Delhi Capitals have started their campaign strongly, winning their opening two games even without Mitchell Starc in the playing group. However, bowling coach Munaf Patel made it clear that the franchise is keen to welcome Starc into the squad as soon as possible, stressing that he is among the standout pace threats in the IPL. Starc is yet to receive his No Objection Certificate from Cricket Australia and is also managing a shoulder injury.<\/p>\n
Ahead of Delhi Capitals\u2019 match against Gujarat Titans, Patel said he has been monitoring Starc\u2019s situation closely on a daily basis, waiting for confirmation on his availability. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, he explained that updates on the timing of Starc\u2019s arrival are expected to come from multiple sides, including the Australian board and Starc\u2019s support staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cI check in with people every day\u2014asking about when he\u2019ll be able to join, by when he\u2019s expected, and what the exact details are\u2014because he\u2019s crucial for us as a lead bowler. Honestly, I\u2019m asking the same questions every day. Right now, there\u2019s no clear update on when he\u2019ll come, since the information has to be provided by Cricket Australia, his physio, or his trainer,\u201d Patel said.<\/p>\n
Patel also acknowledged that the absence of Starc has not weighed heavily on the team so far, given the two victories. \u201cWe have won two games, so it hasn\u2019t been felt,\u201d he added, offering a lighter remark in the same interaction.<\/p>\n
Turning more reflective, Patel underlined why Starc\u2019s return matters should results demand it. \u201cIf we don\u2019t perform, then it depends. He is one of the best in the world. There is no bigger bowler in the IPL than Starc. Jasprit Bumrah is the only one I can think of. He has so much experience and he swings it at 140 kmph or more with the new ball. I stay in touch with the team every day. Cricket Australia will update us. We need him as our main bowler,\u201d Patel said.<\/p>\n
Patel further shared that he is enjoying his day-to-day work with Delhi\u2019s fast-bowling resources, naming Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan and Aquib Nabi as players he has been spending time with. He said the coaching environment has been productive while the squad navigates Starc\u2019s delayed availability.<\/p>\n
When asked about fast bowlers who regularly operate at 150 kmph and often end up sidelined due to injury, Patel responded with a cautionary perspective. \u201cThe guys who bowl at 150 are not playing. If they don\u2019t play, they will remain injured. We come from a system that the more you bowl, the more rhythm you build. When you\u2019re injured and out of rhythm, you\u2019ll naturally be more prone to getting injured again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Delhi Capitals have started their campaign strongly, winning their opening two games even without Mitchell Starc in the playing group. However, bowling coach Munaf Patel…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"IPL 2026: DC Munaf Patel Pushes for Starc Soon","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Delhi Capitals\u2019 Munaf Patel says they\u2019re pushing to bring in Mitchell Starc fast\u2014after two wins\u2014despite his injury and pending NOC from CA.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1046","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n