Mitchell Starc’s return has given Delhi Capitals a major lift ahead of their pivotal IPL 2026 meeting with Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, with bowling coach Munaf Patel confirming the left-arm pacer is fit to be considered for selection after recovering from injury.
Starc cleared for selection
- Munaf Patel said Starc is available from the next day for team selection following his recovery.
- The coach stopped short of a guaranteed spot in the playing XI, adding that the final call would be made closer to the toss.
- Munaf stressed that Starc’s comeback is a timely boost, noting that the team’s “best bowler” will be part of the XI if he is chosen.
Starc had been sidelined with shoulder and elbow problems. He has rejoined the squad recently and is expected to mark his return with what would be his first competitive appearance since January.
Why DC are banking on their bowling
Munaf Patel underlined the importance of a strong bowling group in T20 cricket, especially in matchups played on high-scoring tracks. He argued that while batters can swing individual games, tournaments are ultimately won by teams that can bowl consistently and control the flow of runs.
With Starc likely to come in as one of the overseas pace options, DC will be looking for added experience and sharper execution, particularly during the powerplay—an area where they have often found runs difficult to contain.
No panic after DC’s recent setbacks
- Delhi head into the clash after a difficult stretch that included being dismissed for 75 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Munaf rejected the idea that the side’s batting group is rattled, saying their mindset and approach were different on that day.
- He pointed to the wicket’s behaviour and the quality of Bengaluru’s bowling as key factors behind the collapse.
- He insisted that losing a single match does not automatically create nervousness ahead of the next one.
DC’s campaign has been volatile, with results swinging between a 250-plus score in one match and a batting breakdown in another. After three wins and four defeats, they now sit in a must-win period where every result carries heavy pressure.
In do-or-die moments, Munaf said, the team’s approach has to be absolute, because a slip in one or two matches can effectively end their chances.
Turnaround plans and lineup expectations
Rajasthan Royals arrive with confidence and momentum, powered by in-form batting figures such as Yashasvi Jaiswal along with the teenage talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. DC, therefore, will need to be at their best to avoid falling behind early.
Munaf kept DC’s tactical details private, joking that if he revealed the strategy right now, the opposition would be prepared by the next day.
He also suggested the lineup will not undergo drastic changes. “There won’t be too many changes,” Munaf said, pointing to the availability of experienced players and adding that a single loss does not mean the entire team has to be reshaped.
