KL Rahul, the Delhi Capitals’ prominent batter, may miss their must-win match against the Mumbai Indians due to a knee injury sustained during a training session on Tuesday, May 20th. The right-hander, who has been playing brilliantly in the 2025 Indian Premier League, departed the nets in the middle of the match after taking a blow to the knee from a Mukesh Kumar delivery. Rahul’s availability for the May 21 match at Wankhede Stadium is unknown as there has been no official announcement regarding his fitness.
In 11 matches so far, Rahul has totaled 438 runs, making his average 61.63 and his strike rate 148.05. Not only that, but he hit a hundred in DC’s match against GT last time. But after a ball hit from Mukesh landed on the right knee of Rahul, he went to see the doctor and had to leave the session before the crucial game on Wednesday.
The Capitals need to win both of their remaining games to earn a spot in the playoffs, as they currently have 13 points from 12 games. However, with 14 points and a higher net run rate, the Mumbai Indians are in fourth place. For both sides, the forthcoming game is a virtual knockout.
In case KL Rahul is not fit enough, DC may recall Karun Nair for the next match. After hitting 89 runs in just 40 deliveries against Mumbai at the start of the season, Nair has struggled, with only 64 runs in his next six innings. Even so, his previous games against MI could see him included again, this time opening the batting. Abishek Porel will perform the wicketkeeping duties, so the Capitals have one less thing to worry about.
The Indian Meteorological Department has given a yellow alert to Mumbai in preparation for heavy rains and thunderstorms over the next several days. When rain forces a game cancelation, both teams receive points, so the playoff team scenarios feel challenging.
