DC Seek Redemption with Starc, Ngidi Back in Fold
Delhi Capitals are staring down the barrel in IPL 2026. Sitting at seventh place with four wins from nine games, their playoff fate is no longer in their own hands — but they still need to win every remaining match to keep the dream alive. Against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday in Delhi, they might finally field their closest version of a best XI, with the return of two pivotal fast bowlers: Lungi Ngidi and Mitchell Starc.
Long-Awaited Pace Reinforcements
Bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed both players are fully fit ahead of the crucial fixture. Ngidi, who took seven wickets in seven matches before a head injury sidelined him on April 25, cleared the mandatory six-day concussion protocol and is good to go.
“Lungi and all bowlers are 100% fit,” Munaf said. “He did not play the last two games because of the six-day protocol, but he is fully fit now.”
With Ngidi’s early wicket-taking ability and Starc’s instant impact — three wickets on debut against Rajasthan Royals on May 1 — Delhi’s pace attack gains much-needed firepower and credibility.
Starc: The Captain of the Attack
Though he joined the team late, Starc hasn’t needed time to settle. His immediate influence earned high praise from Munaf, who dubbed him the “captain of the fast bowlers” — a nod to his leadership, experience, and strike-rate at the top of the innings.
“He is like the captain of the fast bowlers,” Munaf said. “We wanted to use Indian bowlers early, like Auqib Nabi and Mukesh Kumar, to balance the batting with overseas stars. But when the plan didn’t work, we had to adapt. Now, Starc is here and making an impact right away.”
Struggling for Consistency
Delhi have used 20 players this season — second-highest only to Mumbai Indians’ 24 — a sign of instability and experimentation. With only four overseas player slots, striking the right balance has been tricky.
Sahil Parakh remains the only injury concern, meaning the team has settled on a flexible approach. Pathum Nissanka’s inclusion gave them an extra bowling option, and with Ngidi previously unavailable, the combination made sense. But now, with both Ngidi and Starc fit, clarity returns.
“I don’t think there is a need for further changes,” Munaf added. “Pathum performed well, so we’ll continue with that approach. The focus now is on winning every game. The relaxed mode is over.”
Spin Twins Ready to Shine
At home, DC hope their spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel can exploit any turn or grip. But Munaf tempered expectations over a slow, spinning pitch.
“We have world-class spinners in Kuldeep and Axar — there’s no question of them not playing,” he said. “Slow pitches do help us, but I don’t think it’ll be as slow as people expect. Pitches don’t deteriorate much between games unless there’s weather interference. It might slow down slightly, but not significantly.”
Win or Go Home Mentality
Delhi have won four games, but never more than two in a row. Momentum is elusive, and confidence fragile. “Confidence always comes from winning,” Munaf emphasized. “You can’t build it by losing matches. We’ve already moved on from the last game against CSK. If we keep thinking about it, it will affect us again.”
With the playoffs in sight but slipping away, DC know their margin for error is zero. Ngidi and Starc’s return brings hope, balance, and firepower — but only if they can finally string wins together. The clock is ticking.
