Courtesy: BCCI/IPL/Google
Former South Africa speedster Dale Steyn justified Australia star pacer Mitchell Starc’s price tag in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Starc did an exceptional job for Delhi Capitals (DC) with the ball against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025 game held at Arun Jaitley Stadium. In the last over of the second innings, when RR were required just nine to win, the left-handed bowler showcased his bowling brilliance and took the game to the Super Over. He again emerged as a headache for RR in the Super Over as this time, he splurged only 11 runs against power-hitters Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer. In DC’s sensational win, the Aussie got the player of the match (POTM) award.
Starc’s performance against the Pink Army has become a hot topic in cricketing circles. Legends of the sport are praising the sensational efforts of the 35-year-old. Steyn, who was known for being lethal against batters during his playing days, took to X after witnessing Starc’s bowling in the final over of the second innings and posted a tweet for him. The former Protea bowler wrote, “That’s why you pay him the big bucks.”
Steyn alluded to the legendary pacer’s price tag in the distinguished league. In the 2024 IPL auction, the veteran emerged as the costliest player after bagging a contract worth INR 24.75 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Following his heavy amount, fans blasted KKR for spending huge bucks for a bowler. In the 2025 auction, DC snapped him up for INR 11.75 crore and his critics again emerged to berate the Delhi-based franchise for splurging money on the Aussie legend.
Tristan Stubbs held his nerves to help DC bag their fifth win in IPL 2025
After Starc’s extraordinary bowling effort in the Super Over, DC were tasked to chase 12 runs. RR trusted Sandeep Sharma to defend the score against KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs. Rahul evaded a run out on the first delivery while stealing a couple of runs. On the second ball, the right-handed batter struck a four.
With six required off four, the veteran took a single and brought Stubbs on strike. DC, who were now required five off three, saw the courageous side of the Protea batter as he smacked the delivery hard and put it among the spectators to take Capitals home with two balls to spare.
