IPL 2026: Mukesh Kumar thanks Delhi management after Capitals win Two in a Row

The JSW and GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals earned a six-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, making it two wins from two in the IPL 2026 season, as Sameer Rizvi's aggressive 90 off 51 balls powered a successful chase of 163 with 11 deliveries still remaining.

Delhi Capitals slipped to 7 for 2 early in the pursuit, but Rizvi, again used as the Impact Player, combined with Pathum Nissanka, who made 44 from 30 balls, to rebuild steadily, shift the momentum in the middle overs, and guide the side past Mumbai Indians' total in 18.1 overs.

Delhi Capitals Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 batting, bowling and key figures

Earlier, Mumbai Indians posted 162 for 6 on a slow pitch after being sent in, as the Tigers' attack kept control throughout, with Mukesh Kumar returning 2 for 26 from three overs and receiving

support from skipper Axar Patel, Vipraj Nigam and Lungi Ngidi, who all delivered timely wickets to prevent a late acceleration.

Mukesh Kumar explained the thinking behind Delhi Capitals' approach after the win over Mumbai Indians, saying, "The plan was to bowl first if we won the toss and restrict them to a lower total. That worked well-we kept them to around 160 and went on to win. "

Delhi Capitals Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 impact of Sameer Rizvi and team backing

Rizvi's fluency once settled drew special praise from Mukesh Kumar, who said, "In practice, he's always very positive. He used to say that if he gets going early, he can play a long innings, and he's doing exactly that. It's great for the team and helping us win matches. " Mukesh highlighted how that intent has changed chases for Delhi Capitals this IPL 2026 season.

Sharing more on Rizvi's style for Delhi Capitals against sides like Mumbai Indians, Mukesh added, "Once he settles in, he doesn't hold back. He plays with positive intent, and we're really happy to see that mindset. From the time he joined the camp, you could see his hunger to score runs," underlining how that attitude has become central to the batting plans.

Rizvi pointed to consistent support from the Delhi Capitals setup during IPL 2026, saying, "This isn't just one or two matches; it's a 14-match tournament. If the team doesn't back you, it becomes difficult. Here, everyone supports each other and encourages us to stick to our plans. That backing is very important. " The statement reflected how clarity has helped him perform under pressure against teams like Mumbai Indians.

Mukesh also described the preparation phase that shaped his role for Delhi Capitals before facing Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, saying, "Before the main season, we have practice matches. If you perform well there, the management and team start backing you. I had good practice games and also had regular conversations with Axar bhai during the off-season. He guided me on areas to improve, saying those would be important during the season. That backing from him and the team is now reflecting in my performances. "

With this result, the Tigers maintained a perfect start, recording two wins from two matches, including a successful home opener at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and will next meet Gujarat Titans at the same venue on 8 April 2026 as the IPL 2026 league stage continues for Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians' rivals alike.