The IPL 2025 playoff race is heating up, and tonight’s match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) could decide who stays in the hunt. With both teams facing their own set of challenges, expect a tense and thrilling encounter.

DC Are on the Edge

Delhi Capitals started the season strong with four straight wins, but things have gone downhill since. They’ve won only two of their last six games and are currently stuck at 12 points. In a season where 18 points might still not guarantee a playoff spot, every match is a must-win from here.

The Capitals will be somewhat relieved to be away from home. The pitch in Delhi has slowed down significantly and hasn’t suited their game. They have a better away record (3 wins in 4 matches) compared to home (3 wins in 6 matches). Two of those away wins came in Visakhapatnam, and one in a Super Over finish in Delhi.

SRH: Nothing to Lose, Everything to Prove

SRH, on the other hand, are almost out of the playoff race. At best, they can finish with 14 points—and with multiple teams already beyond or near that mark, their chances are slim. But that also makes them dangerous. With no pressure and nothing to lose, they can play freely and cause big upsets.

While both teams prefer fast and high-scoring pitches, SRH rely on it more due to their power hitters. However, DC holds an advantage with Kuldeep Yadav in the spin department.

Key Form Check

• DC's last 5 games: L, L, W, L, W
   
• SRH's last 5 games: L, W, L, L, W
   

Consistency has been a problem for both sides, but tonight is about who can rise under pressure.

Spotlight Battle: Starc vs SRH Openers

One of the most exciting contests tonight could be Mitchell Starc bowling to Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Starc had the upper hand against both in last year’s playoffs when he played for KKR.

• Starc vs Abhishek: 10 balls, 8 runs, 1 wicket
   
• Starc vs Head: 7 balls, 10 runs, 2 wickets
   

This mini-battle at the top could shape the whole match. Expect fireworks from both ends as neither side is likely to play it safe.

Team Selection Dilemma

There’s been a growing call for T Natarajan to be included in DC’s XI. With bowlers like Dushmantha Chameera (10.55 economy rate) and Mukesh Kumar (9.87 economy rate) leaking runs, DC may finally bring Natarajan into the mix.

Probable Playing XIs

Delhi Capitals:
Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mukesh Kumar/T Natarajan, Ashutosh Sharma

Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis/Wiaan Mulder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Shami/Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari

Key Stats to Know

• SRH have only one win in games featuring Mitchell Starc, and that came way back in 2014!
   
• Heinrich Klaasen has a strong record against Kuldeep Yadav: 46 runs in 24 balls without being dismissed.
   
• Klaasen also goes well against Axar Patel: 92 runs off 51 balls with only one dismissal.
   

Pitch & Weather Report

The temperature is expected to ease a bit after a scorching 37°C day. But the pitch will play a key role—some have been slow, favouring bowlers, while others have produced big scores. Four totals above 200 and a successful 190+ chase show that anything is possible if the batters get going.

Final Thoughts

It’s do-or-die for DC and pride-on-the-line for SRH. Expect big names to step up, close finishes, and perhaps a surprise or two. With the playoffs in sight, neither team can afford a misstep.

Let the battle begin!