IPL 2026: ‘They are slightly ahead’ – Former India all-rounder gives verdict on MI vs RCB clash

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has given his take on the marquee Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash in IPL 2026. The two heavyweights will renew their rivalry on April 12 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The two teams are placed in contrasting positions in the tournament. Mumbai Indians snapped a 13-year streak by winning their tournament opener against KKR by six wickets at home, but could not sustain the momentum, as they registered a six-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals before conceding a rain-affected clash against Rajasthan Royals by 27 runs.

RCB, on the other hand, started the tournament with a six-wicket triumph against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home and then defeated arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings by 43 runs in Chennai. However, they were denied a hat-trick of wins by the high-flying Royals, who beat them by six wickets in Guwahati.

Pathan stressed the fact that both of RCB’s victories came while playing at home, but they slipped in an away fixture against Royals, which could lead to “a few questions” in their camp. He reckoned that the better bowling team would have the edge in the MI vs RCB showdown, picking Hardik Pandya and Co. as the favourites.

“RCB are travelling now. When they played their first two games at home, they won comfortably, but the moment they went on the road, they lost in Guwahati against Rajasthan Royals. So, there will be a few questions in the camp,” Pathan told JioStar.

“I feel the game might be decided by which team bowls better in the end overs, and the toss will be an important factor too. RCB have the form, but in a man-to-man comparison, I feel Mumbai are slightly ahead,” he added.

The defending champions are currently placed third with four points in three matches, while Mumbai Indians are eighth with two points in three games.