“Kohli’s stocks used to be at the top, but not anymore”: Sanjay Manjrekar on Kohli vs Bumrah Head to Head

The IPL 2025 season heats up as Mumbai Indians (MI) host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match No. 20 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Monday. The spotlight will be on two modern-day cricketing icons – Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli – in what many have described as a thrilling mini-battle within the contest. However, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the matchup isn’t a “best vs best” clash anymore.

Bumrah Returns from Injury, Kohli’s Stocks ‘Not Up There’

Jasprit Bumrah makes his long-awaited return to competitive cricket following a back injury he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January. The pacer missed India’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but has now rejoined the MI squad and is declared fit by head coach Mahela Jayawardene.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Sanjay Manjrekar shared his perspective on the Kohli vs Bumrah battle, stating that the bowler currently has the edge.

“Virat Kohli was at his best 5-6 years ago. Jasprit Bumrah is at his peak right now. His stocks are rising. Kohli’s stocks used to be at the top, but not anymore,” Manjrekar told JioStar.

“So this isn’t a best vs best contest anymore.”

Kohli vs Bumrah: Head-to-Head in IPL

The numbers tell a fascinating story about their on-field rivalry:

Stat Kohli vs Bumrah in IPL

• Balls Faced 95
• Runs Scored 140
• Strike Rate 147.4
• Boundaries 15 Fours, 5 Sixes
• Times Dismissed 5

Bumrah dismissed Kohli in IPL 2024 at the very same venue, with the RCB batter struggling to read the MI speedster’s lines and lengths. Monday’s contest is expected to be no different, with Kohli looking to break free from Bumrah’s chokehold.

Team Form and Standings

Mumbai Indians are under pressure, having managed just one win in their first four matches. The five-time champions are eighth in the IPL 2025 points table with only 2 points. Their sole victory came against Kolkata Knight Riders at home, and the franchise will be banking on their Wankhede fortress to kickstart their campaign.

RCB, on the other hand, sit at third place with 4 points from three fixtures. The Rajat Patidar-led unit lost their previous match to Gujarat Titans and will be eager to bounce back with a strong performance.

As MI and RCB gear up for another epic showdown, the battle between Bumrah and Kohli could define the outcome. While form and fitness are in Bumrah’s corner, Kohli’s class and experience can never be counted out. Whether it’s truly not “best vs best,” as Manjrekar claims, fans can still expect fireworks at Wankhede

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