‘Two overseas quicks a result of Plan A failing,’ says Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel

For its first seven games in IPL-19, Delhi Capitals chose to field one fast bowler and three specialist batters from the permitted quota of four foreigners in the starting line-up.

But having failed to defend 264 against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 25, Axar Patel and Co. have tweaked their combination by playing two overseas quicks in the last two matches. The pace pair of Dushmantha Chameera and Kyle Jamieson featured against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the latter teamed up with Mitchell Starc in Capitals’ seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals.

According to DC bowling coach Munaf Patel, the change in strategy was dictated by the failure of Plan A, which entailed Mukesh Kumar and Auqib Nabi taking the new ball. On Tuesday, Starc is likely to be accompanied by the fit-again Lungi Ngidi in the pace department.

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“The two Indian pacers, Auqib and Mukesh, bowl with the new ball. If you use domestic fast bowlers, you can add more overseas batters. That was the plan at the start of the tournament. But when something isn’t successful, you have to move to another plan. Our Plan A fell short,” Munaf conceded.

As a consequence, David Miller had to warm the bench against Royals. With Pathum Nissanka making the most of his opportunity with a sparkling half-century, the South African finisher’s situation is unlikely to change.

“Sahil (Parakh) was injured, so we needed an opener and we thought of giving Pathum another chance. We had to play two overseas fast bowlers. So only one between Pathum and Miller could play,” said Munaf.

Published on May 04, 2026