IPL 2025: Mission Possible! Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya do the star turn for RCB vs MI

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The blood bath at the bourses in Mumbai's Dalal Street on Monday (April 7) left investors and institutions holding their heads in horror and clutching at aching hearts. Some relief, some change, all wanted to see or fear.

For those who were ruined, no miracle was possible in stocks, but certainly the stock of Royal Challengers Bengaluru soared against Mumbai Indians in an IPL 2025 marquee contest.

For those who may think this comparison is obtuse, stocks in cricket are also measured by performances, be it a batter or a bowler. So, in 40 overs, where 430 runs were produced on a wicket which was batter-friendly, finally, for RCB to storm the MI bastion was defining.

This the kind of joy and relief which the Indian Premier League can provide on nights when the day has been one of agony. Yes, not all cricket fans are investors in scrips, but the common man will also feel the brunt some way or the other, with inflation loading ahead.

If there is a calming effect and if sport can bring you joy even in despair, what Virat Kohli, his captain Rajat Patidar and the lesser known Pandya with a first name of Krunal ensured RCB would continue with intensity and momentum.

For those who thought RCB defeating Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk in Chennai was an aberration last week, to plot and execute a win against Mumbai Indians was far more convincing. Nuances of this win from RCB were debated well into dawn and sunrise, since this kind of flair and fusion from the Bengaluru boys has not been seen before that often.

For many, RCB is a side which was loaded with stars and a bowling attack which was not the type which could bowl out or restrict the rival side. Cold facts, RCB score 221 for 5 in 20 overs and could restrict Mumbai to 209 for 9 in 20 overs. That is a massive achievement for RCB, who, suddenly are being spoken of a side which can do well in IPL 2025.

Hello, hang on, let fans enjoy the cricket being produced, predictions can wait. For all those who say they can predict, was a bear run in the bourses predicted where the erosion in 'holdings' have caused grief.

IPL cricket is entertainment plus how blue chips are valued. For those who still value a man in his mid-30s capable of creating symphony, what Virat Kohli, the first man to also score 13k runs in T20 cricket was stupendous. Here is a man who has seen everything in cricket and is left with nothing more to prove.

Some say Virat is from Delhi, and some say he is from Bengaluru. A natural treasure has no base, that's what Kohli sought to convey on Monday night as he batted with the aura of a millionaire and the arrogance of a Prince.

And, yes, do not forget, Kohli loves to bat at the Wankhede Stadium, plus he lives most days in his life when not travelling in Mumbai and Alibaug. If someone is going to tell you he has moved to London, that's fake news!

What does one say about the innings from Kohli, as in, was it an explosion or was it a calculated assault? It is clear, the RCB maestro is batting for joy and also being productive. To score 67 runs off 42 balls at a strike rate of 159.52 as opener, Kohli has ensured he will lend his side stability and provide the turbo thrust.

The hype on this match was built massively. Surely, this was not a Virat versus Rohit Sharma contest. That was more clickbait, for which one can blame the official broadcasters. This was Kohli's might where he showed that smashing six off Jasprit Bumrah, finally back in action, would also be part of the menu.

It is not easy to hit Bumrah for a long one and clean maximum. The grammar of Kohli's batting was simple, not play ugly shots, ensure he can keep it still orthodox and attack.

It is this monumental work he has done with his batting fundamentals in white ball cricket which enables him to use the bat as a bludgeon and smote the bowlers, where Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and company were at the receiving end.

Of course, if one had to cherry pick a MI bowler, it had to be Bumrah, whose return after three months and two days was defining. His four overs for 29 runs without a wicket showed he can still control the proceedings. MI and fans of Jasprit Bumrah are happy he is back, and smiling.

No narrative of the RCB batting might is complete without an explainer on how Rajat Patidar the captain has evolved. To be handed the reins of an IPL team where the stocks are so high despite not winning an IPL title till now, Rajat showed skill and sense to bat with panache.

Coming in at No.4 when runs were on the board, he had to sustain the flow. What caught the eye was his timing, his willingness to be bold and not fear anything. It helped, as smashing four boundaries and four sixes at the Wankhede Stadium when sea breeze had set in was so cool.

For those who were returning from the corporate offices in Nariman Point or stepping out for evening walks along the sea front, the noise and nouse from Rajat Patidar's bat was defining. He has been given the vote by RCB to lead. That he also set an example in the ferocious backyard of Mumbai Indians should make selectors take note.

The chase for MI was on the cards. They have pedigree and the talent in their batting lineup. As has become a habit, Rohit Sharma shows up like a guest artist, scored 17 runs off nine balls.

Not good, when the total being chased was of Himalayan heights. Had Rohit been around for 10 overs and scored 60-odd runs, it would have been nice. It's clear, Rohit does what he wants and will get away with it. 'Mumbai Chaa Raja' after all, for whatever it is worth.

Where MI were caught off guard was the inability of batters to force the pace and keep an eye on the scoreboard. Tilak Varma, who had been vilified for scoring slowly in an earlier match against Lucknow Super Giants, scored 56 off 29 balls. His onslaught was dangerous.

But then, this RCB bowling lineup has steel where Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood and company kept their cool. Enter Hardik Pandya, the MI skipper, fans thought he could close it out for MI. No, the cunning Hazlewood and the underdog Pandya, Krunal, were not letting it get away.

Krunal Pandya is Hardik's brother, no film story this. Yet, his cricket career has not been that illustrious. On Monday night, he chose to attack and bowl from the heart which paid dividends. Left arm orthodox, he realised bowling on this wicket would not be that easy.

Fact is, RCB have done so much work and preparation with their bowling. If there was a contest for the Player Of The Match award, Krunal was also a front-runner. That he ruined his brother's party at the Wankhede could not be helped. RCB are on Mission Possible, not impossible.