In a timely boost for Delhi Capitals, Mitchell Starc is available for selection against Rajasthan Royals, with bowling coach Munaf Patel confirming the development ahead of their IPL 2026 clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Friday.
Starc, who had been recovering from shoulder and elbow injuries, rejoined the squad earlier this week and is now set to play his first competitive match since January. His return is expected to strengthen a DC bowling attack that has lacked consistency this season.
“He is available from tomorrow. Our best bowler will definitely play, but the final decision will be taken tomorrow. His coming back definitely helps. Fast bowlers who may have struggled in the powerplay will get more support,” Patel said in the pre-match press conference.
Emphasising the role of bowlers in T20 cricket, Patel reiterated his belief in their importance over a tournament.
“I always say this: a match can be won by batters, but a tournament is won by bowlers. Because if you see, even yesterday, around 250 runs were scored. So obviously, if bowlers bowl well, you can win the tournament. Batters can win you a game, but if you don’t bowl well, you cannot win a tournament.”
Reflecting on recent struggles, including DC being bowled out for 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Patel dismissed suggestions of nerves within the batting unit.
“No, we were not nervous. We were playing with a different approach. We wanted to score more runs, but the wicket was doing a bit. They bowled well and took good catches. It is not like if you lose one game, you become nervous in the next game. That is not cricket.”
With the playoff race tightening, Patel stressed the need for full commitment in must-win situations.
“In do-or-die situations, the approach has to be 100 percent. Because you know that if you lose one or two games, you are out of the tournament. So as a unit, you have to give your 100 percent.”
“Our approach will remain the same. We will give our 100 percent and focus on playing good cricket. Whether we bat first or bowl first, the idea is to control the game and minimise mistakes.”
When asked about plans against RR’s batting unit, Patel kept his strategy under wraps.
“If I tell you the strategy now, they will be ready tomorrow. So I cannot tell you the strategy. We will focus on bowling well and executing our plans.”
He also ruled out major changes to the playing XI.
“There won’t be too many changes. We have experienced and performing players in the squad. Unless there is an injury, I don’t think there will be many changes. It is not like you lose and then you start changing everything.”