Mumbai, May 21 (UNI) Delhi Capitals suffered a setback ahead of their crucial IPL clash against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday as their captain Axar Patel was ruled out due to illness at the Wankhede. Captain Faf du Plessis, who won the toss and elected to field, admitted Axar’s absence leaves a significant void in the lineup.
“Axar is not there, Axar is two players and it’s difficult to replace him,” said du Plessis at the toss, confirming the India international had been “really sick” over the last two days. “Playing a good team today, we are up for it. We haven’t been at our best in the last 5-6 games. Everyday there’s a new opportunity. Looks a bit dry, we’re chasing.”
Delhi, currently struggling to find rhythm, are banking on a disciplined bowling effort and a reshuffled XI to counter a determined Mumbai side still in the hunt for a playoffs spot.
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya admitted he would have liked to bowl first too, considering the moisture on the surface. “It’s been under covers for a couple of days. We would have liked to bowl as well, but it’s okay,” he said. “Every game is important from now onwards, we want to play our best cricket. The boys are very excited.”
Pandya also expressed confidence that his team’s best performance was still to come. “Yes, definitely, I don’t think we’ve had a complete game. They (spectators) have been fantastic. They have backed us even when we weren’t on a roll,” he said.
Mumbai made one change, bringing back Mitchell Santner in place of Corbin Bosch, as they look to consolidate their position in the points table.
With both sides facing pressure to perform, the match promises to be a high-stakes affair as the league phase enters its final stretch.
