Delhi capitals’ unbeatable start in ipl: In one of the most dramatic decline in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Delhi Capitals (DC) have registered their names in the record book for all wrong reasons. Despite a great start of 4-0 in IPL 2025, Akshar Patel’s team became the first team to miss the playoffs after winning their first four matches, after a 59-run defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium. As soon as Hardik Pandya’s team sealed the last playoff location, Delhi’s campaign ended with amazing fast. From the dominance of the initial season to the recession in the last phase, the story of DC is a textbook of how speed – or its lack – a T20 campaign can define.
What went wrong? Mi vs DC: knockout shock
Mumbai Indians, taking a lot of risk, scored a strong score of 181/5 on the different bouncy pitch. Suryakumar Yadav’s brilliant innings of 73 runs off 43 balls and a brilliant innings of Naman Dhir (24 off 8 balls) gave MI a necessary lead in the last time. In response, the DC team was piled under pressure. In front of the deadly bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner, the capitals were piled on only 121, who took three wickets each.
It was not just a defeat – it was an explosion. In the absence of regular captain Akshar Patel (who remained out of the match due to illness) and fast bowler Mitchell Starc, the team of the capitals led by Stand-in captain Faf du Plessis looked powerless and indifferent.
Attack on statistics: record breaking decline in Delhi
Delhi’s 2025 campaign began with expectations: The victory over LSG, SRH, CSK and RCB gave him a strong base. Till half the way, he had won 6 out of 8 games and looked a firm place of playoffs. But what happened after that was like a bad dream – four necklaces, two left games and not a single win in their last six.
When 13 points and one game remain, DC is officially out, while GT, RCB, PBKS and MI have confirmed their place in IPL 2025 playoffs.
Sprinkling salt on the wound, Delhi has now jointly recorded the second highest defeat (21) against any team in IPL history, which has been received by all Mumbai Indians.
The highest win against any team in IPL history:
24 – Mi vs KKR
21 – Mi vs CSK
21 – CSK vs RCB
21 – KKR vs PBKS
21 – Mi vs DC
Faf du Plessis said: “We let it slip”
Despite heartbreaking, Stand-in captain Faf du Plessis maintained restraint in his comments after the match. He said, “We bowled well in the first 17–18 overs, but the last few overs caused us a lot of harm.” Accepting the impact of the absence of major players, he said, “On this type of pitch, the left -hand spin of the letter would have been spectacular.”
The conflict at the end of the DC showed depth, adaptability and lack of fatal tendency – which is necessary to avoid the unstable nature of the IPL. While the capitals fielded one of the most balanced teams on paper, but their inability to take advantage of important moments eventually caused their defeat.
“What if” season: DC’s IPL 2025 trip
Mi fans are celebrating and fans of DC are thinking, one thing is certain: Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2025 season will remain a warning story. Starting strong is never enough. This difficult format rewards continuity, depth and adaptability – the qualities that DC lost when it was most needed.
The initial win was no coincidence. But the inability to complete the game, lack of strategic flexibility and the absence of major players in significant times contributed to the team’s collapse, which will have an impact for several sessions to come.
At the moment, Delhi’s dream is broken. And for the first time, the team, which started with four consecutive wins, is looking at itself from the edge against the playoffs.
