Jaipur: Mumbai Indians put on a masterclass with bat and ball as they thrashed Rajasthan Royals by a massive 100-run margin in a lopsided IPL 2025 encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Thursday, in what turned out to be one of the most dominant performances of the season so far.
With the defeat, Rajasthan Royals were officially knocked out of playoff contention, bringing a disappointing end to their campaign, while Mumbai climbed to the top of the points table in emphatic fashion.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag hoped for early inroads on a pitch known to assist seamers under lights. However, the plan backfired spectacularly as Mumbai's top order launched an all-out assault, setting a commanding platform and then piling on the runs to post a mammoth 217 for 2 — the highest total at the venue this season.
The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton set the tone for the innings with a scintillating 116-run partnership off just 68 balls. Rickelton, in only his second outing this season, stamped his authority with a free--flowing 61 off 38 balls, hammering 7 fours and 3 sixes. His knock was full of attacking flair — highlighted by back-to-back boundaries off Jofra Archer and a 90-metre six off Kumar Kartikeya that sailed over deep mid-wicket to bring up his 50.
Rohit, meanwhile, oozed class and control, crafting a measured 53 off 36 balls. The former captain blended timing with invention, using deft sweeps, punchy pulls and elegant lofted drives. His shot selection, including a delicate paddle scoop off Kartikeya and a cheeky late cut off Maheesh Theekshana, showcased his vast experience and adaptability.
However, the real carnage began after their dismissals in the 13th over. At 123 for 2, Rajasthan might have sensed an opening, but Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya extinguished all hopes with a stunning display of power-hitting. The pair added an unbeaten 94 runs in just 42 balls, turning the death overs into a nightmare for Rajasthan.
Suryakumar’s innovative strokeplay was on full display as he tore into every bowler. From sweeping Theekshana over fine leg to lap-scooping Jofra while falling to the ground, the right-hander dazzled with his audacity. His unbeaten 48 off 23 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, came at a strike rate of over 208.
Hardik, not to be outdone, played a captain’s knock laced with brute force and impeccable placement. He plundered 48 not out off 23 balls, also smashing 6 fours and one six. His 18th over assault against Fazalhaq Farooqi yielded 21 runs, and a powerful drive even deflected off Theekshana’s hand en route to the boundary, summing up MI’s complete dominance.
Rajasthan’s bowling lacked bite and composure. Farooqi conceded 54 runs in 4 overs, and none of the frontline bowlers were spared. Only part-timer Riyan Parag (2-0-12-1) and Theekshana (4-0-47-1) found some success, but MI’s relentless aggression ensured a daunting target.
In reply, Rajasthan’s innings unravelled swiftly and without resistance. The top order imploded under pressure, with Trent Boult leading the attack with a superb 3 for 28, including the key wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) and Nitish Rana (9). Debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi was dismissed for a duck by Deepak Chahar, and Rajasthan were reeling at 18 for 2 within two overs.
The collapse continued as Jasprit Bumrah (2/15) struck twice in the middle overs, including the prized wicket of Riyan Parag (16), who holed out attempting a slog. Karn Sharma, introduced cleverly in the middle phase, scalped three wickets for just 23 runs, cleaning up the lower order with sharp googlies and flighted deliveries.
Jofra (30 off 27) briefly resisted with some clean strikes, but he received little support. Rajasthan folded for 117 in 16.1 overs, with 10 wickets falling in a chaotic innings that exposed their batting fragility.
MI’s bowling unit functioned with precision — Bumrah’s economy, Boult’s early swing, Hardik’s control (1/2 in 1 over), and Karn Sharma’s variations left Rajasthan with no escape. The fielding too was sharp, with Suryakumar and Rohit taking crucial catches.
Brief Scores:
MI: 217/2 in 20 overs (Rickelton 61, Rohit 53, Suryakumar 48*, Hardik 48*)
RR: 117 all out in 16.1 overs (Archer 30; Boult 3/28, Karn 3/23, Bumrah 2/15)
Result: Mumbai Indians won by 100 runs.
