The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals rivalry is one of IPL’s most electrifying matchups. Packed with last-over thrillers, record-breaking scores, and unforgettable individual performances, every clash keeps fans on edge.
From RR’s 2008 shock victories to MI’s dominance in recent seasons, no game lacks drama. This timeline dives into the battles, stats, and moments that define this iconic rivalry.
Overview of the MI vs RR IPL Rivalry
The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals rivalry stands out in the IPL for its balance, unpredictability, and repeated close finishes. Since the league’s first season, both teams have taken turns dominating phases of the rivalry. While Mumbai built a legacy through titles, Rajasthan earned respect for upsetting stronger sides. Their matches often swing on small moments rather than clear superiority.
Balanced Competition: Neither team has ever fully dominated the other, keeping results uncertain. Many matches go down to the final overs, which adds excitement for fans.
Contrasting Identities: Mumbai rely on structure and depth, while Rajasthan thrive on fearless cricket. This difference in approach creates tactical intrigue in every encounter.
Fan Engagement: MI vs RR games consistently generate high viewership and online discussion. Supporters expect drama rather than predictable outcomes.
Latest Matches 🏆
The most recent encounters between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL, including scores, venues, and standout performances:
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss Winner | MI Score | RR Score | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 | Jaipur | May 01, 2025 | RR won (field) | 217/2 (20) | 117 (16.1) | MI won by 100 runs | Ryan Rickelton |
| IPL 2024 | Jaipur | Apr 22, 2024 | MI won (field) | 179/9 (20) | 183/1 (18.4) | RR won by 9 wickets | Yashasvi Jaiswal (104*) |
| IPL 2024 | Mumbai | Apr 01, 2024 | RR won (field) | 125/9 (20) | 127/4 (15.3) | RR won by 6 wickets | Trent Boult |
| IPL 2023 | Mumbai | Apr 30, 2023 | RR won (field) | 214/4 (19.3) | 212/7 (20) | MI won by 6 wickets | Tim David |
| IPL 2022 | Navi Mumbai | Apr 30, 2022 | N/A | Various | Various | Split Results | Various |
| IPL 2021 | Sharjah | Oct 05, 2021 | N/A | Low totals | Various | MI won | Nathan Coulter-Nile |
| IPL 2020 | Abu Dhabi | Various | N/A | Various | Various | Competitive | Various |
| IPL 2019 | Various | Various | N/A | Various | Various | RR wins | Various |
How the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals Rivalry Began
The rivalry began in 2008 when Rajasthan Royals shocked the league by winning the inaugural IPL title. Mumbai Indians, despite having big names, struggled in the early seasons. Rajasthan’s early success against Mumbai planted the seeds of competition. As MI evolved into a powerhouse, every meeting gained added significance.
Inaugural Season Impact: RR’s early dominance surprised MI’s star-studded lineup. These early results shaped the psychological edge between the teams.
Different Journeys: MI took time to find consistency, while RR peaked early. Their contrasting growth paths fueled competitive tension.
Early Upsets: Rajasthan frequently defeated Mumbai despite weaker squads on paper. These wins kept the rivalry alive even when MI became stronger.
Head to Head Record Between MI and RR
Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals have played over 30 IPL matches against each other. Mumbai hold a narrow lead in wins, but the margin has never been large enough to call it one-sided. The head-to-head record reflects a rivalry built on close contests rather than dominance.
| Category | Mumbai Indians | Rajasthan Royals |
| Matches Played | 31+ | 31+ |
| Wins | 16–18 | 14–15 |
| Highest Team Score | 217 | 212 |
| Lowest Defended Score | 147 | 148 |
Narrow Gap: The small difference in wins highlights competitive balance. One strong season can quickly shift the numbers.
High Totals: Both teams have crossed 200 multiple times against each other. Batting-friendly pitches often bring out attacking cricket.
Pressure Matches: Several games influenced playoff qualification. Stakes often elevate performance levels.
Most Memorable MI vs RR Matches in IPL History
MI vs RR has delivered some of the most memorable matches in IPL history. These games are remembered for dramatic finishes, unexpected heroes, and momentum swings. Whether high-scoring thrillers or tense low totals, these encounters left a lasting impact.
2008 League Match: Rajasthan stunned Mumbai with disciplined bowling. This match set the rivalry’s early tone.
2013 Thriller: Mumbai chased a tough target with a last-over finish. It marked MI’s growing confidence as champions.
2025 Dominant Win: Mumbai crushed RR by 100 runs in Jaipur. It remains one of the biggest wins in the rivalry.
High Scoring Thrillers Between Mumbai and Rajasthan
Some MI vs RR matches turned into batting festivals, with both sides pushing totals beyond 180. These games showcased power hitting, quick run rates, and fearless intent. Fans often remember these matches for six-hitting sprees and dramatic chases.
| Match Year | Venue | First Innings Score | Result |
| 2019 | Jaipur | 212 | RR won |
| 2023 | Wankhede | 214 | MI won |
| 2025 | Jaipur | 217 | MI won |
Explosive Openers: Both teams rely on aggressive starts. Strong powerplays often decide the match direction.
Flat Surfaces: Jaipur and Wankhede favor batters. Bowlers are often forced into defensive tactics.
Chasing Drama: Several 180+ targets were successfully chased. Pressure situations bring out standout performances.
Last 10 T20 Matches (IPL Head-to-Head) 🔥
The last 10 IPL encounters between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), including scores, venues, results, and standout performers:
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss Winner | MI Score | RR Score | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 | Jaipur | May 01, 2025 | RR (field) | 217/2 (20) | 117 (16.1) | MI won by 100 runs | Ryan Rickelton |
| IPL 2024 | Jaipur | Apr 22, 2024 | MI (field) | 179/9 (20) | 183/1 (18.4) | RR won by 9 wickets | Yashasvi Jaiswal (104*) |
| IPL 2024 | Mumbai | Apr 01, 2024 | RR (field) | 125/9 (20) | 127/4 (15.3) | RR won by 6 wickets | Trent Boult |
| IPL 2023 | Mumbai | Apr 30, 2023 | RR (field) | 214/4 (19.3) | 212/7 (20) | MI won by 6 wickets | Tim David |
| IPL 2022 | Various | 2022 | N/A | Various | Various | Split (1 each) | Various |
| IPL 2021 | Sharjah | Oct 05, 2021 | N/A | Low totals | Various | MI won | Nathan Coulter-Nile |
| IPL 2020 | Abu Dhabi | 2020 | N/A | Various | Various | Competitive | Various |
| IPL 2019 | Various | 2019 | N/A | Various | Various | RR wins | Various |
| IPL 2018 | Jaipur | 2018 | N/A | Various | Various | RR dominant | Various |
| IPL 2015 | Ahmedabad | 2015 | N/A | Various | Various | MI won | Va |
Low Scoring Nail Biters That Defined the Rivalry
Not all MI vs RR clashes were high scoring. Some of the most intense matches featured totals under 150. These games highlighted bowling discipline, sharp fielding, and mental toughness under pressure.
Bowling Control: Spinners and swing bowlers dominated conditions. Wickets fell regularly, keeping scores in check.
Tight Chases: Teams struggled to score freely. Every run became crucial in deciding the result.
Defensive Success: Modest totals were successfully defended. Smart captaincy played a key role.
Iconic Performances in MI vs RR Matches
Individual brilliance has often defined MI vs RR games. Players from both teams have delivered match-winning knocks and unforgettable bowling spells. These performances are frequently replayed and discussed by fans.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Multiple big scores against MI. His fearless batting often put Mumbai under pressure.
Jasprit Bumrah: Consistent match-winning spells. His death bowling changed outcomes.
Sandeep Sharma: Career-best figures against MI. He exposed MI’s top order on several occasions.
Batting Battles That Shaped MI vs RR Encounters
Batting battles between top-order stars and elite bowlers often decided MI vs RR matches. Powerplay dominance, middle-over control, and death-over execution shaped results. These contests highlight tactical depth on both sides.
Powerplay Duels: Openers versus swing bowlers. Early wickets often shifted momentum.
Middle Overs Strategy: Rotation versus aggression. Teams aimed to avoid collapses.
Death Over Finishers: Big hitters versus yorker specialists. These moments frequently decided close games.
Bowlers Who Turned Games in MI vs RR Clashes
Bowling performances often decided the outcomes of MI vs RR matches, especially in tight games. Both pace and spin have been used creatively to choke runs or strike breakthroughs at crucial moments. Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Sandeep Sharma have consistently made an impact. Their ability to deliver under pressure frequently altered the balance of these contests.
Death Over Specialists: Bowlers who excel in the final overs can defend totals effectively. Bumrah’s precise yorkers and Boult’s slower deliveries often restricted RR’s scoring.
Spin Dominance: RR’s spin attack has often troubled MI’s top-order. Yuzvendra Chahal and Shreyas Gopal exploited middle overs to take wickets and control runs.
Match Turners: Key spells at the right moment have shifted momentum. Sandeep Sharma’s five-wicket haul in 2024 exemplifies a game-changing bowling performance.
Home and Away Performance Trends
Home advantage has historically influenced MI vs RR results, though surprises are frequent. Wankhede Stadium provides Mumbai with familiar batting and bowling conditions, while Jaipur favors spin and aggressive chases. Despite this, RR has won multiple matches in Mumbai, highlighting the unpredictability of this rivalry. Trends indicate tactical adaptability plays a bigger role than location alone.
Home Advantage: Familiarity with pitch and weather gives slight edge. MI leverages Wankhede for strong opening partnerships and death-over plans.
Away Wins: RR has defied expectations in Mumbai multiple times. Effective planning and fearless batting enabled successful chases.
Pitch Influence: Jaipur pitches often favor spin and batting depth. Bowlers and captains adjust strategies depending on home conditions.
| Venue | Matches Played | MI Wins | RR Wins | Draw/NR |
| Wankhede, Mumbai | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Sawai Mansingh, Jaipur | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| Neutral/Other | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Tactical Patterns Seen in MI vs RR Matches
Matches between MI and RR follow identifiable tactical patterns shaped by experience and pressure. Teams adjust batting order, bowling rotations, and field placements depending on the opposition’s strengths. Both franchises have emphasized powerplay dominance, middle-over control, and flexible death strategies. Captains like Rohit Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Shane Warne have executed innovative plans that often determine match results.
Powerplay Planning: Early wickets can define the chase or set target. Openers are targeted by bowlers for quick breakthroughs.
Middle Over Control: Teams rotate bowlers and set defensive fields. This prevents opposition from accelerating during critical overs.
Death Over Flexibility: Adapting on the fly with yorkers or slower balls. MI and RR often rely on star bowlers to finish matches.
Recent Seasons Performance From 2021 to 2025
Between 2021 and 2025, MI vs RR matches have shown both unpredictability and emerging trends. Younger players have stepped up, while veterans delivered under pressure. MI generally maintained a consistent upper hand but RR occasionally pulled off surprise victories. These seasons highlight the importance of tactical innovation, player form, and clutch performances in shaping results.
Youth Impact: Emerging stars like Rinku Singh and Ryan Rickelton influenced outcomes. Their aggressive style added unpredictability to matches.
Veteran Consistency: Players like Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson provided stability. Experienced performers often anchored innings or bowling attacks.
Close Contests: Matches were often decided in the last 2–3 overs. Tight finishes reinforced the rivalry’s excitement.
| Season | Matches | MI Wins | RR Wins | Highlight Player |
| 2021 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Nathan Coulter-Nile |
| 2022 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Sandeep Sharma |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Jos Buttler |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Ryan Rickelton |
IPL 2024 and 2025 Key Moments Analysis
The 2024 and 2025 MI vs RR encounters highlighted tactical shifts and standout individual performances. RR dominated the 2024 season with exceptional opening partnerships and disciplined bowling. In 2025, MI responded with a record-setting 100-run win in Jaipur, showcasing the resurgence of their batting depth and bowling precision. These seasons underline the dynamic nature of this rivalry and how form swings can drastically change results.
Opening Partnerships: RR’s strong starts in 2024 set up easy chases. Jaiswal and Buttler’s consistent performance gave momentum to RR.
Big Wins: MI’s 100-run victory in 2025 demonstrated power and precision. Their top-order batsmen and death-over bowlers dominated the game.
Match-Deciding Spells: Individual brilliance often shifted match outcomes. Key wickets at crucial moments highlighted the importance of strategy.
Players Who Dominated the MI vs RR Timeline
Several players have defined the MI vs RR rivalry across years. Their performances have influenced not just results but also the style and intensity of the matches. Legends like Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard, alongside rising stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ryan Rickelton, shaped games with batting, bowling, and leadership. Their ability to deliver in pressure moments has left a lasting mark on IPL history.
Rohit Sharma: Consistent scorer and captaincy strategist. His experience helped MI in tight chases and high-pressure situations.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: RR’s fearless opener and match winner. Explosive innings often swung games in Rajasthan’s favor.
Jasprit Bumrah: Death-over specialist and MI game changer. His yorkers and pace variations frequently sealed victories.
Sandeep Sharma: RR’s reliable swing bowler. Often struck early or restricted scoring in middle overs.
| Player | Team | Role | Impact |
| Rohit Sharma | MI | Batsman/Captain | Anchored innings, tactical captaincy |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | RR | Batsman | Explosive starts, high scoring innings |
| Jasprit Bumrah | MI | Bowler | Controlled death overs, key wickets |
| Sandeep Sharma | RR | Bowler | Early breakthroughs, restricted totals |
Why MI vs RR Is One of IPL’s Most Competitive Rivalries
The MI vs RR rivalry remains one of IPL’s most thrilling because it consistently delivers close contests, tactical intrigue, and iconic individual performances. Both teams possess contrasting styles, balancing star power with young talent.
This mix, combined with near-equal head-to-head results, ensures unpredictability and excitement for fans. Social media engagement and packed stadiums further highlight its significance in the league’s narrative.
Competitive Balance: Both teams are capable of defeating each other regardless of form. This creates high-stakes and exciting matchups every season.
Star vs Youth: Combination of veterans and emerging players enhances unpredictability. Rising stars add fresh energy while legends anchor gameplay.
Memorable Moments: Close finishes, record scores, and match-turning spells create lasting memories. Fans remember these matches for their dramatic and thrilling nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times have Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals played each other?
They have faced each other over 31 times in the IPL.
Which team has a better head to head record?
Mumbai Indians lead slightly with 16–18 wins versus RR’s 14–15.
What is the biggest win in MI vs RR history?
MI defeated RR by 100 runs in Jaipur during IPL 2025.
Who are the top performers in MI vs RR matches?
Key performers include Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sandeep Sharma.
Why is the MI vs RR rivalry so popular among IPL fans?
Close matches, last-over thrillers, and superstar performances make it a must-watch rivalry.
Conclusion
The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals rivalry embodies IPL excitement with drama, talent, and unpredictability. Every match delivers memorable moments, from last-ball finishes to record-breaking scores. Fans eagerly anticipate each clash, knowing it could shift momentum in the league. This rivalry is a perfect showcase of skill, strategy, and competitive spirit in Indian cricket.
