Delhi Capitals bowler Mukesh Kumar fined 10% of match fees; here's why

IPL 2025 news: Delhi Capitals pacer Mukesh Kumar has been fined 10% of his match fees after being found guilty of breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. The incident occurred during a crucial match against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 season, which also marked Delhi Capitals¡¯ exit from the tournament.

Mukesh Kumar fined for Code of Conduct breach

Delhi Capitals pace bowler Mukesh Kumar was punished for breaking the IPL Code of Conduct during a match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. According to the official IPL statement, he was fined 10% of his match fees and given one demerit point for his behaviour on the field.

The offence falls under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which relates to the abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during a match. The right-arm seamer accepted the match referee¡¯s sanction and admitted to the offence, making the decision final and binding as per IPL rules for Level 1 breaches.

Here's the IPL statement on Mukesh Kumar

"Mukesh Kumar has been fined 10 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated One Demerit Point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team¡¯s match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday,"

"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.

"For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee¡¯s decision is final and binding."

A tough match for Delhi Capitals

Mukesh Kumar | Credit: Reuters

Delhi Capitals were already under pressure going into the match, as they needed a win to stay in the race for the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, the team fell short, losing by 59 runs to Mumbai Indians. Chasing a target of 181, Delhi collapsed for just 121 runs in 18.2 overs on a slow pitch.

The Capitals lost early wickets, including stand-in captain Faf du Plessis and Lokesh Rahul, within the first three overs. This early collapse left the team struggling, and they never really recovered. The middle-order was dismantled by Mumbai¡¯s bowlers, with Mitchell Santner taking 3 for 11 and Jasprit Bumrah grabbing 3 for 12.

Mukesh Kumar struggles in fithe nal overs

Mukesh Kumar, who had an otherwise impressive last year IPL season with 17 wickets in 10 games, was taken apart in the final over of the Mumbai innings. Naman Dhir and Suryakumar Yadav punished him with a flurry of boundaries, adding 48 runs in the last two overs of the innings. Dhir smashed Mukesh for two sixes and two fours, while Yadav reached his fifty with a six and remained unbeaten on 73.

Despite Mukesh Kumar taking two wickets, he conceded 48 runs in four overs, which proved costly for Delhi Capitals.

Mukesh Kumar: A key player for Delhi Capitals

Mukesh Kumar, originally from Bihar and later representing Bengal in domestic cricket, has been a vital part of the Delhi Capitals squad since IPL 2023. The franchise retained him using the Right to Match (RTM) card at the IPL 2025 Auction for ?8 crore, recognising his strong performance in the previous season.

He made his India debut across all formats during the Caribbean tour in 2023 and quickly became known for his swing bowling and control. His rise in Indian cricket has been steady, and despite this recent setback, he remains a valuable player for Delhi Capitals.

Delhi Capitals¡¯ IPL 2025 campaign comes to an end

With this loss to Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals have been knocked out of IPL 2025. They ended their campaign with mixed performances and missed out on a playoff spot. Their inability to chase down targets and inconsistent batting lineup proved to be their downfall.

Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, have secured their spot in the top four with 16 points and will keep pushing for another IPL trophy.

While the fine imposed on Mukesh Kumar is a minor setback, it highlights the importance of discipline in high-pressure games like the IPL. As Delhi Capitals look ahead to the next season, they will need to regroup and reflect on what went wrong. For Mukesh Kumar, this incident is a learning experience as he continues to grow in his IPL and international career.

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