Published on: May 5, 2026 4:53 pm IST|Updated on: May 5, 2026 5:32 pm IST
As the race for the IPL 2026 playoffs intensifies, the Delhi Capitals (DC) have received a massive boost ahead of their critical reverse fixture against the 5-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium tonight, May 5. The 2020 finalists are all set to unleash a formidable overseas pace duo, with a fit-again Lungi Ngidi ready to join hands with the legendary Mitchell Starc, who played his first game of IPL 2026 against the Rajasthan Royals in Delhi Capitals’ previous outing.
The biggest question mark for the Capitals was the availability of South African pacer Lungi Ngidi. Ngidi suffered a serious head injury on April 25 during a match against the Punjab Kings while attempting a catch. The incident was distressing; he lay still on the field for several minutes before being taken to the hospital by ambulance, which made its way to the ground.
However, the news from the DC camp is overwhelmingly positive. Having completed the mandatory six-day concussion rest protocol, Ngidi has been cleared for selection. DC bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed his status at the pre-match press conference, stating:
“Everyone is fit. Lungi is fit. He didn’t play two games because of the criterion of six days’ rest.“
Before his injury, Ngidi had been a vital cog in the Delhi attack, taking seven wickets in six games with an economy rate of 8.70. He was the lone overseas pacer playing at that time as the team was awaiting the arrival of Mitchell Starc. Ngidi’s return provides the depth needed to tackle a CSK lineup featuring the likes of Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi are all set to form a potent duo for the Delhi Capitals from here on. The two international pacers will be complementing each other for the first time this season and also for the first time in any franchise league across the globe. The Australian great recently returned from a three-month layoff due to shoulder and elbow injuries, making an immediate impact with a match-winning 3-wicket haul (3/40) against the Rajasthan Royals.
Starc’s presence has fundamentally shifted the dynamics of the DC bowling unit. Captain Axar Patel was quick to label him a “legend of the game,” noting how his ability to strike in the PowerPlay changes the entire complexion of a match. Munaf Patel emphasized this strategic shift:
“When there is a wicket-taking bowler in the PowerPlay, the whole scenario changes… When the main bowler is there and takes a few wickets in the PowerPlay, it makes a big difference. Bowling in partnerships was missing, but that has been added now.“
This “partnership” refers to the potent combination of Ngidi and Starc. Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop, speaking on ESPNcricinfo, noted that this duo could restore the balance DC has lacked.
“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.”
The decision to field two high-profile overseas pacers marks a departure from Delhi’s recent reliance on an Indian bowling core. The last time the franchise operated with such elite overseas firepower was in the 2020-21 season with the Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje pairing. Starc and Lungi bowling in tandem for DC will bring the 2020-21 vibes back again.
Tonight’s clash is a must-win for both sides. CSK and DC are currently tied on points, with CSK holding a slight edge in net run rate. Delhi will be eager to avenge their earlier 23-run defeat in April, where Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 115 powered CSK to a total DC could not chase.
With Ngidi fit and Starc firing, Delhi Capitals finally have the “firepower” to potentially derail the five-time champions and stake their claim for a playoff berth.
With Lungi Ngidi set for a return, here’s the best possible XI the Delhi Capitals could form against the 5-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, in this must-win game.
Best Possible Playing 11: KL Rahul (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (C), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan IMPACT SUB: Karun Nair
Tags: IPL 2026