Revealed: Why is Axar Patel not playing today's match for DC against MI in IPL 2025?

In a colossal blow for the Delhi Capitals (DC), the star India National Cricket Team all-rounder and their skipper, Axar Patel, has been ruled out of the match against the Mumbai Indians (MI).

Delhi Capitals (DC) are taking on the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the away game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Wednesday, May 21, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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Axar Patel has been sick for the past two days - Faf du Plessis

Surprisingly, the Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Axar Patel didn't walk out for the toss, and instead of him, his deputy came out. This left many wondering why the DC skipper is unavailable for the game.

Speaking to Ravi Shastri at the toss, DC stand-in captain Faf du Plessis revealed that Axar has been sick for the past couple of days and has a bad flu, which rules him out of the game against the Mumbai Indians. He said:

"It's very unfortunate for him. Axar Patel has been sick for the past two days. He has a bad flu. All the best for his recovery. He has been excellent this season. We will miss him tonight."

Axar Patel has led the Delhi Capitals from the front in his debut season as the full-time captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has shone both with the bat and ball and has played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals' good campaign in the ongoing season.

Axar Patel is the fourth-highest run-scorer for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 as he has slammed 263 runs in 12 matches at an average of 26.30 and a strike rate of 157.48. With the ball, he has bagged 5 wickets at an average of 57.60, an economy of 8.47, and a strike rate of 40.80.

Playing a good team today, we are ready for it - Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis further expressed confidence in the team's ability and said that they are fully ready for the match against the Mumbai Indians and would aim to seal the final playoffs spot. He said:

"What an opportunity! If you ask any team, the last game of the season, you have a crack to get to the top four, you'll smile and you'll grab that opportunity with both hands. Playing a good team today, we are ready for it."

Axar is not there, Axar is two players - Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis also admitted that they have not performed well in the last five-six matches, but was hopeful of things changing for them. In the end, he once again lauded Axar, labelling him as 'two players' and said that they don't have a like-for-like for him. Faf du Plessis stated:

"We haven't been at our best in the last 5-6 games. Every day there's a new opportunity,. Looks a bit different to a normal Wankhede wicket, a bit dry, so we're sticking with the tone of the campaign and chasing.

"Axar is not there, Axar is two players - 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."