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Mumbai Indians (MI) engineered a stunning comeback to secure a nail-biting 12-run victory against Delhi Capitals (DC) in a high-octane IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, April 13. A pivotal ball change midway through the second innings, coupled with strategic insights from former captain Rohit Sharma, turned the tide in favour of the visitors after DC seemed well on course to chase down a challenging target.
Rohit Sharma changes the course of the match from the dugout
Chasing a formidable 206 for victory, Delhi Capitals appeared to be in control. After 13 overs, they were comfortably placed at 145 for 4, requiring a very achievable 61 runs from the remaining seven overs (42 balls) with six wickets still in hand. The momentum was firmly with the home side, who looked set to capitalize on a strong start.
However, the match dynamics shifted dramatically at this crucial juncture. The Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, requested a change of ball, a plea that was accepted by the on-field umpires. What transpired next transformed the contest into a memorable thriller. Armed with a replacement ball, the MI bowling attack found renewed bite and control.
Crucially, insights emerged post-match revealing the significant off-field contribution of Rohit, the architect of MI’s five previous IPL titles. Having been substituted earlier in the match for impact player Karn Sharma, Rohit was observed in the dugout engaged in animated discussions with MI’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and head coach Kumar Sangakkara. Following this tactical huddle, Rohit reportedly relayed instructions to captain Pandya out in the middle. His advice was clear: introduce spin immediately. The rationale, later confirmed, was that the drier replacement ball would offer significantly more purchase for the spinners on the Delhi pitch.
The strategy worked to perfection. The spin duo of Karn Sharma and New Zealander Mitchell Santner applied the brakes effectively. Karn returned impressive figures of 3 for 36, while Santner chipped in with 2 crucial wickets for 43 runs. Their disciplined bowling in the middle and death overs choked the run flow and precipitated a collapse.
SHARMA 🤝 SHARMA
How good was #KarnSharma ’s game-changing spell, sending Stubbs and Rahul back to the dugout? 👌#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/JygXhdZMzR
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 13, 2025
Big games need big brains. Rohit Sharma made one move and owned the game.☠️ pic.twitter.com/2mWCcxbCYX
— Gems of Cricket (@GemsOfCrickets) April 13, 2025
Also WATCH: Tensions flare as Jasprit Bumrah loses cool at Karun Nair; Rohit Sharma’s reaction steals the show – IPL 2025, DC vs MI
Karun Nair’s comeback knock for Delhi Capitals goes in vain
Despite the mounting pressure of an IPL comeback after three years, Karun Nair waged a valiant battle for Delhi Capitals, playing a blistering knock of 89 runs off a mere 40 deliveries. His spectacular counter-attack kept DC’s hopes alive, but his dismissal proved critical. Following his departure, the chase completely unravelled in the frantic final overs.
The pressure became unbearable for the lower order. In a chaotic display under pressure, DC effectively self-destructed in the 19th over. Poor running between the wickets led to an astonishing three run-outs within that single over, extinguishing any lingering hopes of a home victory. DC were eventually bundled out for 193, falling 12 runs short of the target.
Earlier in the evening, after being put into bat by the home team, MI posted a challenging total of 205 for 5. The innings was built around a well-crafted half-century from Tilak Varma – 59 off just 33 balls. Significant contributions also came from left-handed opener Ryan Rickelton (41), Suryakumar Yadav (40) and Naman Dhir, who provided a powerful finish with an unbeaten 38.
For Delhi Capitals, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was the most effective bowler, stemming the flow of runs during his spell and claiming two key wickets for just 23 runs in his allotted four overs.
