Introduction: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Timeline
When it comes to gripping rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL), few matchups get fans buzzing quite like Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Delhi Capitals (DC). Over the years, this clash has delivered everything — high-scoring thrillers, nail-biting finishes, star-studded performances, and plenty of drama.
Whether you’re loyal to Mumbai, a die-hard Delhi fan, or just a cricket lover, matches between these two sides are always unmissable. Let’s take a look back at how this rivalry evolved, how the teams stack up, and the key moments that shaped this competitive saga.
Table of Contents
MI vs DC Head-to-Head Overview
| Category | Mumbai Indians | Delhi Capitals |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 36 | 36 |
| Wins | 20 | 16 |
| Highest Team Score | 247 | 257 |
| Lowest Team Score | 92 | 66 |
| Biggest Win (by runs) | 146 | 55 |
| Most Runs (By a Player) | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant |
| Most Wickets (By a Player) | Jasprit Bumrah | Kagiso Rabada |
MI vs DC Timeline: How the Rivalry Grew
2008–2010: Early Encounters & Finding Footing
In the opening years of the IPL, both teams were figuring things out. Delhi, then known as the Delhi Daredevils, had stars like Sehwag, Gambhir, and AB de Villiers, while Mumbai was slowly building around the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
- 2008: Delhi got the upper hand, beating Mumbai in both league games.
- 2009: The tournament moved to South Africa. MI won one, but Delhi topped the table.
- 2010: Mumbai, led by an in-form Sachin, began to dominate and beat Delhi twice.
By the end of 2010, Mumbai started looking like future IPL giants.
2011–2013: Mumbai Starts Gaining Momentum
This period saw the rise of Mumbai Indians as a powerhouse, with Rohit Sharma, Malinga, and Pollard joining the core. Delhi, meanwhile, remained inconsistent.
- 2011: MI beat Delhi in both games.
- 2012: A rare strong year for Delhi, as they won both clashes with stars like Kevin Pietersen and Jayawardene leading.
- 2013: MI got revenge in the first game, but Delhi bounced back in the second.
2014–2017: Mumbai’s Golden Era, Delhi’s Search for Form
During these years, Mumbai tightened its grip on the IPL, winning titles in 2015 and 2017. Delhi, on the other hand, was rebuilding, experimenting with younger players.
- 2015: MI and Delhi shared wins, but Mumbai went on to lift the trophy.
- 2016–2017: Delhi introduced young guns like Pant and Iyer but lacked consistency. MI, meanwhile, kept racking up victories.
2018–2019: A New Identity for Delhi
Delhi played their final season as Daredevils in 2018 and stunned MI by beating them twice, thanks to explosive performances by Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw.
- 2019: Rebranded as Delhi Capitals, the team showed new energy. But MI had the last laugh, beating DC in both league games and then in Qualifier 1. MI lifted their fourth trophy that year.
2020: The Rivalry Reaches a Final
The 2020 season, played in the UAE due to COVID-19, saw MI and DC lock horns four times — including the final.
- MI defeated Delhi in both group matches.
- Beat them again in Qualifier 1.
- And once more in the IPL Final, powered by Rohit Sharma’s 68 and Bumrah’s death-bowling masterclass.
MI clinched their fifth IPL title, while DC earned respect by reaching their first-ever final.
2021: Even Contest, Different Outcomes
Delhi returned stronger in 2021 with a potent bowling lineup including Avesh Khan and Nortje.
- Each team won one league game.
- Delhi topped the points table, but Mumbai failed to reach the playoffs — a major shock.
2022: A Mixed Bag for Both Sides
2022 brought surprises. Mumbai, going through a transitional phase, finished last. Delhi too missed the playoffs narrowly.
- DC won the opening match.
- MI’s win in the final league game eliminated DC and helped RCB reach the playoffs.
2023: MI Rebuilds, DC Struggles Without Pant
Mumbai bounced back with young talent like Tilak Varma and Cameron Green shining.
- Rishabh Pant’s unfortunate car accident ruled him out for the season.
- DC lacked leadership and lost both matches to MI.
2024–2025: A New Chapter Begins
With Rohit stepping down as captain, Hardik Pandya now leads MI, while Rohit continues as a senior mentor. Meanwhile, Pant returned in 2025, reigniting hopes for Delhi.
- 2024: MI took one of the league games. Delhi showed promise with talents like Warner and Mitch Marsh.
- 2025: MI beat DC by 12 runs, thanks to a surprise star — Karn Sharma, who grabbed 3 crucial wickets.
Notable Performances Through the Years
- Rishabh Pant’s 64 in 2018: Announced his arrival with a fearless knock.
- Rohit Sharma’s 68 in the 2020 Final: Led from the front in a title-clinching game.
- Trent Boult’s early wickets in 2020 playoffs: Broke DC’s backbone early.
- Bumrah’s 4/14 in Qualifier 1, 2020: A masterclass in death bowling.
- Lalit Yadav & Axar Patel in 2022: Their calm partnership stunned MI in a low chase.
Final Thoughts
The Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals rivalry has matured over the years — from one-sided contests to some truly epic encounters. Mumbai remains the more decorated team with multiple titles, but Delhi’s rise, particularly in recent seasons, has added real spice to this battle.
As both teams continue to invest in young Indian talent and blend experience with innovation, the future of this rivalry promises even more drama, unforgettable moments, and edge-of-the-seat action.
