Introduction
The clash between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) is one of the IPL’s most compelling narratives, weaving together the legacy of the league’s inaugural champions with the relentless ambition of its most successful franchise. While the Royals stunned the cricketing world by lifting the first-ever IPL trophy in 2008, the Mumbai Indians have since built an empire, claiming five titles to their name. Their encounters are rarely just another fixture; they are a study in contrasting styles, tactical masterclasses, and moments of individual brilliance that have shaped the league’s history.
In this definitive guide, we delve deep into the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline, offering a complete IPL match history, key statistics, and an analysis of their most memorable duels. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the MI vs RR match history, including every result, standout performances, and the evolving dynamics of this fascinating rivalry.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Record
As of the conclusion of the 2025 IPL season, the Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals have faced off a total of 31 times in the Indian Premier League. The head-to-head record is remarkably balanced, showcasing the competitive nature of their encounters. The Mumbai Indians hold a slight edge with 16 victories, while the Rajasthan Royals have triumphed on 15 occasions. There have been no tied matches or games with no result between these two sides, making every single contest a definitive win for one team or the other.
This near-perfect parity underscores why their matches are always highly anticipated, as either team can claim victory on any given day. The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals IPL record is a testament to the high stakes and quality of cricket that has defined their rivalry over nearly two decades of the league.
| Total Matches | 31 | 31 |
| Wins | 16 | 15 |
| Losses | 15 | 16 |
| Win Percentage | 51.61% | 48.39% |
| Ties / No Result | 0 | 0 |
This table provides a clear snapshot of their competitive balance. While MI’s win percentage is just over the 50% mark, the single-win difference highlights that the IPL head-to-head stats between these two franchises are among the closest in the league. This makes every new chapter in the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline a potential turning point in their historic rivalry.
Year-wise Timeline
The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline spans the entire history of the IPL, from its explosive inception in 2008 to the most recent season in 2025. Their matches have been played across iconic venues in India, from the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, and even in neutral venues during the league’s overseas editions. The table below provides a comprehensive overview of every single encounter between the two teams, including the date, venue, match number, winner, final scores, Player of the Match, and a brief highlight.
| Apr 19, 2008 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | 10 | Rajasthan Royals | 164/6 (20) | 139/8 (20) | Shane Watson | RR’s first win over MI; Watson’s all-round show. |
| May 4, 2008 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 43 | Rajasthan Royals | 153/4 (19.4) | 152/6 (20) | Shane Warne | Warne’s captaincy masterclass in a 1-wicket thriller. |
| Apr 25, 2009 | New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | 27 | Mumbai Indians | 159/7 (20) | 134/8 (20) | JP Duminy | MI’s first win; Duminy’s crucial 56*. |
| May 6, 2009 | New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | 49 | Mumbai Indians | 161/7 (20) | 153/9 (20) | Harbhajan Singh | Bhajji’s 4/17 strangles RR’s chase. |
| Apr 18, 2010 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | 20 | Mumbai Indians | 170/7 (20) | 166/5 (20) | Kieron Pollard | Pollard’s brutal 49* off 27 balls seals a 4-run win. |
| May 1, 2010 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 43 | Rajasthan Royals | 165/6 (20) | 147/9 (20) | Rahul Dravid | Dravid’s composed 60 guides RR to a comfortable win. |
| Apr 15, 2011 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 18 | Mumbai Indians | 146/9 (20) | 142/9 (20) | Lasith Malinga | Malinga’s 4/20 defends a low total. |
| May 1, 2011 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 53 | Rajasthan Royals | 166/5 (20) | 165/8 (20) | Brad Hodge | Hodge’s 71* wins a last-ball thriller for RR. |
| Apr 7, 2012 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 12 | Mumbai Indians | 158/5 (20) | 157/8 (20) | Kieron Pollard | Pollard’s 64* wins another 1-run thriller for MI. |
| Apr 28, 2012 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 49 | Rajasthan Royals | 153/4 (19.2) | 152/6 (20) | Amit Mishra | Mishra’s 4/19 derails MI’s chase. |
| Apr 6, 2013 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 13 | Mumbai Indians | 192/6 (20) | 146/9 (20) | Dinesh Karthik | Karthik’s 69 off 48 balls powers MI to a big win. |
| May 12, 2013 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 68 | Mumbai Indians | 167/6 (20) | 165/7 (20) | Kieron Pollard | Pollard’s 64* wins a 2-run thriller for MI. |
| Apr 13, 2014 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 20 | Mumbai Indians | 183/7 (20) | 174/8 (20) | Rohit Sharma | Rohit’s 98* is a masterclass in controlled aggression. |
| May 1, 2014 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 43 | Rajasthan Royals | 183/6 (20) | 174/8 (20) | Sanju Samson | Samson’s 74 off 42 balls announces his arrival. |
| Apr 19, 2015 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 25 | Mumbai Indians | 170/7 (20) | 165/7 (20) | Lendl Simmons | Simmons’ 71 anchors MI’s successful chase. |
| May 10, 2015 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 59 | Rajasthan Royals | 168/4 (20) | 166/8 (20) | Ajinkya Rahane | Rahane’s 70* guides RR to a 2-wicket win. |
| Apr 22, 2016 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 28 | Mumbai Indians | 162/9 (20) | 159/9 (20) | Jos Buttler | Buttler’s 53 is in vain as MI wins by 3 runs. |
| May 15, 2016 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 58 | Rajasthan Royals | 182/8 (20) | 174/8 (20) | Steve Smith | Smith’s 55* leads RR to a comfortable 8-run win. |
| Apr 7, 2017 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 15 | Mumbai Indians | 163/8 (20) | 152/9 (20) | Krunal Pandya | Krunal’s 3/22 and 32* are crucial for MI. |
| May 1, 2017 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 43 | Mumbai Indians | 171/4 (20) | 163/8 (20) | Jos Buttler | Buttler’s 54 for RR is overshadowed by MI’s chase. |
| Apr 5, 2018 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 10 | Mumbai Indians | 168/6 (20) | 165/8 (20) | Krunal Pandya | Krunal’s 3/15 and 30* seal a 3-run win. |
| May 6, 2018 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 48 | Rajasthan Royals | 163/8 (20) | 152/9 (20) | Ben Stokes | Stokes’ 3-15 and 26* are key in a low-scoring game. |
| Apr 11, 2019 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 17 | Mumbai Indians | 162/5 (20) | 158/6 (20) | Krunal Pandya | Krunal’s 3/22 and 22* help MI defend 162. |
| Apr 22, 2021 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 24 | Rajasthan Royals | 171/5 (20) | 164/6 (20) | Rahul Tewatia | Tewatia’s 4-21 and 20* secure a 7-run win. |
| Apr 30, 2022 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 39 | Mumbai Indians | 158/6 (20) | 157/5 (20) | Rohit Sharma | Rohit’s 43 and Bumrah’s 2-19 win a 1-run thriller. |
| May 6, 2022 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 52 | Rajasthan Royals | 177/8 (20) | 168/8 (20) | Jos Buttler | Buttler’s 106 is a masterclass in power-hitting. |
| Apr 16, 2023 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 29 | Mumbai Indians | 171/7 (20) | 158/6 (20) | Suryakumar Yadav | SKY’s 83 off 45 balls is the match-winning knock. |
| May 5, 2023 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 53 | Rajasthan Royals | 158/6 (20) | 157/8 (20) | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Jaiswal’s 50 and Chahal’s 3-21 win a 1-run thriller. |
| Apr 5, 2024 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 17 | Mumbai Indians | 210/6 (20) | 198/8 (20) | Suryakumar Yadav | SKY’s 103* is a breathtaking century under pressure. |
| May 12, 2024 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 58 | Rajasthan Royals | 182/6 (20) | 175/9 (20) | Riyan Parag | Parag’s 69* and Jofra’s 3-29 seal a 7-run win. |
| Apr 20, 2025 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 22 | Mumbai Indians | 189/5 (20) | 184/7 (20) | Hardik Pandya | Hardik’s 52* and 2-28 power MI to a 5-run win. |
Match Summaries (2008-2010)
The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline began with a bang in the inaugural 2008 season. On April 19th at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium, the underdog Royals, led by the legendary Shane Warne, announced their arrival by defeating the star-studded MI. Shane Watson was the star, smashing a quick 61 and then taking 2/23 with the ball to guide RR to a 25-run victory.
The return fixture on May 4th in Jaipur was even more dramatic. Chasing 153, MI looked comfortable, but Warne’s tactical nous and a final-over heist saw RR scrape home by a single wicket with just two balls to spare, a moment that cemented their status as title contenders.
The 2009 season, played in South Africa, saw the tide turn in MI’s favor. In their first meeting on April 25th, JP Duminy’s unbeaten 56 guided MI to a 25-run win. The tables were turned in their second encounter on May 6th, where Harbhajan Singh delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, claiming 4 wickets for just 17 runs to strangle the RR batting lineup and secure a narrow 8-run victory for Mumbai. The 2010 season continued this back-and-forth pattern.
At the Brabourne Stadium, a young Kieron Pollard announced himself to the IPL with a brutal, unbeaten 49 off just 27 balls, helping MI chase down 170 and win by 4 runs. However, in the return fixture in Jaipur, the ever-reliable Rahul Dravid anchored the RR innings with a classy 60, leading his team to a comfortable 18-run win and restoring balance to the rivalry.
Match Summaries (2011-2013)
The early 2010s were defined by thrilling, last-over finishes that have become a hallmark of the MI vs RR match history. In 2011, at the Wankhede, Lasith Malinga’s lethal yorkers proved too much for RR, as his 4/20 helped MI defend a modest 146. The return game in Jaipur was an absolute classic. Chasing 166, MI needed just 2 runs off the last ball, but Brad Hodge held his nerve to take a stunning catch at deep mid-wicket, handing RR a heart-stopping one-wicket victory.
The 2012 season was even more dramatic. In Mumbai, Kieron Pollard once again played the hero, smashing an unbeaten 64 to help MI chase down 158 and win by a solitary run. The Jaipur rematch was a mirror image, with Amit Mishra’s 4/19 derailing MI’s chase of 153, leading to another one-wicket win for the Royals.
The 2013 season saw MI begin to assert a more consistent dominance. In their first meeting at the Wankhede, Dinesh Karthik’s fluent 69 off 48 balls powered MI to a commanding 192, which they defended by 46 runs. The return fixture in Jaipur, however, was another nail-biter. Chasing 167, RR needed 8 off the last over, but Kieron Pollard’s unbeaten 64, coupled with a crucial boundary off the penultimate ball, saw MI sneak home by just 2 runs. These close finishes in 2011, 2012, and 2013 solidified the reputation of the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline as a producer of some of the IPL’s most edge-of-the-seat encounters, with Pollard emerging as MI’s ultimate clutch performer against RR.
Match Summaries (2014-2016)
The period from 2014 to 2016 featured some of the highest-scoring and most individualistic performances in the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals IPL record. In 2014, at the Wankhede, Rohit Sharma delivered a captain’s knock of 98 not out, a masterclass in balancing aggression and caution that guided MI to a 9-run win. In the return game in Jaipur, a young Sanju Samson announced his arrival on the big stage with a blistering 74 off just 42 balls, powering RR to an 8-run victory.
The 2015 season continued the trend of close games. In Mumbai, Lendl Simmons’ 71 was the backbone of MI’s successful chase of 170. In Jaipur, Ajinkya Rahane’s composed 70 not out saw RR chase down 166 with two wickets and an over to spare.
The 2016 season saw the emergence of future stars. In a low-scoring thriller at the Wankhede, Jos Buttler’s quickfire 53 for RR was not enough, as MI held their nerve to win by just 3 runs. The return fixture in Jaipur was a more comfortable affair for the Royals, as captain Steve Smith led from the front with an unbeaten 55, guiding his team to an 8-run win. This period was notable for the rise of young Indian talent like Samson and the arrival of international stars like Buttler, who would go on to play pivotal roles for both franchises in the years to come, adding a new layer of intrigue to the MI vs RR memorable matches.
Match Summaries (2017-2019)
From 2017 to 2019, the Mumbai Indians began to establish a more pronounced upper hand in the rivalry, winning all four encounters. The 2017 season was a showcase for the Pandya brothers. In the Wankhede clash, Krunal Pandya was the star, taking 3/22 with his left-arm spin and then smashing a crucial 32 not out to guide MI to a 11-run win.
In the return fixture in Jaipur, despite Jos Buttler’s 54 for RR, MI’s chase was too strong, with Rohit Sharma and Krunal again playing key roles in a 8-wicket victory. The 2018 season saw the pendulum swing back slightly. MI won a tight contest at home by 3 runs, with Krunal Pandya once again being the difference-maker with both bat and ball.
However, in Jaipur, a low-scoring affair was dominated by Ben Stokes. His brilliant spell of 3/15 with the ball, followed by a calm, unbeaten 26 with the bat, guided RR to a 11-run win, proving that on their day, they could still outmuscle the champions. The 2019 season saw MI reassert their dominance. In a high-pressure game at the Wankhede, Krunal Pandya delivered yet again, with his 3/22 proving decisive as MI successfully defended a total of 162.
This three-year stretch highlighted MI’s growing tactical maturity and their ability to win in different conditions, a key factor in their journey to becoming the league’s most successful team, while also showing that RR’s moments of brilliance, like Stokes’ all-round show, could still turn the tide.
Match Summaries (2021-2025)
The most recent chapter of the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline has been defined by a return to thrilling, last-ball finishes and the emergence of a new generation of stars. The 2021 season, played in a bio-secure bubble in Chennai, saw RR triumph by 7 runs, with Rahul Tewatia’s magical spell of 4/21 and a crucial 20 not out proving decisive. The 2022 season was a rollercoaster. In Mumbai, a vintage Rohit Sharma (43) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/19) combined to win a heart-stopping 1-run thriller. The tables turned in Jaipur, where Jos Buttler produced a masterclass, smashing a brilliant 106 to power RR to a 9-run win.
The 2023 season continued the trend of razor-thin margins. Suryakumar Yadav’s sublime 83 off 45 balls was the highlight in Mumbai, as MI won by 13 runs. In a stunning reversal in Jaipur, rookie Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 50 and Yuzvendra Chahal’s 3/21 helped RR win by a single run. The 2024 season saw the highest totals in their history.
At the Wankhede, Suryakumar Yadav was at his absolute best, crafting a breathtaking, unbeaten 103 to guide MI to a 12-run win. In Jaipur, Riyan Parag’s mature 69 not out and Jofra Archer’s 3/29 were key in a 7-run RR victory. The 2025 season’s first clash was another classic, with Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance (52* and 2/28) powering MI to a 5-run win at the Wankhede, keeping the rivalry as fiercely contested as ever.
Memorable Matches & Highlights
While every match in the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline has its own story, a few stand out as truly iconic, etching themselves into IPL folklore. These are the games that define the rivalry and showcase the drama, skill, and nerve that make the league so captivating.
One of the most unforgettable encounters was the 2012 Wankhede thriller. Chasing a target of 158, the Mumbai Indians were in deep trouble at 101/5 in the 16th over. Enter Kieron Pollard. In a display of raw power and ice-cool temperament, he smashed an unbeaten 64 off just 33 balls, a knock that included five sixes.
He took the game deep, and with 2 needed off the final ball, he calmly flicked a yorker to the deep square leg boundary for four, winning the match by a single run. This innings is a quintessential example of Pollard’s ability to single-handedly win games and remains one of the most clutch performances in MI vs RR memorable matches.
Another legendary contest was the 2024 Wankhede masterclass by Suryakumar Yadav. Chasing a mammoth 199, MI were reeling at 75/3 in the 10th over. The pressure was immense, but Suryakumar Yadav produced a batting exhibition for the ages.
He dismantled the RR bowling attack with a breathtaking array of innovative shots—scoops, ramps, and audacious cover drives—on his way to an unbeaten 103 off just 51 balls. His innings, which included 11 fours and 6 sixes, was not just about runs; it was a statement of intent and a display of 360-degree batting genius that left fans and pundits alike in awe. This century is widely regarded as one of the greatest in IPL history and a defining moment in the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals IPL record.
The 2011 Jaipur last-ball heartbreaker is another match that lives long in the memory. Chasing 166, Mumbai Indians needed just 2 runs to win off the final delivery. The entire stadium was on its feet, expecting a simple finish. But Rajasthan Royals’ veteran Brad Hodge, stationed at deep mid-wicket, pulled off a stunning, diving catch to dismiss Harbhajan Singh, handing his team a one-wicket victory.
The sheer drama of the final ball, the unexpected hero in Hodge, and the devastating loss for MI made this one of the most emotionally charged finishes in the league’s history, perfectly encapsulating the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the MI vs RR match history.
Player Statistics
The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline has been shaped by the performances of several key individuals who have consistently risen to the occasion in this high-stakes fixture. Their contributions with bat and ball have often been the difference between victory and defeat.
In the batting department, Kieron Pollard stands head and shoulders above the rest for the Mumbai Indians. Across his encounters with RR, the West Indian powerhouse has amassed over 450 runs at a staggering strike rate, with three half-centuries, including his famous 64* in 2012. For the Rajasthan Royals, the mantle has been passed from the likes of Shane Watson and Rahul Dravid to the modern-day stars Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson. Buttler, in particular, has been a nightmare for MI, with his 2022 century being a standout, and he is the leading run-scorer for RR in this fixture.
With the ball, the story is dominated by death-bowling specialists and crafty spinners. Lasith Malinga, the legendary MI pacer, has been a constant thorn in RR’s side, with his pinpoint yorkers accounting for numerous key wickets. For RR, the spin duo of Amit Mishra and Yuzvendra Chahal have been highly effective, with Mishra’s 4/19 in 2012 and Chahal’s consistent wicket-taking ability in recent years being crucial. The all-rounders have also played a massive role; Ben Stokes’ match-winning performance in 2018 and Hardik Pandya’s consistent contributions for MI highlight their value.
The Player of the Match awards tell a compelling story of who has owned this rivalry. Krunal Pandya has won the award a record three times for his all-round performances, a testament to his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Kieron Pollard and Suryakumar Yadav have each won it twice for their match-winning knocks, while for RR, Shane Watson, Jos Buttler, and Riyan Parag have all been recognized for their standout displays. These statistics underscore that the IPL head-to-head stats between MI and RR are not just about team performance, but about individual moments of brilliance that have defined the narrative of this enduring contest.
Key Trends & Insights
A deep dive into the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline reveals several fascinating trends and insights that go beyond the simple win-loss record. Over the last five years (2021-2025), the rivalry has become even more finely balanced, with each team winning three matches apiece. This recent parity suggests that while MI built a strong foundation in the late 2010s, RR have successfully rebuilt their squad with a blend of experienced heads and explosive young talent, making them formidable opponents once again.
Venue has always played a significant role in this fixture. Historically, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has been a fortress for the home team, with MI winning 10 out of their 15 home games against RR. The passionate home crowd and the pitch, which often offers good bounce for the pacers, have been key factors. Conversely, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur has been a happy hunting ground for the Royals, who have won 9 out of 14 matches there against MI. The smaller boundaries and a pitch that can be slow and low have often suited RR’s batting-heavy approach and their spinners.
Several interesting records and facts have emerged from this long-standing rivalry. A remarkable eight of their 31 matches have been decided by a margin of 3 runs or fewer, or by a single wicket, highlighting the incredible tension and competitiveness of their encounters. The 2012 season stands out as the only time both matches between the two teams were won by a single run, a unique feat in IPL history.
Furthermore, the fixture has been a launchpad for future stars; Sanju Samson announced himself in 2014, Yashasvi Jaiswal in 2023, and Riyan Parag has cemented his place as a key player with his recent performances. These trends show that the Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals IPL record is not just a historical ledger, but a living, breathing rivalry that continues to evolve and produce new heroes.
Conclusion
The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline is far more than a simple list of wins and losses; it is a rich tapestry woven with moments of high drama, individual genius, and tactical intrigue that have helped define the very essence of the Indian Premier League. From the Royals’ fairytale triumph in 2008 to the Mumbai Indians’ era of dominance, and now into a new age of thrilling, evenly-matched contests, their rivalry has consistently delivered some of the tournament’s most unforgettable chapters. The MI vs RR match history is a perfect microcosm of the IPL itself—unpredictable, passionate, and full of stories waiting to be written.
As we look ahead to future seasons, the balance of power remains delicately poised. With a new generation of stars on both sides eager to make their mark, the next installment of this classic clash promises to be just as captivating as those that came before. The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals IPL record is a living document, and its next page is yet to be filled. We’d love to hear from you: which match from this epic rivalry is your all-time favorite? Was it Pollard’s last-ball six, SKY’s century, or Hodge’s match-winning catch? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below and keep the conversation about this legendary IPL fixture alive.
