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.

The Gujarat Titans pulled off an impressive four-wicket win over defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, continuing their unpredictable but dangerous run in the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

📉 RCB Collapse After Promising Start

Coming into the match with momentum after a dominant win over Delhi Capitals, RCB were expected to continue their strong form.

• Virat Kohli gave them a fiery start, scoring 28 off 13 balls
• However, once he fell, the innings quickly unraveled

Only Devdutt Padikkal showed resistance, but lacked support as the middle order collapsed:

• Jitesh Sharma – 1 run
• Tim David – 9 runs
• Krunal Pandya – 4 runs
• Impact player Venkatesh Iyer – 12 (15 balls)

RCB were eventually bowled out for 155 runs, a below-par total on a batting-friendly surface.

🎯 Gujarat Bowlers Deliver

Gujarat’s bowling unit executed their plans perfectly:

• Arshad Khan – 3 wickets
• Rashid Khan – 2 wickets
• Jason Holder – 2 wickets

They consistently picked wickets and never allowed RCB to build partnerships.

🚀 Explosive Start Seals the Chase

Chasing 156, Gujarat Titans came out aggressively:

• Captain Shubman Gill smashed 43 off 18 balls
• Jos Buttler added 39 off 19 balls

Their attacking approach dismantled RCB’s bowling early, effectively deciding the match in the powerplay.

⚡ Late Wobbles but Comfortable Finish

After the strong start, Gujarat’s middle order showed some vulnerability, losing wickets at intervals.

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar stood out for RCB with 3/28 in 4 overs

However, the target proved too small to defend. Gujarat comfortably chased it down with 25 balls to spare.

🧠 Match Analysis

• RCB’s key issue: Fragile middle order continues to hurt them
• Turning point: Early wickets after Kohli’s dismissal
• Game changer: Gill–Buttler powerplay assault
• What RCB missed: An additional 20–30 runs

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.