The Delhi Capitals have started their IPL campaign with two impressive wins, but a significant question mark hangs over their bowling attack: the arrival of their marquee signing, Mitchell Starc. Bowling coach Munaf Patel has openly admitted the team is eagerly awaiting news on the Australian pace spearhead, who is yet to join the squad.

Starc's delay is due to a dual hurdle: he has not yet received his No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia and is also managing a shoulder injury. Munaf revealed his daily routine includes checking for updates, humorously stating, "I also have the same question everyday." He emphasized that any concrete timeline will come directly from the Australian board or Starc's medical team.

While the Capitals have managed well so far, Munaf left no doubt about Starc's importance, placing him among the absolute elite. "There is no bigger bowler in the IPL than Starc. Jasprit Bumrah is the only one I can think of," he said, highlighting the left-armer's lethal combination of 140kph+ swing and vast experience. The clear message is that Starc is viewed as the missing piece for a sustained title challenge.

In the meantime, the coaching staff is focused on developing the current pace unit, with Munaf expressing enjoyment in working with bowlers like Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan. When asked about the injury risks associated with express pace, Munaf offered a straightforward perspective rooted in rhythm, suggesting that consistent bowling, not rest, often keeps fast bowlers in the best physical condition.

For now, the Capitals' camp, much like their fans, is in a holding pattern, hoping for a green light from Australia that would unleash one of the world's most feared bowlers onto the IPL stage.