RCB's 'Player of the match' against MI fined; becomes 4th player in IPL 2025 to be fined for this reason

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has been fined for maintaining slow over rate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on April 8.

RCB took time to formulate their plans as Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma launched an onslaught. RCB managed to defend the total of 221 as they won by 12 runs. This is their first win at MI's homeground in 10 years.

This is Patidar's first offence. He has breached Article 2.2 of IPL's Code of Conduct and fined Rs 12 lakh.

Captains fined in IPL 2025 so far

Patidar is the fourth captain to be fined for maintaining slow over rate. Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) Rishabh Pant, MI's Hardik Pandya and Rajasthan Royals' (RR) stand-in captain Riyan Parag have been fined as well.

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Patidar adjudged 'Player of the match'

The RCB skipper starred in the match against MI with a 32-ball 64 laced with five fours and four sixes. He helped RCB post a mammoth total of 221/5. He shared a 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket from just 27 balls with wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. He was named 'Player of the match' for his performance. However, he felt that the award should go to the bowling department for defending the total in challenging conditions.

"That was a really amazing match. the way the bowlers have shown courage, it was amazing. To be honest, this award goes to the bowling unit because it's not easy to stop a batting unit on this ground, so the credit goes to them," Patidar said in the post-match presentation.

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"The way the fast bowlers executed their plans was great. The way Krunal has bowled was amazing. In the last over, it was not easy, I think the way he has bowled and the courage he has shown is amazing. At that time, it was clear that we have to take the game deep. So, the discussion was to take the game deep and use KP's one over at the last. The wicket was good and the ball was coming on nicely to the bat. After the Hardik Pandya over, I went all out. The wrist spinner is one of the main bowlers because they are wicket-taking and the way he (Suyash Sharma) bowled was great," he added.

RCB are placed third in the points table with three wins from four games. They will take on Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 10 at home.