Delhi Capitals’ Mukesh Kumar Fined for Equipment Abuse During Match Against Mumbai Indians

Delhi Capitals’ fast bowler Mukesh Kumar was fined 10 per cent of his match fee and received one demerit point following a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct during the match against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday.

The violation was a Level 1 offence under Article 2.2, which concerns the abuse of cricket equipment or ground fixtures.

“Mukesh Kumar admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 (Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a Match) and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction,” the IPL stated in a press release.

“For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.”

Suryakumar Yadav’s Heroics Seal Playoff Berth for MI

In the match, Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 73 off 43 balls, laced with seven fours and six sixes, turned out to be the defining factor as Mumbai Indians secured the fourth and final playoff spot with a comprehensive 59-run win over Delhi Capitals.

Mumbai, who had missed the playoffs last season, posted 180 runs on the board, thanks to Suryakumar’s explosive batting in the death overs.

Delhi’s hopes of qualifying were crushed as the MI batters collected 48 runs in the last two overs, shifting the momentum completely.

DC’s Weak Response in a Do-or-Die Encounter

Chasing 181, Delhi Capitals, without regular captain Axar Patel, crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 121 in 18.2 overs. Sameer Rizvi top-scored for DC with 39 runs. The top-order collapse in the powerplay made the chase a mere formality.

Mitchell Santner starred with the ball for MI, delivering a spell of 4-0-11-3, dismissing Rizvi, Vipraj Nigam (20), and Ashutosh Sharma (18). Jasprit Bumrah continued his fine form with figures of 3.2-0-12-3.

Mukesh Kumar’s Costly Final Over

Mukesh Kumar had a disappointing outing with the ball. He gave away 48 runs in his four overs, including 27 runs in the 19th over of the MI innings, which proved to be the turning point.

That over featured a sequence of 6, 1, 4, 6, 6, 4 as Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir took him apart.

Mukesh, who replaced T. Natarajan for this must-win game, had begun his spell on a promising note, picking up the wickets of Will Jacks and Tilak Verma. However, his final over undid the early breakthroughs, allowing MI to reach a match-winning total.

Match Referee’s Action and Mukesh’s Season So Far

Mukesh was charged under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which refers to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match.” He accepted the sanction imposed by Match Referee Daniel Manohar.

“Mukesh Kumar admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction,” the IPL confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday, May 22.

Mukesh’s 2025 IPL campaign has been underwhelming. He has played in 11 out of 13 matches for Delhi Capitals, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 32.64 and an economy rate of 10.11. He was bought by the franchise for Rs. 8 Crore during the auction.

DC Eliminated From Playoff Race

Delhi Capitals’ loss against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium marked the end of their IPL 2025 campaign. The team had a fair chance of qualifying for the playoffs before the match but failed to rise to the occasion.

Only uncapped players Sameer Rizvi and Vipraj Nigam managed to make meaningful contributions with the bat, scoring 39 and 20 runs, respectively.

In contrast, MI bowlers executed their plans with precision, with Santner and Bumrah dismantling DC’s batting order effectively.

Mukesh Kumar’s final over not only allowed MI to accelerate but also highlighted DC’s inability to execute under pressure in key moments. As the team exited the tournament, Mukesh’s disciplinary breach added a sour note to an already disappointing night.