Here is why Axar Patel Isn’t Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Match 63 Against MI

By Kavya Jain 21 May 2025, 14:06 IST

Why Axar Patel Isn’t Playing Today's IPL Match 63 Against MI

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) skipper, Axar Patel, is unavailable to play their match against the Mumbai Indians. The stand-in captain, Faf du Plessis, in place of Axar, confirmed the change after he won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Why is Axar Sitting Out?

DC’s stand-in captain, Faf du Plessis, informed during the toss that Axar Patel will miss today’s match as he his down with a bad flu.

“Really sick in the last two days. We’ll miss him today. 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. Axar is not there. Axar is two players, and it’s difficult to replace him. We’ll see how it goes,” Delhi Capitals’ stand-in captain Faf Du Plessis said at the toss.

Changes in DC’s Playing XI?

DC’s captain is unavailable to play this game, which leaves them to fill at least three big holes. Du Plessis is experienced and will be enough as a captain in place of Axar. However, it is up to Ashutosh Sharma and Sameer Rizvi to step up in the middle order. KL Rahul has been listed as the impact player option for today and will most likely come in when DC bat.

Must-Win for DC

Meanwhile, it is a do-or-die game for Delhi. In case they suffer a loss, the team will be out of the playoff race. They will have to win both their remaining matches to make it to the next round. Mumbai, on the other hand, can qualify for the playoffs with a win over Delhi.