Munaf Patel, the bowling coach for Delhi Capitals (DC), stated that the team has not felt the impact of Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc's absence in the ongoing IPL 2026. He highlighted that DC has secured victories in both matches played so far.

Starc's Role and Recovery Status

During a pre-match press conference before DC's game against the Gujarat Titans, Munaf emphasized that while the team has performed well without Starc, his skills are invaluable. He mentioned, "We've won two matches, so his absence hasn't been felt so far. However, if our performance declines, questions will arise. Starc is among the top bowlers globally, comparable only to Jasprit Bumrah in the IPL. His pace, swing, and experience are vital, and we are closely monitoring his recovery."

Starc has not yet joined the DC squad. On March 28, he shared on Instagram that he is recuperating from shoulder and elbow injuries, which he fully recognized after the Australian summer. He expressed regret for missing the start of the season but assured fans of his commitment to return once fit.

Importance of Match Rhythm for Fast Bowlers

Munaf Patel also discussed the significance of match rhythm for fast bowlers, stating that consistent play is essential for maintaining their performance. He noted, "Fast bowlers need rhythm. The more you play, the better your rhythm becomes. Without regular matches, that rhythm diminishes, leading to a higher risk of injuries. If you're not participating in domestic cricket and are sidelined, there's no substitute for match rhythm."

Currently, DC sits in fourth place on the IPL 2026 points table, having won both of their matches, with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.170.