Mumbai, May 20 (UNI) The Delhi Capitals will be playing for their IPL 2025 survival when they meet Mumbai Indians in a high-octane 63rd league match at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.
A defeat for Delhi will eliminate them from the playoff race, while a win keeps their hopes alive, making this a virtual knockout clash.
Currently placed fifth on the points table with 13 points from 12 matches, Delhi's net run rate (-0.260) has further complicated their prospects. Meanwhile, fourth-placed Mumbai, with 14 points from the same number of games, can seal their playoff qualification with a win on home turf.
Mumbai, led by Hardik Pandya, have found rhythm at the right time. The five-time champions have won six of their last seven fixtures and appear well-balanced across departments. Their previous encounter with Delhi this season ended in a thrilling 12-run victory, adding a psychological edge ahead of this must-win clash.
Suryakumar Yadav has been the standout performer for Mumbai with 510 runs in 12 games at an astonishing strike rate of over 180. Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks have supported well at the top, while Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir have contributed vital runs in the middle order.
The bowling unit has also stepped up. Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult have scalped crucial wickets in the powerplay and death overs, while Pandya himself has taken 13 wickets despite an economy rate slightly over nine. Deepak Chahar and impact substitute Karn Sharma lend further depth.
For Delhi, the equation is simple: win or go home. The team suffered a costly loss to Gujarat Titans in their last outing, a game where KL Rahul’s unbeaten 112 went in vain. Rahul, who has amassed 493 runs in 11 innings at an average of over 60, will once again shoulder the batting responsibilities alongside opener Abhishek Porel (295 runs).
Delhi's middle order, comprising Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma, has blown hot and cold. They have lacked consistency, and that has hurt them in close contests.
With Mitchell Starc ruled out of the tournament, Delhi will look to Mustafizur Rahman and Dushmantha Chameera for breakthroughs. Kuldeep Yadav has been impressive with 12 wickets at an economy under seven, while Axar's all-round value remains crucial.
The Wankhede pitch is expected to offer early seam movement but should settle into a batting paradise as the match progresses. The average first innings score at the venue this season has hovered around 190, with successful chases in four of six games played.
The weather forecast suggests overcast skies with high humidity and a slim chance of a passing thunderstorm. However, a full match remains probable.
Predicted XIs
Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah. Impact Player: Karn Sharma
Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel (wk), Sameer Rizvi, KL Rahul, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan/Mukesh Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman, Dushmantha Chameera. Impact Player: Karun Nair
In their last three meetings, Mumbai have won two while Delhi have clinched one. Chasing has been the preferred strategy at Wankhede, with teams batting second winning four of six matches this season. Both captains are likely to opt to bowl first, should they win the toss.
Given their current form, stronger balance, and home advantage, Mumbai hold the edge. Delhi, however, have their backs to the wall and could spring a surprise if their key players fire in unison.
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