Mitchell Starc hailed as a role model by Badani while Delhi Capitals cling to IPL play‑off hopes

It was a night of nerves and neon lights in Delhi, and the Delhi Capitals managed to scrape a crucial victory that still leaves them breathing a little easier about a place in the IPL playoffs. The win, driven by a tight bowl‑off and some hard‑won runs, sparked a wave of optimism across the squad.

Amid the celebrations, head coach Gautam Badani found a moment to single out Australia’s spearhead, Mitchell Starc. “He’s more than a fast bowler for us,” Badani said, eyes gleaming. “He’s a role model – his work ethic, his discipline, the way he handles pressure – that’s something every kid in our camp should watch.”

The comment came after Starc’s spell of three wickets for just twenty‑nine runs, a performance that turned the tide when the Capitals were wobbling at 86 for three. His thunderous deliveries not only rattled the opposition but also reminded the young Indian bowlers what consistency looks like at the highest level.

For Badani, it isn’t just the wickets that matter. “You look at him in the training ground, the way he follows his routine, the way he respects the game – that’s the real lesson,” he explained, pausing to take a sip of water before continuing. “We have a lot of talent here, but talent without discipline becomes noise.”

That discipline was evident in the way the Capitals held their nerve during the final overs. With the required run‑rate inching upwards, the batting line‑up, anchored by a gritty half‑century from their captain, steered the team home with just three balls to spare. The crowd erupted, the scoreboard lit up, and the scoreboard confirmed a three‑point gain that keeps the play‑off chase alive.

Of course, the road ahead remains steep. The next fixture pits DC against a side that has already secured a playoff berth, meaning every run and wicket will count double. Yet Badani’s nod to Starc seems to have done more than just praise – it’s a subtle reminder that the Capitals can still learn, adapt, and perhaps surprise the league.

“We’re not out of the race,” Badani added, a grin spreading across his face. “We have the talent, we have the guidance, and now we have the belief that we can still make it.” As the team heads into the final stretch, the influence of a veteran like Starc might just be the spark they need to light up the remaining matches.