Former Mumbai Indians off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed MI to qualify for IPL 2025 playoffs with a win over Delhi Capitals. If MI manages to beat DC, they will have a three-point lead over the latter and thus Axar Patel’s team won’t be able to leapfrog Hardik Pandya’s side as they would have one game remaining.
While MI has 14 points after 12 games, DC has 13 points after as many matches. Both teams will play their last league stage match against Punjab Kings.
MI had won six games on the bounce but their winning streak was snapped by Gujarat Titans before the break. The Turbanator reckons MI would qualify for the playoffs even if they play at 70% of their potential.
“Mumbai Indians, when they play at home, all teams fear while playing there. MI know their conditions quite well. The kind of batting unit they have, their bowling is so strong, only Boult and Bumrah are enough. Teams would wish that they get three, four wickets in advance while playing against MI, otherwise they are capable of inflicting some serious damage,” Harbhajan Singh said on Star Sports.
“In my opinion, MI are favorites while playing whether at this ground (Wankhede) or in Delhi. Even if MI play at 70 percent of their potential they will beat DC,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians lead the head to head record against Delhi Capitals by 20-16 and have won four out of their last five games against DC.
On the other hand, DC were ticking the right boxes in the first half of the season but they have veered off the track in the last few games. DC have lost three out of their last four games, with one ending in a no-result due to rain.
DC have elected to field first against MI.