IPL 2025: RCB Break Wankhede Jinx as Rajat Patidar Shines, But Faces Fine for Slow Over Rate

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended a decade-long drought at the Wankhede Stadium by defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 thriller, clinching a 12-run victory on Monday night. 

While it was a celebratory moment for RCB fans and the team, the night ended with a fine for skipper Rajat Patidar due to a slow over rate.

Patidar, who played a match-winning knock of 64 off just 32 balls, was fined INR 12 lakh under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate offences. This was RCB’s first such violation this season.

“As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Patidar was fined INR 12 lakhs,” read an official IPL statement after the match.

The fine puts Patidar in the company of other IPL captains like Hardik Pandya (MI), Riyan Parag (RR), and Rishabh Pant (LSG), who have also been penalized for slow over rates earlier this season.

Despite the penalty, Patidar led from the front with the bat. His dynamic innings was well supported by veteran Virat Kohli, who contributed a solid 67. Jitesh Sharma added a late flourish, scoring 40 from just 19 balls, giving RCB a defendable total.

The star with the ball for RCB was Krunal Pandya, who delivered a game-changing performance by taking four crucial wickets and putting the brakes on MI’s chase. His disciplined bowling helped RCB maintain their grip on the game during the crucial final overs.

This victory marked RCB’s first win at Wankhede in ten years—a long-awaited triumph that will be cherished by the team and fans alike. With three wins in four matches, RCB now sits third on the points table with six points, signaling a strong start to their 2025 campaign.

Going forward, while RCB will look to maintain their winning momentum, captain Patidar will need to keep a closer eye on match timing to avoid further sanctions.