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'That’s why he’s a legend': Axar Patel delighted of Mitchell Starc's impactful return
TL;DR
Mitchell Starc made a strong return to cricket, taking three wickets in his first IPL 2026 match, leading Delhi Capitals to a 7-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals. Axar Patel praised Starc's performance, calling him a legend of the game.
Key points
- Mitchell Starc returned to cricket after three months.
- Starc took three wickets in his first IPL 2026 match.
- Delhi Capitals won against Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets.
- Axar Patel praised Starc's impactful performance.
Mitchell StarcDelhi CapitalsRajasthan Royals
Axar Patel, captain of the Delhi Capitals, heaped praise on Mitchell Starc after the left-arm pacer claimed three wickets in his first game of IPL 2026 as Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc returned to professional cricket after almost three months after recovering from shoulder and elbow injuries, and he got rid of Yashasvi Jaiswal right in his first over to push Rajasthan Royals on the back foot. Then, later in the match in the 17th over, the great Aussie left-armer also dispatched Ravindra Jadeja and Riyan Parag. He eventually finished with figures of 3/40.
Captain Axar Patel remarked him as legend of the game in post match conference after win,
''Obviously. The way he bowled today, that’s why he’s a legend of the game. 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. Very happy that Starc is back and showing everyone why he’s such a great bowler,'' Axar said on Starc.
Delhi outclassed Rajasthan
KL Rahul led a dominant chase as Delhi Capitals defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, successfully hunting down 226 with five balls to spare.
Rahul anchored the innings with a composed 75 off 40 balls, while Pathum Nissanka set the tone early with a rapid 62 off 33. The pair’s 110-run opening stand put Delhi firmly in control. Contributions from Nitish Rana (33 off 17) and an unbeaten finishing stand between Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs ensured a smooth chase.
Earlier, Riyan Parag starred for Rajasthan with a superb 90 off 50 after they slipped to 12/2. He shared a crucial 102-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel (42), helping Royals post 225/6. However, on a batting-friendly pitch, their total proved insufficient as Delhi completed a second successive successful 225+ chase at the venue within a week.
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Q&A
What did Mitchell Starc achieve in his first IPL 2026 match?
Mitchell Starc took three wickets for 40 runs, helping Delhi Capitals defeat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets.
How long was Mitchell Starc out of professional cricket before his return?
Mitchell Starc was out of professional cricket for almost three months due to shoulder and elbow injuries.
What did Axar Patel say about Mitchell Starc's performance?
Axar Patel praised Starc, stating that his performance after a long absence shows why he is considered a legend of the game.
