Delhi Capitals Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao has stated that the availability of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc will be confirmed within a week.
This remark came following DC’s 24-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings in their second successive loss of the current season.
Starc has not yet joined 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 apologised to the Delhi Capitals and fans for missing the early part of the season but affirmed his commitment to join the team once fit.
Venugopal Rao commented on Starc’s situation during the post-match press conference, saying, “I think in a week we will let you 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 before 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 squad, capturing 17 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.11.
Venugopal also addressed his team’s fielding performance, recognising it as an area in need of significant improvement. “I think fielding was one area that we need to improve a lot. If we fielded well, we could have saved 15-20 runs, and it would have helped us a lot,” he said.
The director further praised Chennai Super Kings batsman Sanju Samson following his unbeaten century. “He is a class player, boss. You need to accept it. For him coming to a new franchise, obviously a big run is always important. I think this hundred might help him for the next few games,” Venugopal added.
Chennai Super Kings ended their six-match home losing streak with their first win of the season. Batting first, CSK posted 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 contributing 59 off 36 balls with three fours and four sixes.
In response, Delhi Capitals started with a 62-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka (41 in 24 balls) and KL Rahul. Tristan Stubbs added a resilient 60 off 30 balls, but their effort was curtailed by the bowling of Jamie Overton (4/18) and Anshul Kamboj (3/35), who frequently took wickets to restrict DC’s innings.