The 63rd match of IPL 2025 features a high-stakes encounter between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Wednesday, 21st May 2025. Unlike the dead rubbers of late-season IPL games, this one’s a virtual knockout.
MI, currently fourth on the table with 14 points and a strong Net Run Rate of +1.156, can seal their playoff berth with a win. On the other hand, DC sit right behind them with 13 points and NRR of +0.260, needing to win this clash and their final game to qualify. It’s a must-win battle between two powerhouses, and with the playoffs on the line, expect fireworks in Mumbai!
Match Details
| Fixture: Match No.63, Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals |
| Date & Time: Wednesday,21st May 2025 | Delhi Capitals |
| Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Telecast & Streaming: Star Sports and JioHotstar |
Pitch & Conditions
The Wankhede surface is historically known to favour batters, with even bounce and short boundaries making it a paradise for stroke-makers. However, pacers get early movement, and spinners might come into play in the middle overs. The toss could be decisive, especially with dew expected to play a role.
- Pitch Type: Flat with swing early and dew later
- Average 1st Innings Score (Last 10 matches): 204
- Toss Prediction: Bowl first
- Key Factor: Dew in the second innings could assist chasing teams
Weather Report
- Conditions: Cloudy skies with a high chance (82%) of evening showers
- Temperature: Around 32°C dropping to 27°C
- Humidity: 65% expected to rise with dew setting in
Also read: Rohit Sharma vs BCCI: Here’s the Real Reason Behind Rohit’s Test Retirement
Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 36 |
| Won by DC | 16 |
| Won by MI | 20 |
| Lost by DC | 20 |
| Lost by MI | 16 |
| Highest Score DC | 257 |
| Highest Score MI | 247 |
| NO RESULT | 0 |
- Last Encounter: April 13, 2025 Mumbai Indians edged out DC in a thriller
Current Standings & Form (MI)
| Matches:12 |
| Wins:7 |
| Losses:5 |
| Points:14 |
| NRR:+1.156 |
Current Standings & Form (DC)
| Matches:12 |
| Wins:6 |
| Losses:6 |
| Points:13 |
| NRR:+0.260 |
Key Players to Watch (MI)
- Suryakumar Yadav: With 510 runs in 12 matches at a staggering average of 63.75, SKY is MI’s biggest batting weapon. He’s the fourth-highest run-scorer this season and will be crucial at No. 3.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Back at his lethal best, Bumrah’s yorkers in the death can stifle any batting lineup. His face-off against DC’s middle-order could turn the tide.
- Hardik Pandya (C): After a shaky start to the season and heavy criticism, Pandya has rallied MI back into form. His captaincy and finishing skills will be tested in this knockout clash.
Key Players to Watch (DC)
- Kuldeep Yadav: With 12 wickets in 11 matches and an economy of 6.97, the chinaman spinner will be vital on the gripping Mumbai track, especially if MI bat first.
- KL Rahul: The seasoned batter has played the anchor’s role for DC. With big-match experience and calm temperament, he could be the pivot around which DC builds.
- Axar Patel (C): Leading from the front, Axar’s all-round abilities and tactical acumen are DC’s biggest assets. Expect him to play a dual role with bat and ball.
X-Factor Battle: Bumrah vs Rahul – Death Specialist vs Calm Finisher
Bumrah’s pinpoint accuracy will go up against Rahul’s ability to hold innings together under pressure. This duel could define how well DC finish their innings.
SWOT Analysis (MI)
- Strengths: Deep batting line-up, lethal pace attack
- Weaknesses: Over-dependence on Suryakumar for acceleration
- Opportunities: Win here secures a playoff spot
- Threats: Rain interruption could force DLS calculations, which can be tricky
SWOT Analysis (DC)
- Strengths: Spin depth with Kuldeep and Axar; top-order stability
- Weaknesses: Fragile lower-middle order
- Opportunities: Win to stay alive in playoff race
- Threats: One more loss and they’re out
Probable Playing XIs (MI)
- 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
Probable Playing XIs (DC)
- Faf du Plessis
- Abishek Porel (wk)
- Sameer Rizvi
- KL Rahul
- Axar Patel (C)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vipraj Nigam
- Kuldeep Yadav
- T Natarajan
- Mustafizur Rahman
Impact Player: Karun Nair
Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Mumbai Indians look more balanced, in form, and motivated. Their familiarity with Wankhede, deep bench strength, and Suryakumar’s red-hot form give them a strong edge. Delhi Capitals, despite having individual brilliance, have been inconsistent lately and faltered in crunch moments.
- Prediction: Mumbai Indians to win by 20–30 runs or 5–7 wickets
| In a Nutshell, Dark Horse: Naman Dhir his lower-order blitz could be the surprise package if MI bat first. |
- Predicted Winner: Mumbai Indians
Written by RITESH SINGH
