Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel revealed that Australian Pacer Axar Patel has joined the squad and will be available for selection from May 1. Patel spoke after his side suffered a blowout nine-wicket loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home, on Monday. During the game, fans were expecting Starc to feature in the playing XI, since he landed in India last week, considering he is fit to play. However, since the Aussie didn’t play against the defending champions, skipper Patel revealed his availability date.
He said that Starc has received the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) and is expected to feature in the upcoming games. "Yes, Mitchell Starc has joined. He has got the NOC from the 1st, so he can play after that. His workload is being monitored. Whenever he is available, we will look to play him.”
Delhi aims to get back on track with Mitchell Starc’s return
With Starc’s return in the squad, fans are expecting that Delhi’s bowling attack will be bolstered considering the team is heading into a crucial phase of the tournament. The Aussie is known for his ability to deliver in clinical situations, and can provide the much-needed experience to firepower the bowling lineup. Notably, Starc has been out of action since late January after a heavy workload.
He was named the Player of the Series in the Ashes, for claiming 31 wickets at an average of 19.93. During the series, the left-armer bowled over 150 overs before featuring in five games for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL). In his last played game against the Perth Scorchers, the 36-year-old suffered a left shoulder injury while attempting a catch.
As for Delhi, the team is on a three-game losing streak, and would aim to bounce back during their next clash against Rajasthan Royals on May 1 in Jaipur.
