Match No. 63 of the at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 21 will witness Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) fight it out for the playoffs berth in a virtual knockout. With Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) already sealing the top-three spots, only one spot remains, and it’s a straight clash between MI and DC.
However, the weather may have a say in how this game turns out. Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), seeing the increasing threat of rain, has already added a 120-minute buffer for all remaining league matches, allowing the possibility of completing a full 20-over game even if the weather causes interruptions.
The IPL 2025 playoffs have also been shifted from rain-affected regions to safer venues, Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) and Ahmedabad, with Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator set to be hosted in Mullanpur, and Qualifier 2 and the Final in Ahmedabad. Furthermore, RCB’s final home game against SRH has been relocated from rain-hit Bengaluru to Lucknow’s BRSABV Ekana Stadium.
With pre-monsoon showers already over Mumbai, both MI and DC are also keeping an eye on the skies. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall is expected in the city till May 25. Though the forecast for the evening is clearer, but the thunderstorm activity in the morning might lead to wet outfield and delays.
The surface at Wankhede is known for its batting-friendly conditions and smaller boundaries. But overcast skies and potential rain could revise pitch conditions, making it more favourable for seamers.
If rain plays spoilsport and the game is abandoned, both MI and DC will receive one point each. This means MI will go up to 15 points, while DC will move to 14. This scenario won’t confirm the spot, and the decision will be pushed to both teams’ respective final league games against the Punjab Kings.
