Starc In; Axar, Kuldeep To Lead Spin: DC's Best Bowling Combination For IPL 2025

Soumyajit Dutta

Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc and Axar Patel [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc and Axar Patel [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

As IPL 2025 approaches, Delhi Capitals emerge as one of the teams with the best bowling arsenal in the tournament. After strategically investing during the mega auction, DC has assembled a diverse attack which can be used in all phases of the game.

With Axar Patel recently named the captain of DC, here is a detailed analysis which examines DC's bowling options across different phases and how the team and the captain can get the best use case for bowlers in optimal combo for IPL 2025.

New Ball Attack With Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar

Delhi Capitals' powerplay strategy centres around the complementary skills of Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar. Though the former's chance of playing the IPL is dicey, this left-right combination provides tactical variety that few teams can match during the crucial first six overs.

Starc, acquired for INR 11.75 crore, brings elite-level experience with his ability to swing the new ball and generate steep bounce makes him a constant threat. Starc's left-arm angle creates natural difficulties for right-handed openers, while his international pedigree suggests he thrives in high-pressure scenarios.

Criterion
Mitchell Starc
Mukesh Kumar
Matches3918
Wickets205
Economy Rate8.009.39
Strike Rate 23.427.6
Best Figure3/221/4

Table for Powerplay over stats in IPL

Mukesh Kumar has rapidly evolved into a powerplay specialist, claiming 17 wickets in just 10 matches last season at an average of 21.65. His precise seam position and ability to move the ball both ways complement Starc's more aggressive approach. 

Middle Over Maestros Kuldeep And Axar Patel

Delhi's spin department features perhaps the most potent combination in the tournament with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Kuldeep's wrist-spin artistry yielded 16 wickets in 11 matches last season and his ability to turn the ball both ways while maintaining deceptive flight makes him particularly effective through the middle overs.

Complementing Kuldeep perfectly is Axar Patel, whose left-arm orthodox spin provides both control and wicket-taking options. With 11 wickets at an economy of 7.65 last season, Axar's ability to restrict scoring while building pressure makes him invaluable during the middle phase. 

Criterion
Kuldeep Yadav
Axar Patel
Matches81146
Wickets6285
Economy Rate8.096.95
Strike Rate22.826.2
Best Figure4/144/15

Table for middle over stats in IPL

The contrasting spin styles provide DC with matchup advantages against both right and left-handed batters, giving them the flexibility to adapt to different opponent batting lineups.

Natarajan and Mohit As Death Bowlers

T Natarajan, secured for INR 10.75 crore, excels in the final overs with his pinpoint yorkers and clever variations. Last season, he claimed 19 wickets in 14 matches at an impressive economy of 9.05 for SRH, establishing himself as one of the most reliable death specialists in the competition.

Providing experienced support at the death is Mohit Sharma, who brings craftiness and variety despite a somewhat subdued 2024 season. 

Criterion
T Natarajan
Mohit Sharma
Matches5688
Wickets4570
Economy Rate9.819.92
Strike Rate13.612.5
Best Figure4/75/10

Table for Death Overs stats in IPL

Mohit's exceptional 2023 campaign with 27 wickets demonstrates his capability when in form. Mohit represents excellent value and provides DC with multiple death-over options.

Backup Options

DC's bowling depth extends beyond their primary options. Dushmantha Chameera provides international-quality pace back up. The Sri Lankan's skiddy pace offers a different dimension, particularly on faster surfaces.

Among all-rounders, Darshan Nalkande represents a domestic pace bowling option who can contribute valuable overs when required. 

Optimal Bowling Combinations For Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

Based on the analysis of their bowling arsenal, Delhi Capitals' ideal bowling combination would feature:

  • Mitchell Starc (Powerplay + Death)
  • Mukesh Kumar (Powerplay + Middle)
  • Kuldeep Yadav (Middle Overs)
  • Axar Patel (Middle Overs)
  • T Natarajan (Middle + Death)

This combination provides exceptional balance across all phases. On spin-friendly surfaces, DC could consider utilizing Mohit Sharma as an impact player, replacing a batter to strengthen their bowling further. 

Conversely, on pace-friendly tracks, they might deploy all three of Starc, Mukesh and Natarajan while using Kuldeep based on matchups. The presence of quality all-rounders in Axar Patel and potentially Tristan Stubbs gives DC additional flexibility in their bowling strategy.