Delhi Capitals suffered a 59-run defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians in a must-win IPL 2025 clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, May 21.
After opting to bat, Mumbai posted 180/5 in 20 overs. In response, Delhi struggled with the bat and were bowled out for just 121 in 18.2 overs.
Speaking after the loss, DC head coach Hemang Badani didn’t hold back in his assessment. “The game shifted in the last two overs of our bowling. We were spot-on for the first 18 overs, but our execution slipped badly at the end. Conceding 48 runs in the last 12 balls hurt us,” he said.
Badani acknowledged that his bowlers didn’t adapt quickly enough to the conditions. “We should’ve read the pitch better. It was on the slower side, so cutters and wide yorkers could’ve worked better. You expect international-level bowlers to land their yorkers, and if they don’t, someone like Suryakumar Yadav will take full advantage.”
On the batting front, Badani felt the target was a bit above par, especially in the absence of skipper Axar Patel, who missed the game due to illness. “With the way the ball was spinning, 180 was more than a competitive total. Something around 160-165 would’ve been ideal. That said, no excuses — Mumbai played better and deserved the win,” he added.
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He also emphasized how much Axar’s absence was felt. “A left-arm spinner like Axar would’ve made a big difference on this pitch. Plus, his left-handed batting could have countered someone like Mitchell Santner. But again, credit where it’s due — MI outplayed us.”
Reflecting on Delhi’s overall season, Badani, 48, compared it to a marathon. “We had a flying start, a great sprint out of the blocks. But as the season progressed, we let a few winnable games slip. To make the playoffs, you have to close out those key moments. We didn’t, and that’s on us.”
Delhi Capitals will wrap up their IPL 2025 campaign with their final match against Punjab Kings on May 24 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
