May 22, 2025: Delhi Capitals skipper Faf du Plessis remained supportive of his side despite their crushing 59-run defeat to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Match 63 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The loss marked the end of Delhi’s playoff hopes, while Mumbai Indians claimed the final knockout spot alongside Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings.
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Bowlers Shine, But Final Overs Prove Costly
Mumbai’s bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner dismantled Delhi’s batting lineup, picking up three wickets each and restricting them to 121 runs. Reflecting on the match, Du Plessis praised his team’s fielding and bowling efforts, but lamented the collapse in the final overs.
“We were excellent today in the field… then just let it slip there in the last 2 overs. Momentum is a real thing in cricket,” said Du Plessis during the post-match presentation.
Mumbai Indians posted a late surge, scoring 48 runs in the last two overs, reversing the pressure and ultimately sealing the game.
Praise for Rizvi, Regret Over Batting Collapse
Despite the result, Du Plessis singled out Sameer Rizvi, who scored 39 runs on a tricky pitch while senior batters faltered.
“Rizvi today showed some signs, he’s got some talent there,” Du Plessis said. “You need a good start on a surface like that and we didn’t get going at all with the bat.”
The 40-year-old acknowledged that Delhi’s campaign has been riddled with inconsistency, especially in the last few games.
“Sums up pretty much our season – we’ve been cold in either batting or bowling in the last 6 or 7 games.”
Missing Key Players Hurt Delhi
The absence of key players Axar Patel and Mitchell Starc was a major blow for Delhi Capitals. Axar was sidelined due to illness, while Starc opted out of the match. Du Plessis particularly felt Axar’s absence, drawing comparisons to MI’s match-winner, Mitchell Santner.
“Axar is that kind of class bowler… On a wicket like that, he would have loved to bowl. Unfortunately, he was very sick the last two days.”
Du Plessis wrapped up his remarks by underscoring the importance of momentum in cricket:
“When you are on top of the wave, you’ve got to make sure you don’t lose it as quickly.”