The 20th match of IPL 2025 is all set to be a blockbuster clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday, April 7, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The match starts at 7:30 PM IST under the lights, promising a high-scoring thriller.
RCB Captain: Rajat Patidar
MI Captain: Hardik Pandya
But all eyes, as always, will be on Virat Kohli, who is not just playing to win but is also chasing some personal milestones. One area that has always drawn attention is Kohli’s performance against left-arm bowlers—be it pacers or spinners. Let’s dive into those numbers and see how he has handled different types of left-arm bowling in his career.
Virat Kohli vs Left-Arm Pacers (Fast Bowlers)
Virat Kohli has faced many top left-arm fast bowlers like Trent Boult, Shaheen Afridi, and Mitchell Starc in his career. He’s had both highs and a few tricky phases against them.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Balls Faced (BF) | 3665 |
| Strike Rate (Per Over) | 5.24 |
| Wickets Taken | 70 |
| Batting Average | 45.74 |
| Batting Strike Rate | 87.36 |
| Runs Scored | 3202 |
| Innings Played | 262 |
Expert View:
Kohli has scored over 3200 runs against left-arm pacers, which shows his solid technique. With a strike rate of 87.36 and an average nearing 46, he’s handled them quite well. However, 70 dismissals suggest that bowlers who swing it back into him can still trouble him.
Virat Kohli vs Left-Arm Spinners
Left-arm spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Shakib Al Hasan, and Axar Patel have often tried to slow him down. Let’s see how King Kohli has tackled them.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Balls Faced (BF) | 4567 |
| Strike Rate (Per Over) | 4.34 |
| Wickets Taken | 51 |
| Batting Average | 64.78 |
| Batting Strike Rate | 72.34 |
| Runs Scored | 3304 |
| Innings Played | 242 |
Expert View:
Kohli has an impressive average of 64.78 against left-arm spin, showing how well he rotates the strike and puts pressure on the bowlers. Though his strike rate is just 72.34, he rarely gets out to them—only 51 times in 242 innings. That’s consistency at its best!
Read Also:- Virat Kohli vs Trent Boult & Jasprit Bumrah
Why This Matters in Today’s MI vs RCB Match
Mumbai Indians have two dangerous left-arm options:
- Trent Boult (Left-arm pacer)
- Mitchell Santner (Left-arm spinner)
This makes Kohli’s matchup even more important. With his current form and record, Kohli will be key in neutralizing MI’s left-arm attack at the Wankhede, which traditionally helps stroke-makers like him.
Virat Kohli has been one of the most consistent batters in world cricket, and his numbers against left-arm bowlers prove that. While left-arm pacers have dismissed him 70 times, his average of nearly 46 keeps him ahead. Against left-arm spin, he’s even more confident, averaging over 64.
As RCB look to bounce back and MI aim to regain momentum, Kohli’s role in this match could be the game-changer. Watch out for his battles with Boult and Santner—it could define how the match unfolds!
