The 2021 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) brought back the heat and high-voltage drama cricket fans had missed. Among the most watched rivalries of that year was Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) — a contest between the seasoned champions and a rising powerhouse. What made this face-off truly memorable was how Delhi, under new leadership, finally managed to break Mumbai’s long-standing dominance.
Across two gripping clashes — one in Chennai and the other in Sharjah — Delhi Capitals displayed calm, control, and a sense of maturity rarely seen before. Both matches told different stories, but they ended with the same result: Delhi beating Mumbai.
Table of Contents
MI vs DC 2021 Match Summary
| Match | Date | Venue | MI Score | DC Score | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13th Match | April 20, 2021 | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 137/9 (20 overs) | 138/4 (19.1 overs) | DC won by 6 wickets | Amit Mishra |
| 46th Match | October 2, 2021 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 129/8 (20 overs) | 132/6 (19.1 overs) | DC won by 4 wickets | Axar Patel |
The Chennai Clash — Delhi’s Composed Chase
The first meeting in April 2021 was set at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, where dry conditions and a slow surface made batting tricky. Mumbai, known for their explosive lineup, were expected to adapt — but Delhi’s bowlers had other ideas.
Mumbai Indians’ Struggle with Spin
Batting first, MI never quite looked comfortable. Captain Rohit Sharma tried to inject momentum with a fluent 44 off 30 balls, but once he fell, the innings quickly unraveled. The hero of the day was the ever-reliable Amit Mishra, whose guile and variation spun a web around the defending champions. He finished with 4 wickets for just 24 runs, reminding everyone of his value in these conditions.
Despite a few promising partnerships, MI’s innings ended on a modest 137 for 9 — a total that felt underwhelming given their star-studded batting order.
Top Performers (MI Batting):
- Rohit Sharma – 44 (30)
- Suryakumar Yadav – 24 (15)
Top Performers (DC Bowling):
- Amit Mishra – 4/24
- Avesh Khan – 2/15
- Lalit Yadav – 1/17
Delhi Capitals’ Measured Reply
Chasing a low total, Delhi approached the innings with patience. Shikhar Dhawan, who had already been in tremendous form that season, played the anchor role with a calm 45 off 42 deliveries. He received steady support from Steve Smith (33 off 29) and *Lalit Yadav (22 off 25)**, as the Capitals crossed the finish line with five balls to spare.
Mumbai’s bowlers kept things tight, but with so few runs to defend, there was little margin for error.
Top Performers (DC Batting):
- Shikhar Dhawan – 45 (42)
- Steve Smith – 33 (29)
- Lalit Yadav – 22* (25)
Top Performers (MI Bowling):
- Jasprit Bumrah – 1/23
- Rahul Chahar – 1/29
- Jayant Yadav – 1/25
Result: Delhi Capitals won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Amit Mishra (4/24)
This victory was symbolic — it marked a psychological shift. For the first time in a while, Delhi had found a way to outthink and outplay the most successful IPL side.
The Sharjah Showdown — Delhi Seal the Double
When the two teams met again on October 2, 2021, the IPL had moved to the UAE due to the pandemic. Sharjah’s short boundaries promised entertainment, but the pitch turned out slower than expected, keeping both batting units under pressure.
Mumbai’s Inconsistency Continues
Opting to bat first, Mumbai Indians once again found themselves struggling to build partnerships. The normally dependable top order — Rohit Sharma, de Kock, and Pollard — couldn’t find rhythm. Suryakumar Yadav’s brief 33 off 26 balls was the only bright spot.
For Delhi, Axar Patel and Avesh Khan were relentless, picking three wickets each and never letting Mumbai’s innings breathe. As a result, MI could only manage 129/8 in their 20 overs — a total that didn’t look enough even on a sluggish pitch.
Top Performers (MI Batting):
- Suryakumar Yadav – 33 (26)
- Kieron Pollard – 6 (9)
- Rohit Sharma – 7 (10)
Top Performers (DC Bowling):
- Axar Patel – 3/21
- Avesh Khan – 3/15
- Anrich Nortje – 1/19
Iyer Holds Nerve for Delhi
Delhi’s chase wasn’t smooth either. Early wickets had them wobbling at 30/3, and for a brief moment, it seemed like Mumbai might claw their way back. But Shreyas Iyer, returning to form, steadied the innings with a gritty 33 not out off 33 balls. His partnership with Rishabh Pant (26 off 22) turned the tide.
Even though the Capitals lost a couple of late wickets, they crossed the target in 19.1 overs, sealing another impressive win.
Top Performers (DC Batting):
- Shreyas Iyer – 33* (33)
- Rishabh Pant – 26 (22)
- Shimron Hetmyer – 15 (10)
Top Performers (MI Bowling):
- Trent Boult – 2/24
- Jasprit Bumrah – 1/24
- Krunal Pandya – 1/23
Result: Delhi Capitals won by 4 wickets
Player of the Match: Axar Patel (3/21)
That win completed a season sweep (2–0) for the Capitals over Mumbai — a feat that spoke volumes about Delhi’s rise as a genuine title contender.
MI vs DC 2021 — The Turning of the Tide
For years, the Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals competition was one-sided. MI dominated with experience and depth, whilst Delhi often crumbled underneath strain. But IPL 2021 was one-of-a-kind. Under Rishabh Pant’s captaincy, DC confirmed awesome composure, the usage of spin and clever bowling modifications to neutralize Mumbai’s power hitters.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s trademark of entirety — once led through Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard — turned out lacking for the duration of the season. Their middle order struggled to boost up, and their bowlers have been left defending small totals too often.
Key Highlights from the 2021 Encounters:
- Delhi’s spinners ruled: Amit Mishra and Axar Patel picked up seven wickets across the two matches.
- MI’s batting misfired: Despite talent, consistency deserted their top and middle order.
- Shikhar Dhawan’s form: His steady starts were instrumental in both Delhi wins.
Head-to-Head Record After IPL 2021
| Team | Matches | MI Wins | DC Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | 30 | 16 | 14 |
Though MI still led overall, Delhi’s back-to-back wins narrowed the gap and signaled a changing balance in this modern IPL rivalry.
Final Thoughts: MI vs DC 2021 Scorecard
The MI vs DC 2021 scorecard tells a tale past runs and wickets — it marks a shift in IPL’s strength dynamics. Delhi Capitals, once taken into consideration underdogs, played with precision and perception. Their fulfillment got here from method, teamwork, and an capability to carry out below stress.
For Mumbai, 2021 became a season of introspection. Their once-dominant batting lineup didn’t fire, and their famed completing duo couldn’t rescue them this time.
Yet, for enthusiasts, those matches added the whole thing IPL promises — drama, competition, and the experience that in cricket, no dominance lasts for all time.
As both groups rebuild and head towards future seasons, the MI vs DC clashes remain need-to-watch activities — a reminder that in the IPL, tables can turn at any moment.
