Starc's firepower lifts DC past Royals in IPL 2026 comeback
Synopsis
Starc's IPL return wasn't a gentle reacclimation — it was a statement. Three wickets, disciplined death bowling, and a record chase orchestrated by Rahul and Nissanka: Delhi Capitals have their franchise player back, and it shows. With Ngidi alongside him, the bowling unit now has teeth.
Key Takeaways
Mitchell Starc took 3 for 40 on his IPL 2026 return for Delhi Capitals on 2 May 2026 .
DC chased down Rajasthan Royals' 225 for 6 with seven wickets remaining — their highest-ever run chase in IPL history.
KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka scored half-centuries in the successful chase.
Ian Bishop praised Starc's intensity and 'firepower' despite his lengthy injury layoff.
The win ended DC's three-match losing streak and highlighted the pairing of Starc and Lungi Ngidi in the bowling attack.
Mitchell Starc announced his return to the Indian Premier League in emphatic fashion on 2 May 2026, claiming 3 for 40 in four overs as Delhi Capitals chased down Rajasthan Royals' 225 for 6 with seven wickets to spare. The Australian left-arm pacer, sidelined for an extended period due to shoulder and elbow injuries, made an immediate impact in a match that saw DC register their highest-ever run chase in IPL history.
Starc's spell turns the tide
Starc struck early when Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed him for a six off the opening delivery, but the pacer responded instantly, dismissing the opener two balls later with a sharp comeback. Despite conceding 16 runs across his opening two overs, Starc regained control in the death phase, removing Ravindra Jadeja and a well-set Riyan Parag — who had compiled 90 — to halt Rajasthan's momentum at a critical juncture.
Bishop's assessment
Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, praised Starc's intensity despite the extended layoff. "I had a question in my own mind: what sort of form will he come into this after that protracted break that he had. But he's brought some firepower with him. It was pleasing," Bishop said, adding that Starc's figures would have been stronger had his final over not yielded runs.
Balancing the overseas contingent
Bishop highlighted the strategic value of pairing Starc with fellow overseas seamer Lungi Ngidi, noting that the combination offers DC flexibility with two overseas batsmen and two overseas pace bowlers. "I am glad to see Mitch come with what he has come," Bishop remarked, underscoring the importance of Starc's return to the franchise's bowling architecture.
DC's dominant chase
Delhi Capitals powered their record-breaking pursuit through half-centuries from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, with Nitish Rana providing aggressive support in the middle order. The victory ended a three-match losing streak and marked a significant turnaround for the franchise, powered in equal measure by Starc's disciplined bowling and the batting unit's clinical execution.
What's next for DC
With Starc back in the fold and the batting lineup firing, Delhi Capitals will look to build momentum in the remainder of the tournament. The pacer's fitness and form will be closely monitored as DC aim to convert this win into a sustained run of victories.
Point of View
With a genuine left-arm threat and express pace back in the fold, their bowling unit has the backbone it lacked. Paired with Ngidi, Starc gives DC options. The real test is consistency across a full tournament, but this outing suggests the injury layoff hasn't dulled his edge.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wickets did Mitchell Starc take on his IPL return?
Mitchell Starc claimed 3 for 40 in four overs for Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals on 2 May 2026. He dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Riyan Parag, with his spell proving crucial in the death phase.
What was the target Delhi Capitals chased?
Delhi Capitals chased down Rajasthan Royals' 225 for 6, achieving their highest-ever run chase in IPL history with seven wickets remaining.
Who scored the key runs in DC's chase?
KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka each scored half-centuries, while Nitish Rana provided aggressive support in the middle order to power Delhi's record-breaking chase.
Why did Ian Bishop praise Starc's performance?
Bishop lauded Starc's intensity and 'firepower' despite a protracted injury layoff, noting that the pacer brought much-needed pace and discipline to Delhi Capitals' bowling attack, particularly in the death overs.
How does Starc's return strengthen Delhi Capitals?
Pairing Starc with fellow overseas seamer Lungi Ngidi gives Delhi Capitals a balanced bowling unit with two overseas batsmen and two overseas pace bowlers, providing tactical flexibility that the franchise had lacked.
