Delhi Capitals have started their campaign on a strong note, winning their opening two matches even without Mitchell Starc in the mix. Despite that early success, bowling coach Munaf Patel is clearly focused on getting his pace leader integrated with the group as soon as possible, stressing that in his view there is “no bigger bowler than him” in the IPL. Patel went a step further when comparing Starc’s impact, saying the only fast bowler in the league who comes close in his mind is Jasprit Bumrah. Starc, however, is still waiting for the necessary clearance from Cricket Australia, and he is also dealing with a shoulder issue.
Ahead of DC’s encounter against Gujarat Titans, Patel said he’s been checking in on Starc’s situation regularly, noting that he asks about the left-arm speedster’s arrival on a daily basis. While the team has managed wins so far, he acknowledged that it’s not something that will be taken for granted. “We have won two games so it has not been felt,” Patel said with a light touch. He then underlined why Starc’s presence matters: “If we don’t do well, it depends. He is one of the best in the world. There is no bigger bowler in the IPL than Starc. Bumrah is the only one I can think of. He has so much experience—he swings at 140 kmph plus with the new ball. I follow up with the team every day. Cricket Australia will update us. We need him as our main bowler,” Patel added.
Within the DC setup, Patel says he’s enjoying the work with a varied group of pacers and bowlers, including Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan and Aquib Nabi. When asked about fast bowlers who regularly reach or exceed 150 kmph and yet often end up breaking down, Patel offered a wry explanation that linked availability directly with workload and rhythm. “The guys who bowl at 150 are not playing. If they don’t play they will stay injured. We have come from a system that the more you bowl the more rhythm you have. When you are injured and not in rhythm, you will automatically get injured,” he said.
Patel also spoke at length about Ngidi, who has drawn attention recently for the way he’s been using variations to trouble batters. “Lungi with his limitations, he is a very good bowler. He is a good man, he is an easy man to handle unlike other foreigners. He has a good idea of how to bowl on these wickets. He doesn’t try to bowl at express pace. He uses his yorkers and slower ones effectively,” Patel said. On Aquib Nabi, he highlighted both attitude and preparation. “He is fond of bowling, has a great work ethic. IPL kee hawa nahi lagi hain ab tak (He has not got the hang of IPL yet). He took 60 wickets in Ranji Trophy, it is a big deal. He is ready to play for us. He could play anytime including as an impact player,” Patel added.
