All eyes are on whether Mitchell Starc will finally make his debut in the Indian Premier League 2026 season as Delhi Capitals take on the in-form Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

📉 Delhi Capitals Under Pressure

Delhi Capitals started their campaign strongly with two consecutive wins, but their form has dipped significantly:

• Only 1 win in the last 6 matches
• Lost their previous three games in a row
• Despite scoring 264 runs vs Punjab Kings, they still lost
• Bowled out for just 75 runs vs RCB in their last match

👉 With just 3 wins in 8 matches, DC are now in a must-win situation.

🚨 Mitchell Starc Set to Play

In a major boost, Mitchell Starc is expected to play today:

• Recently recovered from a shoulder injury
• Joined the DC squad last week
• Has been actively bowling in the nets

👉 His return could significantly strengthen DC’s struggling bowling attack.

⏳ Match Fitness a Key Factor

Starc hasn’t played a competitive match since:

• January 25, 2026
• Representing Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League

This raises questions about:

• Match fitness
• Rhythm under pressure

However, his experience and pace could still make an immediate impact.

🗣️ Team Management’s Take

Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed Starc’s availability:

👉 This strongly संकेत (indicates) that Starc is likely to feature in the playing XI.

🔄 Possible Team Changes

If Starc plays, he is expected to replace one of the overseas pacers:

• Likely replacement: Kyle Jamieson
• Alternative option: Dushmantha Chameera

Meanwhile, batting overseas slots remain stable:

• David Miller
• Tristan Stubbs

🔥 What Starc’s Return Means

• Adds pace and wicket-taking ability
• Boosts team morale
• Provides early breakthroughs in powerplay
• Strengthens death bowling

👉 Exactly what DC has been missing this season.

🧠 Match Outlook

• Rajasthan Royals enter as favorites due to strong form
• Delhi Capitals rely heavily on Starc’s impact
• The match could hinge on how quickly Starc finds rhythm

🔎 Final Verdict

Yes, Mitchell Starc is very likely to play today, and his return could be a turning point for Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 campaign.

In one of the most electrifying matches in UEFA Champions League history, Paris Saint-Germain edged past Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of their semifinal clash at the Parc des Princes.

The nine-goal spectacle not only left fans stunned but also rewrote multiple records, cementing its place among the greatest knockout games ever.

⚽ Record-Breaking Night in Paris

The clash produced several historic milestones:

• 9 goals – Most ever in a Champions League semifinal
• 5 first-half goals – Highest in a semifinal or final
• Second-highest scoring knockout game ever (after Bayern Munich vs Barcelona 8-2 match)
• First 5-4 scoreline in a knockout tie since Chelsea vs Liverpool 4-4 match

It was a night where defensive caution took a back seat, and attacking brilliance took over.

🔥 First Half: Five-Goal Chaos

The game exploded into life early:

• Harry Kane opened scoring from the penalty spot (17’)
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia equalised with a stunning curler (24’)
• Joao Neves gave PSG the lead with a header (33’)
• Michael Olise brought Bayern level again
• Ousmane Dembele converted a penalty to make it 3-2 before halftime

The first 45 minutes alone felt like a complete match.

⚡ Second Half: End-to-End Drama

The intensity didn’t drop after the break:

• Kvaratskhelia struck again to extend PSG’s lead
• Dembele added another with a deflected finish past Manuel Neuer
• Dayot Upamecano pulled one back from a set-piece
• Luis Diaz made it 5-4 with a late goal

Despite Bayern’s late surge, PSG held on to take a slender one-goal advantage into the second leg.

🧠 Tactical Takeaways

• PSG’s attacking trio proved lethal but showed defensive vulnerability
• Bayern’s high line created chances but left gaps at the back
• Both teams prioritised attack over control, making it a rare, open-ended semifinal

⏭️ What’s Next?

The tie is far from over. The second leg at the Allianz Arena promises another blockbuster, with Bayern needing just a one-goal win to level the tie.

With both sides showcasing explosive attacking quality, fans can expect yet another high-intensity showdown.

🏆 Final Take

This wasn’t just a football match—it was a statement game.

The 5-4 thriller between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich will be remembered as a modern Champions League classic—one that highlighted why this competition remains the pinnacle of club football.

Mumbai: Despite a difficult season so far, Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard remains optimistic about the team’s chances of making a turnaround in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

The five-time champions suffered another setback on Wednesday, going down to Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. The defeat marked their sixth loss in eight matches, leaving them in ninth place on the points table and in a must-win situation to keep playoff hopes alive.

“We Are Still in the Tournament”

Speaking after the match, Pollard made it clear that the team has not given up yet.

He emphasised that while recent results have been disappointing, the squad remains motivated to push for a late resurgence in the competition.

Strong Batting, Weak Execution

In a positive sign, Mumbai experimented with a new opening combination, with Will Jacks partnering Ryan Rickelton at the top. The move paid off as the duo provided a strong start, helping MI post a massive total of 243 runs.

However, even such a high score proved insufficient, as their bowling unit failed to contain the opposition. Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down the target comfortably, exposing Mumbai’s struggles in defending totals this season.

“We Haven’t Been Good Enough Collectively”

Pollard candidly admitted that inconsistency across departments has hurt the team’s campaign.

He stressed that success in T20 cricket depends on delivering across batting, bowling, and fielding in the same match—something MI have failed to achieve regularly this season.

Dressing Room Still Positive

Despite the mounting pressure, Pollard highlighted the fighting spirit within the squad.

With the tournament entering a crucial phase, every match from here on becomes critical for Mumbai Indians. A turnaround will require not just individual brilliance but a cohesive team performance.

Key Takeaway

While the road to the playoffs looks challenging, Kieron Pollard’s confidence reflects the belief within the MI camp. If they can address their inconsistencies and deliver all-round performances, a late surge in the Indian Premier League 2026 season is still within reach.