Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel on Monday confirmed that Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has joined the squad and will be available for selection from May 1.
Speaking after DC’s heavy loss to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday, Axar said Starc has received the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) and is expected to feature in the upcoming matches.
“Yes, Mitchell Starc has joined. He has got the NOC from the 1st, so he can play after that. His workload is being monitored. Whenever he is available, we will look to play him,” said Axar during the post-match press conference.
Starc’s return is set to strengthen Delhi’s bowling attack as the tournament moves to the crucial stage. Known for his speed and ability to handle pressure, the left-arm pacer brings valuable experience and firepower to the Capitals’ lineup.
The 36-year-old has been out since late January after a heavy workload during the Ashes, where he was named Player of the Series for taking 31 wickets at an average of 19.93. He bowled more than 150 overs across five Tests and then played five matches for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.
His last game was against the Perth Scorchers, where he injured his left shoulder and elbow while trying to take a catch. Although he rested in February, some lingering discomfort when he resumed bowling delayed his return for the IPL.
Meanwhile, Delhi suffered a heavy defeat against Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday.
RCB chose to bowl first, where Josh Hazlewood (4/12) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/5) bundled Delhi out for just 75 in 16.3 overs. Abishek Porel (30) and David Miller (19) were the only ones to put up some fight.
In reply, RCB chased down the target quickly. Jacob Bethell (20 off 10), Devdutt Padikkal (34* off 13) and Virat Kohli (25* off 13) wrapped up the match in just 6.3 overs.
With this win, RCB now have six wins from eight matches and 12 points, placing them second on the points table. Delhi, on the other hand, have lost five out of eight games and are currently placed seventh in the standings.
