Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop was impressed by the firepower Mitchell Starc brought to his first appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after recovering from shoulder and elbow issues.
Starc, who joined Delhi Capitals (DC) more than a month into the tournament, made an immediate impact, returning figures of 3 for 40 in his four-over spell against Rajasthan Royals, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja.
“I had a question in my own mind: what sort of form will he come into after that protracted break that he had. But he’s brought some firepower with him. It was pleasing. The last over went for a few runs, otherwise the figures would have been a lot better,” said Bishop as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
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Starc was hit for a six off the very first ball of the match by Jaiswal, but he responded quickly, dismissing the batter just two deliveries later with a high full toss. He later returned to bowl the 17th over, where he removed Jadeja for 20 and, two balls later, sent back a rampaging Parag for 90.
“I am happy with that from DC’s point of view. They needed that. With Lungi [Ngidi] and Starc playing together [in future matches], it will form a nice thing with two overseas batters and two overseas seam bowlers. I am glad to see Mitch come with what he has come,” said Bishop.
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Ambati Rayudu, on the other hand, was impressed not just with Starc’s bowling but also his attitude on the field. He highlighted a moment at backward point early in the 16th over, where Starc put in a diving effort to save a few runs.
“More than his bowling, there was a moment in the game that showed me that he is really ready. He had a diving stop at point, which shows that his body is good and he is feeling good about himself and he is ready for the challenge. And we have also seen him speak in the huddle. He was quite animated the way he was speaking. He is into it and it is good for such a big cricketer to really be in the game. He wants to prove a point,” said Rayudu.
