Cricket – Mitchell Starc’s Late Spell Powers Delhi Capitals to Crucial Win
Cricket – Mitchell Starc delivered a decisive spell at the death as Delhi Capitals defeated Rajasthan Royals by five wickets in a tightly contested IPL clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.
Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani praised Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc after the left-arm pacer produced a game-changing performance against Rajasthan Royals, calling him one of cricket’s finest role models both on and off the field. Badani said Starc’s value to the team extends far beyond wickets, highlighting the veteran’s influence on younger players in the squad.
Starc Turns Match Around in Final Overs
Rajasthan Royals appeared firmly in control after reaching 160 for 2 in 14 overs and looked set for a total close to 200. However, Starc’s disciplined bowling in the closing stages completely shifted the momentum. The experienced pacer finished with four wickets, restricting Rajasthan to a below-par finish as only 33 runs came from the final six overs.
Starc initially struggled on a surface that had earlier produced high scores this season. He conceded 28 runs in his opening two overs without taking a wicket. But captain Axar Patel’s decision to bring him back during the 15th over proved decisive.
The Australian adjusted his pace smartly, relying heavily on slower deliveries and precise yorkers. His variation and control made it difficult for Rajasthan batters to attack freely during the death overs.
Key Dismissals Changed Rajasthan’s Momentum
One of Starc’s major breakthroughs came when he dismissed Riyan Parag, who had earlier reached a rapid half-century. The batter mistimed a slower delivery and was caught at long-on. On the following ball, Donovan Ferreira departed for a duck after another mistimed shot.
Although Ravi Singh interrupted the sequence with a boundary, Starc quickly responded by trapping him leg-before wicket with another slower ball, a decision later confirmed through DRS. He then removed Dasun Shanaka with a sharp full delivery to complete a remarkable four-wicket spell, recording the best bowling figures for a Delhi Capitals bowler this season.
Badani Highlights Starc’s Leadership Qualities
Speaking after the match, Badani praised Starc’s professionalism and commitment, saying younger players in the dressing room constantly benefit from his experience. According to the Delhi Capitals coach, Starc regularly shares insights about reverse swing, field planning, bowling lengths, and handling pressure situations.
Badani also pointed to Starc’s performances in international cricket, especially during recent Ashes contests, as evidence of his ability to influence major tournaments almost single-handedly. He said the pacer’s work ethic and preparation standards remain exceptional even after many years at the highest level.
Injuries Limited Starc’s Availability
The Delhi Capitals coach also expressed disappointment over Starc missing a significant part of the season because of shoulder and elbow concerns. Badani admitted franchises often have limited control when national cricket boards manage player workloads and availability.
He explained that decisions taken by governing bodies and national teams sometimes prevent IPL franchises from accessing their overseas stars throughout the season. Similar situations also affected other Australian fast bowlers in recent years.
Despite those interruptions, Starc has consistently delivered strong performances whenever available. Earlier this season in Jaipur, he produced another impactful spell against Rajasthan Royals. His previous performances against the same opposition, including a dramatic Super Over success last season in New Delhi, have strengthened his reputation as a dependable match-winner for Delhi Capitals.
Madhav Tiwari Earns Special Praise
Apart from Starc, Badani also applauded young all-rounder Madhav Tiwari for his impressive contribution with the ball. Tiwari used slower deliveries effectively to dismiss Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey during the middle overs.
The coach said the franchise had identified Tiwari as a cricketer capable of contributing across multiple phases of a T20 innings. He added that the team management wanted to introduce fresh energy into the squad after some senior players struggled for consistency this season.
Badani noted that Tiwari’s ability to swing the ball and deliver under pressure made him an exciting option for the future. Delhi Capitals’ recent success with younger players, he said, has strengthened the team’s confidence heading into the remainder of the tournament.