Delhi Capitals director of cricket Venugopal Rao has stated that Australian pacer Mitchell Starc’s availability will be confirmed within a week. This comment came after DC’s 24-run loss to Chennai Super Kings in their second consecutive loss of the current season.
Starc is yet to join the Delhi Capitals squad, with the Australian revealing on March 28 via Instagram that he is recovering from shoulder and elbow injuries identified after the Australian summer. He apologized to the Delhi Capitals and the fans for missing the early part of the season but affirmed his commitment to join the team once he is fit.
Venugopal Rao commented on Starc’s situation during the post-match press conference and said, “I think in a week we will let him know.”
Starc’s previous season with Delhi Capitals saw him take 14 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 26.14 and an economy rate of 10.16, including a five-wicket haul. Throughout his IPL career, representing Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru against DC, Starc has taken 65 wickets in 52 matches at an average of 23.12, with two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul. He was an important part of KKR’s 2024 trophy-winning team, capturing 17 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.11.
Venugopal also touched on his team’s fielding performance, recognizing it as an area that needs significant improvement. “I think fielding was an area where we need to improve a lot. If we had played well, we could have saved 15 to 20 runs, and it would have helped us a lot,” he said.
The director also praised Chennai Super Kings batsman Sanju Samson after his unbeaten century. “He is a class player, boss. You have to accept it. For him coming to a new franchise, obviously a big run is always important. I think this hundred could help him for the upcoming games,” Venugopal added.
Chennai Super Kings ended their six-match losing streak at home with their first win of the season. Batting first, CSK scored 212 for 2 in 20 overs with Sanju Samson scoring 115 not out off 56 balls, including 15 fours and four sixes, and Ayush Mhatre contributed 59 off 36 balls with three fours and four sixes.
In response, Delhi Capitals began with a 62-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka (41 off 24 balls) and KL Rahul. Tristan Stubbs added a resilient 60 off 30 balls but his effort was limited by the bowling of Jamie Overton (4/18) and Anshul Kamboj (3/35), who frequently took wickets to restrict DC’s innings.