
Wed May 21 17:54:17 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
In a crucial IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals are without their key player Axar Patel due to illness. Faf du Plessis is captaining the team in his absence. Both teams need to win to stay in contention for the playoffs. Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians’ captain, also expressed his desire to bowl first. The match was rescheduled due to prior suspension for a terror attack.
**News Article:**
**Delhi Capitals Face Mumbai Indians in Must-Win Game, Axar Patel Sidelined**
**Mumbai, India** – The Delhi Capitals faced a setback ahead of their crucial IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians, with star all-rounder Axar Patel ruled out due to illness. Faf du Plessis is leading the side in his absence. The rescheduled game, originally set for May 15 but postponed due to the week-long suspension of the league due to the Pahalgam terror attack, is a must-win for both teams as they battle for a playoff spot.
At the toss, Du Plessis acknowledged Patel’s absence as a significant loss, stating, “Axar is two players and it’s difficult to replace him.” Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya said he would have also chosen to bowl first. Pandya emphasized the importance of playing their best cricket to advance to the knockout stage.
**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
* **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
The outcome of this match will be pivotal for both teams’ chances of progressing further in the tournament.