If DC lose the game, their hopes of making it to the play-offs will end. If MI lose, their hopes of finishing in the top four will also take a massive hit and they will have to depend on other results to get to the play-offs. The qualification scenarios make it a virtual quarter-final.
In the earlier fixture between the two sides in the season, MI had stolen a 12-run win from the jaws of defeat and that triggered a good run of results for Mumbai and left DC struggling.
As we head toward this crucial match let us take a look at the three key battles that will shape the Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals clash.
KL Rahul vs Jasprit Bumrah
Fresh off a record-breaking century in the last game, KL Rahul will once again be ready to keep the good run on. But to counter him, MI will definitely bank on their biggest asset, Jasprit Bumrah.
Rahul has got out only twice to Bumrah but his strike rate is only 123.7. Will Rahul again play it safe or he will try to take Bumrah on? The battle will be key for DC's fortunes.
Suryakumar Yadav vs Axar Patel
This will be another interesting battle that will shape the game. Suryakumar Yadav has been MI's best batter this season and Axar Patel, the DC skipper, is not having a great time in IPL 2025. However, Axar has a tremendous record against Suryakumar.
In 68 balls from Axar, Suryakumar has only been able to score 60 runs. Despite being such a menace to bowl at, Axar has been able to keep the Indian T20I skipper quiet. Will he do it once again or has SKY found a way to target Axar?
Cricket vs Rain
This is not a player battle but still the most important one. The weather forecast for the match day is really bad and there is high probability of a match not taking place. However, things change quickly in Mumbai and nothing can be said for certain.
Rain has already beaten cricket thrice in this tournament, will it happen again in this game? Time will tell.
