IPL 2025: Why is Faf du Plessis captaining Delhi Capitals instead of Axar Patel against MI ?

Faf du Plessis is captaining Delhi Capitals against MI in match No. 63 of IPL 2025.

Delhi Capitals (DC) are locking horns with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 63rd match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Wednesday, May 21. The MI vs DC clash is currently underway at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

During the toss, Faf du Plessis walked out for the visitors instead of their regular skipper Axar Patel against MI. Notably, it is a very crucial match for both the sides. Three teams have already qualified for the playoffs. Either MI or DC will be the fourth team into the playoffs.

Also, it is must must-win game for DC as they cannot qualify for playoffs if they lose to MI. DC currently have 13 points in their kitty and two more games left in the league stage. MI have 14 points and they too have two matches left in the league stage. Hence, if DC loses the match, they will be eliminated from the playoffs race.

Why is Axar Patel not playing in MI vs DC clash in Mumbai?

DC’s stand-in skipper Du Plessis revealed during the toss that Patel has been rested from the playing XI due to fever. He revealed that Patel has been sick for the last two days.

“Unfortunate for him [Axar Patel], really sick in the last two days, down with flu, so we wish him all the best. He’s been excellent for us this season, and we’ll definitely miss him today. Axar is not there, Axar is two players – a fantastic spinner and a great batter, so it’s difficult to replace that. We don’t have a like-for-like. We’ll see how it goes,” Plessis said during the toss.

Patel has played 12 games for DC in the tournament. He has slammed 263 runs at a strike rate of 157.49. He has also captured five wickets at an economy of 8.47. He was named as the new skipper of the side ahead of the season.

Meanwhile, Du Plessis won the toss and opted to bowl first in the MI vs DC match. DC faced a big defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT) by 10 wickets in their last match. Hence, they have a tough challenge against MI, who also have the home advantage in the clash.

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