Since the start of 2026, Hardik has bowled 60 balls (10 overs) at India’s death in eight innings, taking five wickets and conceding an economy rate of 9.7. In the ongoing IPL, he has bowled just three overs at that point across seven innings, taking one wicket and conceding 15.7 runs.
In India colours, Hardik is the crisis manager, the trusted player in the final match of the World Cup final (at Kensington Oval two years ago in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa). He also bowled the 19th over at Wankhede in the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final against England.
In T20Is, Hardik Pandya is India’s ‘clutch god’ with the bat as well as the ball. But when he plays for the Mumbai Indians, from 2024, this clutch god is invisible. In India colours, Hardik Pandya is everywhere. In MI’s Blue and Gold, since 2024, Hardik Pandya is nowhere to be seen.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Raipur weather update
The weather in Raipur during today’s match is expected to be hot during the day with scattered showers possible in the late afternoon, although skies are expected to clear before the 7.30pm kick-off.
Humidity levels are expected to rise to around 45%-65% as the night progresses.
This increases the dew factor, which can make the ball slippery for bowlers in the second innings.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Pitch Report
For today’s RCB vs MI match, the match is being played at RCB’s second stadium: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
Raipur’s surface is expected to be batting-friendly but with more nuances than typical high-scoring pitches like Wankhede or Chinnaswamy.
Most teams prefer to play first at this location because the pitch usually becomes easier to hit as the game progresses.
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RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Head to Head
RCB vs MI – Head to Head
Matches played: 35
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won: 16
Mumbai Indians won: 19
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: It’s Suriya vs Patidar today!
Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into their crucial clash against Mumbai Indians in Raipur in a delicate phase of IPL 2026 after a recent defeat to Lucknow Super Giants dampened their momentum a bit. Although RCB are still third on the points table, the play-off race has tightened significantly, making each match increasingly important.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians enter the contest in must-win territory, with their inconsistent campaign leaving little margin for further errors. With not much to lose, MI could become a dangerous competitor capable of disrupting the playoff ambitions of stronger teams.
The match also presents an unusual challenge as Raipur hosts RCB’s last two home matches, although the team has very limited preparation time on the field compared to MI, who have already spent more time adapting to the conditions. RCB’s recent struggles have coincided with turmoil at the top of the system.
The absence of Phil Salt has affected the Powerplay’s aggressive approach, while Jacob Bethell is still looking for consistency. Their bowling attack has also shown signs of weakness, especially with Josh Hazlewood enduring a few expensive outings having previously dominated the batsmen with strong lengths and bounce.
For MI, the biggest concern was the middle order, where Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya did not deliver consistently. Their new-ball attack, led by Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult, also struggled to provide early breakthroughs, leaving Jasprit Bumrah under pressure to repeatedly save the innings later on.
With RCB aiming to avoid sliding into a crowded mid-table battle and MI struggling to stay alive, the encounter could be pivotal for both teams’ playoff hopes.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Weather and pitch remain key factors
Meanwhile, all eyes remain on the weather after sudden rain disrupted training at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium.
With the Raipur surface still very much unfamiliar territory, RCB will be hoping to hit the ground running early.
But with the competition approaching, the biggest question remains whether Jitesh can reverse this worrying trend before it is too late.
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RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Why Kohli’s wicket matters so much
But RCB’s results suggest that his wicket is more important than ever. According to ESPNCricinfo, in the 40 innings that Kohli has played since the start of IPL 2024, there have been 20 innings in which he has faced more than 30 balls. RCB won 18 of those matches and lost only two. In the other 20 innings where they got out within 30 balls, RCB lost 14 and won just six.
In all four defeats this season, Kohli has faced less than 30 balls. Against LSG and GT, he scored 0 and 28 respectively as RCB lost by nine runs and were out for 155. Against Delhi Capitals, he scored 19 before being out to Lungi Ngidi, after which RCB gradually lost momentum and finished with 175/8. In the defeat to Rajasthan Royals, Kohli made 32 runs before falling to Ravi Bishnoi for the third wicket at 58 runs. RCB fell to 125/7 before a mid-order recovery took it to 200.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Kohli remains the key to the team’s batting
RCB has enough Indian and overseas batting options and can adapt to different match situations, but Kohli is still the key figure in the batting line-up.
Of RCB’s 1,862 runs this season, 896 runs – 48.12 per cent – came while Kohli was at the crease. His batting presence at the other end often helped players play with more freedom, knowing that Kohli could control the innings. That’s why his wickets have become so important to RCB’s results this season.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Hardik is under fitness watch
Hardik Pandya is back from a nagging problem but is still under fitness monitoring.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the team in Hardik’s absence against Lucknow, is expected to join the team on Sunday morning after recently becoming a father.
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RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Kohli scores faster than ever
Virat Kohli’s aggressive batting style has also become a talking point.
Since IPL 2024, Kohli has improved his strike rate and sixes significantly.
This season, he has scored 379 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 164.06, his highest ever in an IPL season, along with three fifties.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians show signs of recovery
On Sunday, RCB face a stern test against Mumbai Indians, who may be out of contention in the qualifiers, but showed signs of their old firepower during their 228-run chase against Lucknow.
This effort was driven by 84 from Rohit Sharma.
Rohit and Ryan Rickleton are expected to test RCB’s new-ball duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Spin attack struggles for wickets
The spin department has also suffered. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma were effective in the first five matches, with the RCB spinners taking 11 wickets at an average of 27.63 and an economy rate of 9.21. In the next five matches, they managed to take just five wickets, with the bowling average rising to 42.16 and the strike rate to 30, the worst during that phase. The only improvement came in the economy rate, which fell to 8.2.
Krunal took 10 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 27.00 and an economy rate of 8.30, while Suyash took seven wickets in nine matches at an average of 38.42 and an economy rate of 8.45. But RCB needs a share of them, not just control.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Batting unit under pressure
Heading into the end of the tournament, RCB desperately needs their wicketkeeper-batsmen to get out of this slump.
However, this is not limited to Geach.
RCB’s batting unit as a whole has looked shaky in recent outings.
They struggled to adapt to a sticky surface in Ahmedabad before suffering a defeat to Moutawad Against Lucknow Super Giants.
With Phil Salt still out due to injury, another weak link has emerged in his replacement, fellow Englishman Jacob Bethell.
In four overs, Bethel returned scores of 14, 20, 5 and 4, putting extra pressure on opener Virat Kohli, in-form Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Patidar.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Jitesh Sharma’s tough season
Jitesh Sharma has also endured a tough campaign. After a strong season last year, the wicket-keeper-batsman managed just 64 runs in eight innings at an average of 8.00 and a strike rate of 108.47, with a best score of 23. His struggles often forced Tim David and Romario Shepherd to bat earlier than expected.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Pacers exposes Jitesh’s struggles
His repeated failures under pressure raised doubts about the game awareness that defined his finishing abilities.
More worryingly, the fast bowlers revealed his struggles – he was dismissed by pacers seven times in eight innings while scoring just 28 runs against them.
Even an old remark of his – “I always pray for the top order to collapse so I can bat and score” – has uncomfortably resurfaced amid his poor career. So far this season, he has failed to finish matches when RCB needed him most.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Romario Shepherd fails to deliver
Romario Shepard’s season also didn’t go according to plan. Although known for his batting ability, he scored only 79 runs in six innings at an average of 26.33 and a strike rate of 143.63, with a best score of 23 not out. In the previous match against LSG, he struggled during the 20-run chase in the final over against Duran Digvesh Rathi.
His bowling numbers were also poor. Shepherd took just five wickets in nine matches at an average of 44.00, an economy rate of 12.94 and a strike rate of 20.40. Among players with at least five wickets this season, he has the second-worst economy rate behind Shardul Thakur’s 13.57.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: A worrying decline in Jitesh Sharma’s form
The 32-year-old was one of the vital elements in the Royal team’s title-winning run last season, shining in a finishing role with remarkable composure and aggression. But the scenario has changed dramatically this year.
In 10 matches, Jitesh has managed just 64 runs at an average of 8, with a highest score of 23.
The numbers are in stark contrast to his 2025 campaign, when he amassed 261 runs at an average of 37.20 and a strike rate of 176.35.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru look to shake off the blemishes
With four league matches remaining, skipper Rajat Patidar and his men will need to correct their shortcomings when they take on Mumbai Indians here on Sunday.
While the bowling unit looked inconsistent, the biggest concern was the alarming decline in form of wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Phil Salt’s injury hurts the team
Phil Salt’s injury also hurt the team. He played six matches and scored 202 runs at an average of 33.66 and a strike rate of 168.33, including a fifty, before a finger injury forced him to return to the UK. RCB did not share many details about the injury.
In Salt’s absence, Jacob Bethel gets a chance at the top of the standings. Bethell caused a stir after scoring a century in the T20 World Cup semi-final against India in Wankhede, but he has struggled in the IPL so far, scoring just 43 runs in four innings, with a highest score of 20.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) need to fix several issues quickly as they try to keep their IPL 2026 title defense on track after a worrying slump in form mid-season.
Sh them The upcoming encounter against Mumbai Indians in Raipur has become an important one for the red and gold team after consecutive defeats against Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. RCB currently sits fourth in the points table with six wins and four losses, and their remaining four matches could determine how their season unfolds.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya Update
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya missed the previous match against Lucknow Super Giants due to back spasms, with Suryakumar Yadav captaining the team in his absence.
Although Pandya traveled to Raipur with the team, the management said that he is still recovering and Suriya will continue to lead the team against RCB.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Rohit-Rickelton faces tough test with new ball
Rohit Sharma and his opening partner Ryan Rickleton will now have to negotiate with RCB’s experienced pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who remain key weapons with the new ball.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians regain confidence after huge chase
As RCB searches for answers, Mumbai Indians head into the contest with renewed confidence after successfully chasing down 228 against Lucknow Super Giants.
Rohit Sharma marked his return from injury with 84 off 44 balls, helping MI end a tough run of results and revive their campaign.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Jitesh Sharma’s form hurts RCB
Another area of concern for RCB is the lack of contributions from wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma.
His highest score of the season was just 23, which affected the team’s ability to pace in the death overs.
RCB will need Jitesh to rediscover his form quickly as the playoff race heats up.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Bethell is yet to fill Phil Salt’s void
RCB will be hoping for an improvement in the form of Jacob Bethell, who replaced the injured Phil Salt in the starting XI.
Bethell’s scores of 14, 20, 5 and 4 in four matches did not provide the explosive start RCB expected, leaving Virat Kohli to shoulder most of the batting responsibility.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Batting struggles emerge as a major concern
RCB’s batting unit has struggled in recent matches. Against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, they managed just 155 on a somewhat sloppy surface.
Even their nine-run DLS defeat to Lucknow Super Giants looked more one-sided than the margin suggested, with RCB failing to seriously threaten the target despite needing 19 points in the final.
Now, Bengaluru FC will face another tough challenge against a Mumbai Indians attack that includes Jasprit Bumrah, Corbin Bosh, AM Ghazanfar and Will Jacks.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Playoff race tightens for Bengaluru FC
The Royal Team currently occupies fourth place in the standings with 12 points from 10 matches, but the competition is intensifying around them.
As the tournament comes to a close, RCB will know they cannot afford any more mistakes.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Hello and welcome
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to rediscover their batting rhythm and snap a two-match losing streak when they take on Mumbai Indians.
After winning four of their opening matches and ensuring a place in the playoffs, the defending champions have now lost three of their last five matches to slide into a mid-season slump.
RCB vs MI Live Score, IPL 2026: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 54th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Sunday.
RCB, playing their first match at their new home for two matches, head into this competition on the back of a nine-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), registering their second successive loss. Despite back-to-back losses, they currently sit fourth on the points table, thanks to a superior net run rate. However, any further stumble could jeopardize their position in the top four as other teams perform well.
On the other hand, five-time champions Mumbai Indians enter the match with renewed confidence after registering their third win of the season. They defeated Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in a high-scoring encounter. They currently stand in ninth place with six points in ten matches, and it will be a do-or-die match for the team, as if they lose to RCB, they will become the first team to be eliminated.
When: Sunday, May 10, at 7:30 PM IST
where: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
Where to watch: The RCB vs MI match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar broadcasting the match live.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (captain), Virat Kohli, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Raseekh Dhar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Layer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk. Chauhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra.
Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Means, Ryan Rickleton (wk), Shreejith Krishnan (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Willjack, Keshav Maharaj, Raj Angad Bawa, Vignesh Pothore, Corbin Bush, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley, VS Benmitsa, Mujibur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah.