DC vs GT, IPL 2026: Whether we win or lose upcoming games depends on Starc, says Capitals’ bowling coach Munaf Patel

Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack hasn’t yet allowed the absence of spearhead Mitchell Starc to be felt. The Australian left-arm pacer has been unable to join the team owing to a shoulder and elbow injury sustained during the home season Down Under.

It hasn’t hindered DC from notching up two wins on the trot. In both performances, the bowlers played their part, bundling out Lucknow Super Giants for 141 and then restricting Mumbai Indians to 162 for six.

Still, DC’s bowling coach Munaf Patel is under no illusion about his team being able to make do without Starc.

“We have won two matches. So, people may think Starc’s absence is not being felt. But whether we win or don’t win in the coming games will depend on him. A big bowler is a big bowler. I don’t think there is a greater bowler than Starc in the IPL. There’s (Jasprit) Bumrah that Starc can be compared with.

“Starc has a lot of experience. He swings the new ball at 140kmph-plus. I am following his injury timeline regularly and asking every day when he will return. There is no update yet,” Munaf told the media on Tuesday.

While Starc is away, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi has been doing a stellar job with his deadly off-cutters.

“Ngidi has a good idea of bowling on different wickets,” Munaf observed. “He knows his variations. He is not the sort of bowler who tries to bowl at 150 kmph and gets hit. He stays within his limitations.”

Published on Apr 07, 2026