It is a big blow for Delhi Capitals that their captain, Axar Patel, was excluded from the crucial IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians in the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The match is crucial for both teams as they hope to earn a playoff spot in this year’s Indian Premier League.
Why Axar Patel Is Not Playing Today?
Delhi Capitals vice-captain Faf du Plessis, who is captaining the side in Axar Patel’s absence, confirmed during the toss that the all-rounder has been ill with flu for the last two days. Du Plessis said:
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“Unfortunate for him, really sick in the last two days, down with the flu, so we wish him all the best. He’s been excellent for us this season, and we’ll miss him today.”
This is an important omission, as Axar Patel has been the pillar of Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2025 campaign with his dynamic all-round performances.
Playoff Scenario: Both Teams Need to Win this Match
The game between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) is a virtual elimination because both sides are only outside of the top three on the points table. MI is in fourth place, while DC trails closely behind at fifth. A victory here will very likely usher the winning side into the playoff phase of the cash-rich league.
Du Plessis added:
“What a chance! If you ask any team, the season-ender, you have a chance to get into the top four, you will grin and you’ll take that chance with both hands.”
Delhi Capitals Playing XI Without Axar Patel
Here is the updated Delhi Capitals Playing XI for today’s do-or-die match:
Faf du Plessis (c)
Abishek Porel (w)
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Sameer Rizvi
Tristan Stubbs
Ashutosh Sharma
Vipraj Nigam
Madhav Tiwari
Kuldeep Yadav
Dushmantha Chameera
Mustafizur Rahman
Mukesh Kumar
The loss of Axar Patel has compelled Delhi to rearrange their partnership, which has impacted their spin unit and lower-order solidity.
DC vs MI Head-to-Head: A Historic Rivalry
The two IPL titans have clashed 36 times in the history of the tournament. The Mumbai Indians are at the top with 20 victories, and the Delhi Capitals have 16 wins. Both teams have lost their last game, so tonight’s clash is more than a fight for points. It’s about pride and progress.
The loss of Axar Patel from such a big IPL 2025 match is a huge setback for Delhi Capitals. While they are already up against an in-form Mumbai Indians team, DC will have to look deep within to make up for the lack of leadership and input of their usual skipper. Fans will be praying for the speedy recovery of Axar if Delhi can qualify for the playoffs.
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