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 \u201cno bigger bowler than him\u201d in the IPL. Patel went a step further when comparing Starc\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Ahead of DC\u2019s encounter against Gujarat Titans, Patel said he\u2019s been checking in on Starc\u2019s situation regularly, noting that he asks about the left-arm speedster\u2019s arrival on a daily basis. While the team has managed wins so far, he acknowledged that it\u2019s not something that will be taken for granted. \u201cWe have won two games so it has not been felt,\u201d Patel said with a light touch. He then underlined why Starc\u2019s presence matters: \u201cIf we don\u2019t 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\u2014he 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,\u201d Patel added.<\/p>\n
Within the DC setup, Patel says he\u2019s 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. \u201cThe guys who bowl at 150 are not playing. If they don\u2019t 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Patel also spoke at length about Ngidi, who has drawn attention recently for the way he\u2019s been using variations to trouble batters. \u201cLungi 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\u2019t try to bowl at express pace. He uses his yorkers and slower ones effectively,\u201d Patel said. On Aquib Nabi, he highlighted both attitude and preparation. \u201cHe 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,\u201d Patel added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":985,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Munaf Patel On When Mitchell Starc Joins Delhi Capitals IPL 2026","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Munaf Patel gives an IPL 2026 timeline for Mitchell Starc\u2019s arrival at Delhi Capitals, praising his impact and explaining why he\u2019s key to the pace attack.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n