Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant
A fierce two-season clash between Mumbai's dynasty and Pune's aggressive challengers.
The rivalry between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) represents a unique chapter in Indian Premier League history, defined by high-stakes clashes during the franchise's tenure from 2016 to 2017. Unlike enduring decade-long feuds, this contest was intense but brief, born when RPS replaced the suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for two seasons. It pitted Mumbai's established dynasty against a Pune side built on aggressive talent and strategic depth.
- Rivalry Duration
- 2016–2017
- Mumbai Indians Titles Won vs RPS
- 2
- Rising Pune Supergiant Status
- Dissolved (2018)
- Key MI Players in Rivalry Era
- Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga
- Key RPS Players in Rivalry Era
- Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith
Lore & Background
The dynamic shifted from a routine league fixture to a clash of philosophies: Mumbai's calculated dynasty versus Pune's chaotic brilliance. While Rohit Sharma orchestrated his side with the cold precision of a chess grandmaster, relying on an unshakeable bench and tactical depth, Ajinkya Rahane led Pune like a gambler on a hot streak. He anchored a squad built for explosion, unleashing Ben Stokes' raw, match-shattering power in every over. The tension wasn't just palpable; it was electric, as the established kings of Mumbai fought to hold their throne against a maroon-clad challenger that refused to bow.
In Their Own Story
Under the Wankhede floodlights, the air grew thick with anticipation as Rohit Sharma tapped his bat, eyes locked on the new ball. The stands erupted—a roaring ocean of blue and gold, punctuated by a fierce, defiant section of maroon where Ben Stokes began his thunderous run-up. This wasn't merely cricket; it was a battle for legitimacy. Every six smashed by Mumbai felt like a hammer blow defending their crown, while every boundary from Pune screamed that the dynasty had cracks. The stadium vibrated with the weight of two fleeting seasons where only one side could claim supremacy.
Reader's Guide
This rivalry was born from cricket's most unusual substitution: when the IPL suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in 2016, Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) stepped into the void as a temporary giant. Unlike a gradual build-up, RPS hit the ground running, immediately positioning themselves as the primary threat to Mumbai Indians' growing empire.
The stakes were never lower than when these two met. In 2016, they clashed twice in the group stage, with Mumbai's resilience shining through both victories—a crucial rhythm builder en route to their second title. The following year, the dynamic shifted; Pune found their footing, securing wins that proved they weren't just a stopgap measure but a genuine force capable of toppling champions.
What ignited this feud was the stark contrast in DNA: Mumbai's seasoned veterans like Kieron Pollard and Lasith Malinga against RPS's star-studded collection of global talents. With Steve Smith anchoring the middle order and Ben Stokes providing explosive all-round fury, every encounter became a spectacle where experience met unchecked ambition.
Did You Know?
- The rivalry existed for only two seasons (2016–2017) before the Rising Pune Supergiant franchise was dissolved, making it one of the shortest-lived yet most intense feuds in IPL history.
- Ben Stokes became a nightmare for Mumbai's bowlers during this period, often delivering match-winning spells that kept Pune's hopes alive against the champions.
- Mumbai Indians swept both head-to-head encounters in 2016, using those victories as a springboard to secure their second IPL title.
- Ajinkya Rahane captained RPS with steady authority, guiding a squad packed with international superstars like Steve Smith and Ben Stokes through its brief but memorable tenure.