Delhi Capitals faced a significant challenge in their crucial IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on Wednesday, as they were without their regular captain, Axar Patel. The absence of Patel, who is a key player due to his left-arm spin and dependable middle-order batting, was keenly felt. Stand-in captain Faf du Plessis expressed concern about replacing such an impactful player but remained optimistic about their chances. “We’ll miss him today. Playing a good team, we haven’t been at our best in the last 5-6 games. Every day is a new opportunity,” he noted at the toss.
The match’s dynamics shifted with Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya stating he would have opted to bowl first had he won the toss. Pandya emphasized the importance of playing their best cricket as they look to secure a spot in the playoffs. “The break has allowed us to regroup and gain momentum. We need to play a complete match and tick a few boxes before the playoffs,” he commented.
This match comes after a week-long suspension of the league due to escalating tensions and violent conflict between India and Pakistan, following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. Both teams are under pressure to perform, as they each have one more game left in the series, including a crucial face-off against Punjab Kings.
The playing XIs featured key players from both teams, with the Mumbai Indians lineup including the likes of Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, while Delhi Capitals showcased talents such as Faf du Plessis and Kuldeep Yadav.
This match represents a pivotal moment for both teams, as they aim to capitalize on the remaining opportunities within the tournament.