IPL 2025: Starc Acknowledges Powerplay Wickets' Importance After 5-35

Synopsis

Mitchell Starc, the first fast-bowler for Delhi Capitals to achieve a five-wicket haul in the IPL, stressed the significance of taking wickets in the power-play against Sunrisers Hyderabad's strong batting lineup. His impressive figures of 5-35 played a pivotal role in the match.

Key Takeaways

Mitchell Starc claimed 5 wickets for 35 runs.
Performance instrumental in bowling out SRH for 163.
Starc emphasized the need for early wickets in power-play.
He now holds second-best bowling figures for DC in IPL history.
Enjoys mentoring younger players while competing.

Visakhapatnam, March 30 (NationPress) After achieving the milestone of being the first fast-bowler for Delhi Capitals to secure a five-wicket haul in the Indian Premier League (IPL), left-arm bowler Mitchell Starc emphasized the importance of taking wickets during the power-play, especially against the formidable batting strength of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

At the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Starc delivered an outstanding performance, claiming 5-35 and aiding DC in bowling out SRH for 163 runs in just 18.4 overs. This marked Starc's first five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, where he demonstrated excellent pace variation. Three of his wickets were taken during the power-play, putting SRH on the back foot, while he claimed the remaining two towards the end of the innings.

“We are aware of how powerful the Sunrisers can be. We recognized that taking wickets in the power-play was crucial. Overall, it was a remarkable performance in the first innings. It's a pleasure to be part of a new franchise. In our second game, it’s been wonderful to gel with the team and get acquainted,” he remarked during a mid-innings interview.

Starc now holds the record for the second-best bowling figures by a DC bowler in the IPL, following veteran leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who achieved 5-17, making them the only two players to have taken five wickets for the franchise, the first being against the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural season of 2008. Among Starc's wickets was his Australian teammate Travis Head, whom he dismissed for the sixth time in all formats of professional cricket.

“I believe that’s why he doesn’t face the first ball anymore. I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket. I’m one of the older players now, and I take the chance to mentor the younger ones and assist where possible. I still enjoy playing cricket and love the competitive spirit, which is why I continue to play. At 35, I may not be young, but I hope to still contribute,” he concluded.