New Delhi: Inclement weather may impact the crucial IPL 2025 clash between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, with both teams in the race to clinch the fourth spot in the standings and qualify for the play-offs.
With Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings already booking three play-off spots, Mumbai and Delhi fight for the lone available fourth spot.
Mumbai currently occupy the fourth position with 14 points from 12 matches, just a point and a slot ahead of Delhi. Whoever wins the contest between the two teams at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday will take a giant step in advancing to the knockout stages.
But the outcome may not only depend on on-field performances as the India Meteorological Department has issued a forecast and warning for “thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, heavy rainfall and gutsy winds (50-60) at isolated places” for Mumbai and some adjoining areas.
On Tuesday, rain forced Mumbai and Delhi to conclude their training sessions much earlier than scheduled timings as the centre square and the run-up areas of pacers were covered and floodlights were turned off by 8:30pm.
Mumbai Indians left the field earlier than Delhi as the visiting team’s players underwent light training but calling it off all together.
Keeping in mind rain interruptions, the BCCI has made provisions for an additional hour of play to match timing from Tuesday, including the league stage, enhancing the prospect of matches finishing well beyond the midnight.
“Similar to the play-offs stage, an additional one hour will be allocated to the playing conditions for the remaining matches of the league stage, starting Tuesday, 20th May,” the IPL said.
“Obviously the weather has been threatening most of the games and it’s a decision that they’ve collectively taken. If it helps, it helps, but if you have serious rain, I don’t know whether the extra hours are going to help,” Mumbai coach Jayawardene said.
“But as long as we can get a game with the extension… everyone wants to play a game of cricket rather than not play.”
With Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings already booking three IPL 2025 play-off spots, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals fight for the lone available fourth spot. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
