Following a season of high expectations, robust beginnings, and glimmers of brilliance, DC is eliminated from IPL 2025 after falling short against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium. The loss not only pushed them out of the playoff race but also officially confirmed them among the disqualified teams in IPL 2025. MI’s win sealed the final qualification spot and dealt the final blow to Delhi’s hopes with one league game remaining.
While Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) had already qualified, Mumbai’s win took them to 16 points out of Delhi’s reach. With DC stuck at 13 points, the dream is over. The defeat not only confirmed that DC is eliminated from IPL 2025 but also showcased how inconsistency cost them dearly. From a bright start to an unceremonious exit, Delhi’s story is one of opportunities lost.
Why DC Is Out of Playoffs？
A Bright Start, Then the Downfall
At one point in the season, Delhi looked like a strong playoff contender. They won four of their first five games and looked like a solid unit. But despite the early momentum, cracks began to show. Injuries, poor strategy, and a lack of bench strength undid their campaign.
The downfall was steep and sudden. In their last five matches before being disqualified, they managed to win only once. Such a slump is usually the reason teams become disqualified teams in IPL 2025, and Delhi fit that narrative exactly.
Ready for the high-stakes match tonight! 🔥👊 pic.twitter.com/li62HlTD2X
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 21, 2025
The Mumbai Defeat – Final Nail in the Coffin
Delhi’s elimination became inevitable after their loss to Mumbai. In a virtual knockout, they faltered. MI scored 180 for 5, taking full advantage of Delhi’s weak death bowling. The last four overs went for 62 runs, exposing the same flaws that have plagued Delhi throughout the season. As a result, DC is eliminated from IPL 2025, with their shortcomings laid bare in the most crucial game of the season.
The chase never took off. KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis were dismissed early. With Axar Patel out due to illness, the middle order failed to fire. The defeat not only cost them the match but also confirmed that DC is out of playoffs. Their performance in high-pressure moments ultimately aligned them with other disqualified teams in IPL 2025.
What Roar Macha in an over looks like 🔥🐅 pic.twitter.com/kaqsgLqHWU
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 10, 2025
Batting Over-Dependence on KL Rahul
One of the main reasons DC is out of playoffs is their heavy reliance on KL Rahul. With 493 runs in 12 games, Rahul led from the front. However, the lack of support was glaring. Abhishek Porel was the second-best with 295 runs, but that wasn’t enough.
200 graceful, elegant and elite sixes 🫶😍 pic.twitter.com/qX7BNBPkpC
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 19, 2025
Faf du Plessis couldn’t maintain form, and young players like Jake Fraser-McGurk and Karun Nair didn’t step up consistently. When Rahul failed, the team collapsed. That imbalance cost them dearly, and now DC is eliminated from IPL 2025, with their batting exposed as over-reliant and shallow.
Bowling A Gaping Hole in the Death
Delhi’s bowling fell apart when Mitchell Starc exited mid-season. Domestic pacers like Mukesh Kumar and Mohit Sharma were expensive and inconsistent. Dushmantha Chameera was ineffective as a replacement. These flaws meant that DC’s opponents often took control in the final overs. Spin, once considered their strength, wasn’t enough to compensate. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel had moments, but couldn’t turn matches single-handedly. Without dependable bowlers to defend totals or stop runs at the death, DC is out of playoffs and firmly among the disqualified teams in IPL 2025.
The Missing Indian Core
The Indian core or lack thereof was perhaps Delhi’s biggest weakness. While teams like GT and RCB found heroes in domestic players, Delhi depended too much on foreign or aging names. This restricted their flexibility when things went south. As the pressure increased, the lack of a strong Indian contingent hurt them. It’s one of the key reasons why DC is eliminated from IPL 2025. For sustained success in the IPL, a solid domestic base is essential, which Delhi did not have this season.
Glad to have you lead us, skipper 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/mXtmlyeERw
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 24, 2025
Captaincy and Team Dynamics
Axar Patel captained well when available, but illness at the wrong time left the team rudderless. KL Rahul led with the bat but not with tactics. The strategic indecision backing Fraser-McGurk despite failures and not promoting deserving Indian youngsters added to their woes.
Faf at the helm today 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Jq2ohNf2VZ
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 21, 2025
All these factors snowballed into one final reality: DC is eliminated from IPL 2025. The lack of clarity, leadership, and flexibility sealed their fate. These traits differentiate contenders from the disqualified teams in IPL 2025.
What Lies Ahead？
Delhi will now look to finish the season respectfully in their final game, even though DC is out of playoffs. KL Rahul’s form is a silver lining, and Abhishek Porel showed signs of growth. But unless the domestic bowling core is revamped and the middle order gets stronger, the same mistakes might repeat.
Being one of the disqualified teams in IPL 2025 stings, especially after such a strong start. But it’s a lesson that momentum alone isn’t enough. For DC, it’s back to the drawing board. The campaign is over, and DC is eliminated from IPL 2025. What remains is the chance to rebuild smarter, stronger, and more balanced before the next season presents another shot at redemption.
