DC Bank on Fit-Again Ngidi and ‘Captain of the Fast Bowlers’ Starc
Delhi Capitals Set to Put Best XI on the Field with Return of Starc and Ngidi
Delhi Capitals (DC) have used 20 players in IPL 2026, with only Mumbai Indians (MI) using more, at 24. However, with the return of Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi, DC might finally be able to put their best XI on the field.
Starc and Ngidi Headline Fast-Bowling Attack
Starc joined DC late, in the last week of April, and has already made an impact, picking up three wickets in his first game. Ngidi, who was out with a head injury, is now fully fit and ready to go. “Lungi and all bowlers are 100% fit,” said bowling coach Munaf Patel. “He did not play the last two games because of the six-day protocol [for head injuries], but he is fully fit now.”
Importance of Bowling in Partnerships
Munaf emphasized the importance of bowling in partnerships, saying, “A wicket in the first six overs makes a big difference. That is why bowling in partnerships becomes very important.” With Starc and Ngidi leading the charge, DC hope to get their combination right and make a push for the playoffs.
DC’s Position on the Points Table
DC are currently seventh on the points table, with four wins in nine games. “Obviously, we play every match to win, but now the relaxed mode is over. If you want to qualify, you have to win all the matches,” said Munaf. With Sahil Parakh the only player out with an injury, DC are looking to get on a roll and build some momentum.
Pitch Conditions and Spin Twins
The game against CSK is in Delhi, DC’s home ground, but Munaf is not expecting a pitch that will bring his spin twins, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, into play. “We have world-class spinners in the form of Kuldeep and Axar. There is no question of them not playing. If the wickets are slow, it actually benefits us because we have quality spinners,” he said. “But I don’t think the wickets will be as slow as people expect. With the time available between matches, pitches don’t slow down that much unless there is weather interference.”
Building Confidence through Winning
Munaf emphasized the importance of building confidence through winning, saying, “Confidence always comes from winning. You cannot build confidence by losing matches.” DC have won four games, but not more than two in a row at any stage. They will be looking to get on a bit of a roll and make a push for the playoffs.
