Mumbai Indians will be eager to seal their IPL Playoffs spot with a win against the beleaguered Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium as they resume their campaign after the India-Pakistan conflict induced break.
The Hardik Pandya-led side would be eyeing the fourth and only available slot after the first three have been lapped up by the Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings.
Both MI and Capitals have 14 and 13 points respectively and would be looking to register a victory at the Wankhede to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Playoffs.
Mumbai's task is fairly cut out as all they now have to do is beat DC at the Wankhede and get to 16 points which will effectively seal their place while knocking out the visitors, who are struggling at the moment.
The unexpected break due to the Indo-Pak hostilities would have energized and recharged the batteries as far as the MI players are concerned and the match will also be the first since icon Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket and also got a stand named after him at the famed Wankhede.
Delhi Capitals will have to ensure wins in both their remaining games to confirm their place in the Playoffs which would be quite a challenge especially against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede.
If MI slip up against DC and lose on Wednesday, then their fate would hang on the Delhi Capitals' match against Punjab Kings on May 24.
Star batter and India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav would be looking to continue his fine run of form as they tournament approaches its business end.
The form of left-handed batter Tilak Varma has been a cause of worry for the Mumbai Indians and the southpaw would hope to come good against the Capitals in this crucial match.
With three single digit scores in five outings, Varma would want to contribute to the team's cause significantly.
Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult would be refreshed and recharged after the unexpected break and look to exploit the conditions at the Wankhede.
For Delhi, all eyes would be on star batter KL Rahul as he is in a good nick at the moment although his heroics with the bat did not fetch them the much needed victory in the 10-wicket loss to the Gujarat Titans.
The Capitals had begun the season with a bang registering five wins in their first six matches but they are now in danger of getting knocked out if they don't do something spectacular beginning with the game at the Wankhede.
