Sports
The king vs the hitman: Five iconic RCB-MI clashes that defined IPL rivalry
From Wankhede thrillers to Super Over drama, Kohli and Rohit reignite rivalry ahead
MUMBAI: Cricket’s fiercest modern rivalry is set to return as Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Mumbai Indians on April 12, 2026, reigniting a contest that has come to define the emotional core of the Indian Premier League.
Beyond points and playoff equations, this fixture has become synonymous with the duel between two of Indian cricket’s biggest names, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. One carries the reputation of relentless pursuit, the other the legacy of five title-winning campaigns, and together they have turned this rivalry into appointment viewing.
Over the years, RCB and MI have delivered moments that live long in the memory. From record-breaking partnerships to last-ball finishes, the contest has repeatedly swung between dominance and drama.
In 2015 at Wankhede, Kohli and AB de Villiers produced a breathtaking 215-run stand, dismantling Mumbai’s attack and setting a benchmark for IPL batting brilliance. Three years later in 2018, Rohit Sharma answered with authority, smashing 94 off 52 balls after MI were rocked early, steering his side to a commanding total.
The 2020 Dubai encounter added a new layer of tension as the match went into a Super Over. Kohli held his nerve against Jasprit Bumrah in a finish that showcased fine margins and sharper tactical battles between the two sides.
Controversy followed in 2019 when a missed no-ball call on the final delivery handed MI a narrow win. A fuming Virat Kohli famously stated,, “We are not playing club cricket,” reflecting the intensity and stakes of the rivalry.
More recently, in 2025, RCB finally broke their long-standing Wankhede jinx, securing their first win at the venue in a decade and signalling what many fans called a shift in momentum.
With the next chapter set to unfold, anticipation is building once again. Whether it is Kohli’s elegance under pressure or Rohit’s calm leadership, this fixture continues to deliver theatre, tension and turning points in equal measure.
As the teams prepare to clash again, fans can expect another high-voltage evening where reputations are tested and history is never far away.
Sports
Pluckk partners Pickleball Maharashtra Open 2026 as freshness partner
Event from 1 to 3 May in Mumbai to feature clean-label food and experience zone.
MUMBAI: Game, set, snack because even the fastest rallies need a fresh refill. Pluckk, a fresh food-focused digital brand, has been named the Official Freshness Partner for the Pickleball Maharashtra Open 2026, set to take place from 1 to 3 May at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai. Organised by the Maharashtra Pickleball Association, the tournament brings together a growing community around one of India’s fastest-rising sports.
As part of the partnership, Pluckk will introduce an on-ground ‘Experience Zone’, offering athletes and attendees access to quick, clean and functional food options throughout the three-day event. The spread will include 100 per cent natural tender coconut water, cold-pressed juices and plant-based protein bars, all positioned as no-added-sugar, no-preservative alternatives.
The collaboration reflects a broader shift in sports culture, where nutrition is becoming as central as performance. Pickleball’s rapid rise from a niche pastime to a fitness-driven community sport has created space for brands to plug into lifestyle narratives beyond the game itself.
For Pluckk, the association is as much about visibility as it is about positioning. By embedding itself within an active sports ecosystem, the brand is pitching fresh, clean eating as a seamless extension of movement, recovery and everyday wellness.
With the Maharashtra Pickleball Association aiming to expand the sport’s reach and engagement, the addition of nutrition-led experiences adds another layer to the event’s appeal. And for players and spectators alike, the message is clear: staying energised on court now comes with a side of clean convenience.
