Mumbai Indians Look To Seal IPL Playoffs Spot Against Fallible Delhi Capitals

Fighting for the only available play-off spot, Mumbai Indians will take on Delhi Capitals in a potentially decisive showdown on Wednesday with the five-time champion home team better-placed to advance against the erratic visitors. Sunrisers Hyderabad's six-wicket thrashing of Lucknow Super Giants on Monday ended the latter's chances of making the final four, leaving Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals to fight it out. Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers have taken the first three knockout phase spots. Both Mumbai Indians (14 points) and Delhi Capitals (13 points) are in control of their destiny for now, but it is the host side which starts favourite at the Wankhede Stadium.

While MI's win will take them to 16 points and beyond the reach of the Axar Patel-led side, Delhi Capitals need to win both their remaining contests, the last being against Punjab Kings, to sail through.

Mumbai Indians' form and all-round depth tilt the scale in their favour even though they are coming off a narrow loss to Gujarat Titans nearly a fortnight ago. This was after recording six consecutive wins prior to emerge as one of the most formidable teams in the competition.

While a win will carry MI into the playoffs, a defeat will leave their fate on the outcome of the contest between DC and PBKS on May 24, and thus the Mahela Jayawardene-coached side will be eager to put its best foot forward.

Mumbai superstar Rohit Sharma will be the cynosure of all eyes as this will be his first game since announcing his retirement from Test cricket. The veteran batter would be extra motivated to fire on all cylinders and carry his team through.

MI would also want to make the most of their current combination, which features Ryan Rickelton and