IPL 2025: Is it a critical moment for DC as skipper Axar sits out sick against MI at Wankhede?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at Wankhede Stadium, Delhi Capitals face Mumbai Indians with a playoff spot at stake. Stand-in captain Faf du Plessis leads the team as regular skipper Axar Patel battles illness. Will this be the turning point for DC's IPL 2025 campaign? Read on for the highlights of this crucial match.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Capitals win the toss and choose to bowl first.
- Regular captain Axar Patel is unwell, with Faf du Plessis stepping up as captain.
- Delhi introduces debutant Madhav Tiwari into the lineup.
- Mumbai Indians aim to regain momentum and secure their playoff spot.
- Both teams face a must-win situation in this crucial encounter.
Mumbai, May 21 (NationPress) With a crucial playoff spot at stake, Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first against the Mumbai Indians in Match 63 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium here on Wednesday.
Delhi faced an early setback as their regular captain, Axar Patel, is unwell and will miss the match. Faf du Plessis, the experienced South African and stand-in captain, mentioned that Axar has been suffering from the flu for the last few days and emphasized that this is a significant chance for the team to compete for a playoff spot.
The Delhi team has introduced pacer Madhav Tiwari for his debut, while Sameer Rizvi and Ashutosh Sharma will bat higher up the order.
"We haven't showcased our best performance in recent matches, and we are eager to compete at our highest level. If we can do that, we can defeat any opponent," Du Plessis stated during the toss.
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya mentioned that he would have opted to bowl first as well given the conditions. He emphasized that they must play their best cricket to secure a place in the knockout stage. Pandya noted that the break had allowed the team to regroup and maintain their momentum. He expressed the need for a complete performance as they prepare for the playoffs.
This match, originally planned for May 15, was postponed due to a week-long suspension of the league following violent conflicts between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. Both teams are in dire need of a win, as they each have one more game ahead against Punjab Kings.
Playing XIs:
Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
Impact substitutes: Ashwani Kumar, Corbin Bosch, Karn Sharma, Raj Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju
Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis (capt), Abishek Porel (wk), Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Tristan Stubbs, Dushmantha Chameera, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Kumar.
Impact substitutes: KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Sediqullah Atal, Tripurana Vijay, Manvanth Kumar
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the stakes involved in this match. With playoffs on the line, both teams are under immense pressure. The absence of Axar Patel could be a significant blow for Delhi Capitals, but it also presents a unique opportunity for the rest of the squad to step up. Fans should anticipate an intense clash as both teams fight for their place in the playoffs.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Axar Patel not playing?
Axar Patel is sidelined due to illness, specifically battling the flu, which has prompted the team to select Faf du Plessis as the stand-in captain.
What are the implications of this match?
This match is crucial for both Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, as both teams are vying for a spot in the playoffs, making it a must-win scenario.
When was this match originally scheduled?
The match was initially scheduled for May 15 but was postponed due to a week-long suspension of the league following conflicts between India and Pakistan.
Who are the impact substitutes for both teams?
For Mumbai Indians, the impact substitutes are Ashwani Kumar, Corbin Bosch, Karn Sharma, Raj Bawa, and Satyanarayana Raju. For Delhi Capitals, the substitutes are KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Sediqullah Atal, Tripurana Vijay, and Manvanth Kumar.
What will be the next matches for both teams?
Both teams will face Punjab Kings in their final matches, which are critical for their playoff aspirations.
