The Indian Premier League’s 2025 playoff picture is now clear. Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians have secured spots in the final four. Delhi Capitals’ hopes were dashed after a 59-run loss to Mumbai, marking their second consecutive season without a playoff appearance since 2021.
Delhi co-owner Parth Jindal expressed his disappointment on social media, apologizing to the team’s fans. “Like you, I’m reeling from the second half of the season,” he tweeted. “What started so well ended extremely poorly.” Jindal acknowledged the positives from the campaign but emphasized the need to focus on the next game. He also hinted at a thorough review of the team’s performance after the season.
The Capitals’ defeat was a shocking one. Without regular captain Axar Patel, the team struggled to chase Mumbai’s target of 181 runs, getting bowled out for 121. The absence of Mitchell Starc, who had taken 18 wickets before returning to his country, was deeply felt. Delhi’s last appearance in the IPL final was in 2020, under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer.
Post-season reflections
The Delhi Capitals will now have to regroup and reassess their strategy for the next season. With the likes of Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore showing consistent form, the competition is expected to get fiercer. As Parth Jindal noted, there are positives to take from this campaign, but the team’s inability to perform in the second half of the season will be a major concern.
What’s next for Delhi?
The Capitals will play their next match with the intention of winning, but the bigger question is how they will approach the off-season. Will they make significant changes to their roster or stick with the current squad? One thing is certain – the team’s owners and management will be under pressure to deliver a better performance in the upcoming season.
Sorry to all @DelhiCapitals fans – like you i too am reeling from the second half of the season. What started so well ended extremely poorly. There are positives to take from this campaign but for now all focus on the next game which we need to win. Post the season there will…
— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) May 21, 2025