Mitchell Starc a miss but Delhi Capitals continue to look for options: Bowling coach Munaf Patel

Mitchell Starc a miss but Delhi Capitals continue to look for options: Bowling coach Munaf Patel (Source: Delhi Capitals)

Delhi Capitals will look to return to winning ways as they take on Mumbai Indians in a must-win encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday, as the iconic venue hosts the Match No. 63 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Reflecting on the season so far and their upcoming match against MI, Delhi Capitals’ bowling coach Munaf Patel said that they are naturally under a little amount of pressure, since it happens to be a do-or-die game for the franchise.

“Ofcourse, there’s a bit of pressure as it is a must-win game for us. If we lose this one (against MI), we will be out of the tournament. Yes, there were some mistakes, and we were not able to capitalise on some occasions. But the atmosphere in the team is very good, and we are still very positive. We are just focusing on the next game,” he said.

Munaf lavished praise on wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul for the kind of batting he has been doing for the franchise despite being a late entrant into their playing combination. Rahul, who is also the highest run-getter for the franchise this season so far, has been able to rise to the occasion whenever the team needed him, reckoned Munaf.

“He is doing extraordinary batting. He has batted on different spots and has still managed to score runs. He has put his hand up whenever the team needed. Overall, he has been doing a great job for us,” he said.

Asked about pacer Mitchell Starc’s absence, the former right-handed fast bowler said, “(Mitchell) Starc has been a very important player for us. He is someone who bowls quick and has the ability to swing as well. We are playing in Mumbai, where there is bounce and swing. So, definitely, it matters, but we will have to look towards other options in his absence.”

Delhi Capitals are presently placed at number 5 in the points table with 13 points from 12 matches. A win in this match will keep them alive in the qualification race, whereas a loss would kick them out of the IPL 2025 Playoffs. In case the Hardik Pandya-led side manages to pull things off, it would down the curtains upon Axar Patel & Co.’s further participation in the tournament, leaving their game against Punjab Kings a dead rubber.

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