held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, saw RCB dismantle the MI bowling attack with confidence, chasing down a mammoth target thanks to Rajat Patidar’s explosive knock of 64 runs off 32 balls, which ultimately earned him the Player of the Match award. However, in a display of humility and leadership, Patidar dedicated the award to his team's bowling unit, praising their exceptional execution on a pitch known for being batting-friendly. “That was a really amazing match. The way the bowlers have shown courage, it was amazing. To be honest, this award goes to the bowling unit because it's not easy to stop a batting unit on this ground,” said Patidar during the post-match presentation.
He credited the fast bowlers for executing their plans with precision, and especially lauded Krunal Pandya for delivering a nerve-wracking final over under pressure. “The way Krunal has bowled was amazing. In the last over, it was not easy. I think the courage he has shown is amazing,” he added. Discussing the game’s turning points, Patidar explained the team's strategic call to hold back Krunal Pandya for the final over, allowing them to build pressure and control the flow of runs. “The discussion was to take the game deep and use KP's one over at the last,” he said. “The wicket was good and the ball was coming on nicely to the bat. After the Hardik Pandya over, I went all out.” He also praised Suyash Sharma, the wrist spinner who made an impact by taking crucial wickets. “The wrist spinner is one of the main bowlers because they are wicket-taking, and the way Suyash bowled was great,” Patidar noted.
RCB’s 2025 campaign so far has been marked by a well-rounded team effort. No longer reliant on just a few marquee players, the side has shown depth in both batting and bowling, contributing to their stunning wins against KKR at Eden Gardens, CSK at Chepauk, and now MI at Wankhede—each ground known as a fortress for the home side. With momentum firmly on their side and a unified squad playing with confidence and clarity, RCB’s early season dominance under Patidar has sparked renewed hopes among their loyal fans, many of whom have been waiting for a title breakthrough for years. If RCB continues their clinical performances, Patidar’s calm yet attacking captaincy could be the catalyst the franchise has long needed to go all the way. For now, though, their historic victories across enemy territories have already secured their place in IPL record books—and sent a strong message to the rest of the league.
