In a significant blow to the Delhi Capitals (DC), captain and all-rounder Axar Patel was ruled out of the pivotal IPL 2025 match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on May 21 due to illness. Stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis confirmed at the toss that Axar had been "really sick in the last two days" and would be unavailable for the match.
Axar's absence is particularly impactful given his dual role as a dependable middle-order batsman and a key left-arm spinner. In the 2025 season, he has amassed 263 runs at a strike rate of 157.49 and taken five wickets with an economy rate of 8.47. To fill the void, DC included Madhav Tiwari in the playing XI.
This match holds significant playoff implications. With Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings having already secured their spots, both MI and DC are vying for the final playoff position. MI stands at 14 points, while DC trails closely with 13 points. A victory is essential for either team to keep their playoff hopes alive.
IPL 2025: MI Fans Don White Jerseys To Honour Rohit Sharma’s Test Legacy At Wankhede Stadium; Video
The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a sea of white on May 21 as Mumbai Indians (MI) fans donned white jerseys to honor Rohit Sharma's illustrious Test cricket career during the IPL 2025 clash between MI and Delhi Capitals (DC). This heartfelt gesture was part of the fan campaign, which gained momentum on social media following Sharma's recent retirement from Test cricket.
Rohit Sharma, who made his Test debut in 2013, concluded his red-ball career with 67 matches and over 4000 runs. His transformation into a reliable opener from 2019 onwards solidified his place in India's Test lineup. While he continues to play in ODIs, his departure from Tests has left a void for many fans.
In addition to wearing white, fans had the opportunity to purchase special edition jerseys emblazoned with "Mumbai cha Raja Rohit" (King of Mumbai Rohit) and masks featuring Sharma's likeness outside the stadium. The phrase "Mumbai cha Raja" has become synonymous with Sharma, reflecting his deep connection with the city and its cricketing heritage.
