Mitchell Starc Returns With Three Wickets, Delhi Capitals Secure Vital IPL Win

Key facts

• Mitchell Starc took three wickets for Delhi Capitals on Friday night.
• Starc returned to play after recovering from shoulder and elbow injuries.
• He dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Riyan Parag.
• Rajasthan Royals scored 225 runs.
• Delhi Capitals chased down the target with seven wickets and five balls to spare.
• KL Rahul scored 75 and Pathum Nissanka 62 for Delhi.
• Riyan Parag top-scored for Rajasthan with 90.

Starc's Resurgence Fuels Delhi Capitals' Victory

Mitchell Starc marked his return to competitive cricket after a three-month layoff with a decisive bowling performance, claiming three crucial wickets to help Delhi Capitals secure a vital victory against Rajasthan Royals on Friday night. The Australian pace spearhead, playing his first match of the 2026 Indian Premier League season, immediately put the Rajasthan Royals on the back foot, demonstrating why he is considered a legend of the game. His return comes at a critical juncture for the Delhi Capitals, who had endured a difficult run of form, losing five of their previous eight matches. This win, however, injects much-needed momentum into their campaign and keeps their playoff aspirations alive. The match, held at Rajasthan Royals' Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, saw Starc deliver a performance that belied his recent absence due to shoulder and elbow injuries. The bowler himself acknowledged the significance of getting back into the rhythm of match play, stating it was good to "get some cobwebs out" and "get some miles in the legs."

Immediate Impact in Jaipur

Starc's first over set the tone, as he removed the dangerous Yashasvi Jaiswal, pushing Rajasthan Royals onto the defensive early on. While Jaiswal managed to hit Starc's first delivery for six, the bowler quickly adjusted, and Jaiswal spooned a catch to the bowler off a full toss. Later in the innings, during the 17th over, Starc further dismantled the Royals' batting lineup by dismissing both Ravindra Jadeja and Riyan Parag. Jadeja was deceived by a slower ball, while Parag, who had been building a formidable innings, was cramped for room. These wickets were instrumental in restricting Rajasthan's scoring potential. Despite these early breakthroughs, Rajasthan Royals managed to post a formidable total of 225, largely due to a stellar 90-run knock from captain Riyan Parag and an unbeaten 47 from Donovan Ferreira. The total set a high bar for the Delhi Capitals' chase.

Captains Laud Starc's Match-Winning Presence

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel was effusive in his praise for Starc's immediate contribution. "The way he bowled today, that’s why he’s a legend of the game," Patel stated. "After three months away, coming back and delivering a performance like this on a wicket like this — it tells you how big a player he is." Patel highlighted the importance of removing opposition key batters, particularly in the powerplay, as a critical factor in match outcomes. "If you can get the wickets of the opposition’s main batters — the ones who can change the game in the powerplay — then at that moment there’s nobody happier than me," he added. Starc himself expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that he felt he was able to execute his skills effectively, even though he had only bowled to a batter in practice a few nights prior. His return is a significant boost for a Delhi team that has struggled for consistency.

A Chase Built on Solid Foundations

In response, Delhi Capitals launched their chase with a commanding century-plus partnership between Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul. Nissanka scored 62 off 33 balls, while Rahul provided the anchor with 75 runs from 40 deliveries, setting a strong foundation at an impressive run rate of 12 runs per over. Their efforts allowed the middle order, including Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, and Ashutosh Sharma, to play with freedom. They contributed important cameos, ensuring that Delhi maintained the required scoring rate and could navigate the closing overs with confidence. The Capitals ultimately reached their target of 226 in 19.1 overs, securing victory with seven wickets in hand. This successful chase underscored the team's batting depth and their ability to perform under pressure, especially after recent disappointing results.

IPL Context and Playoff Hopes

The victory is particularly significant for Delhi Capitals, who had experienced a turbulent period, including a record-breaking chase conceded and being bowled out for 75 in a previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their win against an in-form Rajasthan Royals, who sit fourth in the standings, propels them closer to the playoff spots. Following this match, Delhi Capitals are now four points behind Rajasthan Royals, who occupy the final qualifying position. Starc's return provides Delhi with a potent strike bowler, a crucial asset as they aim to climb the table and contend for the IPL title. Starc's final figures of 3 wickets for 40 runs in his first outing since the BBL final on January 25 demonstrate his immediate impact. While he acknowledged the need to regain full match fitness, his performance suggests he is well on his way to recapturing his best form.

The bottom line

• Mitchell Starc has returned to competitive cricket after a three-month injury layoff, taking three wickets for Delhi Capitals.
• His performance was instrumental in Delhi's victory over Rajasthan Royals, keeping their IPL playoff hopes alive.
• Starc dismissed key Rajasthan batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Riyan Parag.
• Delhi Capitals successfully chased a target of 226 runs, with significant contributions from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka.
• The win marks a crucial turnaround for Delhi, who had lost five of their previous eight matches.
• Starc's return provides Delhi with a much-needed boost in their bowling attack for the remainder of the season.