The Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals timeline is one of the most fascinating rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the Mumbai Indians (MI) are known for their dominance and championship pedigree, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have built a reputation for upsetting giants with clever tactics and fearless cricket.
This blog explores the full MI vs RR timeline, including head-to-head records, season-by-season results, memorable matches, top performers, and key stats that define this IPL rivalry.
Overview of MI vs RR Rivalry in IPL
The rivalry between the Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals began in the inaugural IPL season of 2008. From the very first clash, it was clear that RR’s aggressive, fearless approach could challenge MI’s star-studded lineup.
Over multiple seasons, this rivalry has remained competitive and unpredictable. While MI often dominate overall IPL records, RR have consistently found ways to trouble Mumbai, especially in high-pressure matches.
Home conditions have also played a role:
- Wankhede Stadium favours MI’s power hitters
- Sawai Mansingh Stadium supports RR’s disciplined bowling attacks.
This balance has made MI vs RR matches a must-watch for IPL fans.
MI vs RR Head-to-Head Record (Overall)
| Stat | Record |
| Total Matches | 30+ |
| Mumbai Indians Wins | 15+ |
| Rajasthan Royals Wins | 14+ |
| No Result | 1 |
| Highest Team Score | 210+ |
| Lowest Team Score | Under 100 |
Note: Records are updated till recent IPL seasons.
This near-even record highlights just how competitive this rivalry has been across IPL history.
Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline (Season-by-Season)
| Season | Match Summary | Winning Team | Venue |
| 2008 | RR won convincingly | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur |
| 2009 | MI dominated the chase | Mumbai Indians | Durban |
| 2010 | RR defended low total | Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad |
| 2011 | MI chased comfortably | Mumbai Indians | Jaipur |
| 2012 | Last-over thriller | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai |
| 2013 | MI won by big margin | Mumbai Indians | Jaipur |
| 2014 | Super Over classic | Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad |
| 2015 | MI defended strong total | Mumbai Indians | Mumbai |
| 2018 | RR surprised MI | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur |
| 2019 | MI edged close game | Mumbai Indians | Mumbai |
| 2020 | RR chased record total | Rajasthan Royals | Abu Dhabi |
| 2022 | RR dominated all-round | Rajasthan Royals | Navi Mumbai |
| 2023 | MI won high-scoring match | Mumbai Indians | Mumbai |
| 2024 | RR clinched last-over win | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur |
| 2025 | MI won by 100 runs | Mumbai Indians | Jaipur |
This season-by-season timeline shows how momentum has swung between both teams over the years.
MI vs RR – Most Memorable Matches
- 2008 First Clash – Rajasthan Royals announced their intent by defeating MI convincingly in the inaugural season.
- 2014 Super Over Thriller – One of the most dramatic MI vs RR matches, remembered for pressure moments and bold decisions.
- 2020 Record Chase – RR chased down a massive target against MI, producing one of the most iconic run chases in IPL history.
These matches shaped the narrative of the MI vs RR rivalry and elevated its excitement among fans.
MI vs RR Playoffs & High-Pressure Matches
Although MI and RR have rarely met in IPL finals, their high-stakes league matches often felt like knockout games due to playoff implications.
| Match Type | Season | Winner | Margin |
| League Decider | 2014 | Rajasthan Royals | Super Over |
| Playoff Race Match | 2020 | Rajasthan Royals | 8 wickets |
RR’s ability to handle pressure against MI has been one of the defining traits of this rivalry.
Top Performers in MI vs RR Matches
Most Runs in MI vs RR Matches
| Player | Team | Runs |
| Rohit Sharma | MI | 500+ |
| Jos Buttler | RR | 400+ |
| Sanju Samson | RR | 350+ |
| Kieron Pollard | MI | 300+ |
Most Wickets in MI vs RR Matches
| Player | Team | Wickets |
| Lasith Malinga | MI | 15+ |
| Jasprit Bumrah | MI | 12+ |
| Shane Watson | RR | 10+ |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | RR | 10+ |
These players have consistently influenced match outcomes in MI vs RR encounters.
MI vs RR – Venue-Wise Performance
| Venue | MI Wins | RR Wins |
| Wankhede Stadium | High | Few |
| Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Few | High |
| Neutral Venues | Balanced | Balanced |
Home advantage has often played a decisive role in this rivalry.
Recent MI vs RR Matches (Last 5 Encounters)
- 2025: RR won by a narrow margin
- 2024: RR defended the total successfully
- 2023: MI won high-scoring contest
- 2022: RR dominated with bat and ball
- 2021: MI won comfortably
Recent seasons show Rajasthan Royals gaining the upper hand, adding fresh intensity to the rivalry.
Key Stats & Interesting Facts (MI vs RR)
- RR have successfully chased 200+ targets against MI
- MI have the highest power play run rate in this matchup
- Multiple matches decided in the final over
- Several players scored maiden IPL milestones in the MI vs RR games
These facts underline how unpredictable this rivalry truly is.
Why MI vs RR Is One of IPL’s Most Competitive Rivalries?
What makes the Mumbai Indians vs the Rajasthan Royals rivalry special is the contrast in philosophy. MI rely on experience, depth, and big-match temperament, while RR thrive on innovation, youth, and fearless cricket.
Despite MI’s overall dominance in IPL history, RR have repeatedly proven that they can outthink and outplay Mumbai on their day. This clash of styles keeps fans hooked every season.
Conclusion: MI vs RR Timeline in IPL History
The MI vs RR timeline reflects everything fans love about the IPL—drama, unpredictability, and elite performances. From early-season upsets to modern-day thrillers, this rivalry has delivered unforgettable moments year after year.
As both teams continue to evolve with new talent and strategies, future MI vs RR encounters promise even more excitement. For IPL fans, this is one rivalry that never disappoints.
FAQ’s
1. What is the record of MI vs RR in the IPL?
The Mumbai Indians have won more matches than the Rajasthan Royals in IPL history.
2. Which team is better, MI or RR?
Overall, the Mumbai Indians are more successful due to more titles and wins.
3. What are the most memorable matches between MI and RR?
Close finishes, last-over thrillers, and Sanju Samson vs MI knocks are most memorable.
4. How has the MI vs RR rivalry evolved over IPL seasons?
It has grown from one-sided to highly competitive, with RR challenging MI strongly in recent seasons.
SportsPlay24 is powered by a passionate team of sports lovers who live and breathe the game. From Cricket to the NFL, our experts speak with one unified voice — driven by research, sharp insights, and an unshakeable love for sports. We go beyond headlines to bring you verified facts, intelligent analysis, and bold opinions that keep every fan ahead.
