Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals Face Off for Final IPL Playoff Spot Amid Rain Threat

The Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are set to face off in a critical IPL 2025 match at Wankhede Stadium, vying for the last playoff spot. However, rain threatens to disrupt the game, with forecasts predicting heavy showers. Both teams are aware that a washout could impact their standings significantly. The Mumbai Indians currently hold the fourth position, while the Delhi Capitals are just behind them. As the match approaches, the stakes are high, and the potential for rain adds an extra layer of tension to this already intense rivalry. Will the weather play a role in determining who advances to the playoffs?

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2025, 12:36 IST

Crucial IPL 2025 Clash at Wankhede Stadium

On May 21, the Mumbai Indians will clash with the Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, vying for the last playoff position in IPL 2025.

This matchup marks the second encounter of the season between the two teams. In their initial meeting on April 13, the Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, triumphed over Axar Patel's Delhi Capitals by a margin of 12 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

Initially, the competition for the fourth playoff spot included the Lucknow Super Giants, but their recent defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad has narrowed the contest down to just MI and DC. The Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings have already secured their playoff berths.

Rain Forecast Threatens Match

As the Mumbai Indians prepare for their pivotal match against the Delhi Capitals, rain is a looming concern. The city has been experiencing rainfall, which could disrupt the game.

According to Accuweather, the temperature in Mumbai is expected to be around 27 degrees Celsius during the night, with the match scheduled to start at 7:30 PM. The likelihood of rain is projected at 90%, with thunderstorms at 68%, indicating potential delays or even a washout, which could lead to both teams sharing points.

Previous Rain Interruptions

This isn't the first instance of rain affecting an IPL 2025 match at Wankhede Stadium. A previous game between the Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans faced interruptions due to rain, leading to a revised target of 147 runs in 19 overs. The Titans managed to clinch victory on the last ball of the final over.

Throughout the second half of the IPL season, several matches have either been delayed or canceled due to rain.

DC Owner Appeals for Venue Change

In light of the impending rain, Delhi Capitals owner Parth Jindal has reached out to the BCCI, requesting a venue change for the match. This follows a recent decision by the BCCI to relocate a match between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad to Lucknow due to adverse weather in Bengaluru.

"The forecast for Mumbai indicates heavy rain, and there is a significant chance that the game will be canceled," Jindal stated in his letter to the BCCI.

"Just as the RCB vs SRH match was moved for consistency and the league's interest, I urge that tomorrow's game also be relocated, as we have been aware of the heavy rain forecast for May 21 for several days now," he added.

Impact of a Possible Washout

Currently, the Mumbai Indians hold the fourth position on the points table with seven wins and five losses, totaling 14 points from 12 matches. The Delhi Capitals sit just behind in fifth place with six wins, five losses, and one no result, accumulating 13 points.

Should the match be washed out, both teams would receive one point each, elevating MI to 15 points and DC to 14. In this scenario, the Mumbai Indians would solidify their fourth position, nearly securing a playoff spot, while the Delhi Capitals would be on the brink of elimination from the tournament.