Mitchell Starc stunned by Rahul Dravid and Sanju Samson's unexpected decision during DC vs RR match

By Admin

17 Apr, 2025

NEW DELHI – Cricket fans witnessed an IPL 2025 thriller at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday as Mitchell Starc's nerves of steel helped Delhi Capitals claw their way back into the match against Rajasthan Royals, eventually sealing victory in a dramatic Super Over. But what caught everyone, including Starc, off-guard was the unexpected decision made by RR coach Rahul Dravid and captain Sanju Samson in the dying moments of the match.

The game came down to the wire with Rajasthan Royals needing just nine runs in the final over. Delhi’s hopes rested on the shoulders of their pace spearhead, Mitchell Starc, who had already made a mark earlier in the tournament with his clutch performances. What followed was a masterclass in death bowling. Starc conceded just eight runs — dragging the contest into the IPL 2025 season’s first Super Over — and sparked a roar of excitement across the stadium.

Delhi Capitals went on to comfortably chase a 12-run target in the Super Over, clinching a sensational win. Starc, who was named Player of the Match, humbly credited not only his execution and calm mindset but also acknowledged a bit of luck that favored DC at the right time.

“Sometimes in games like these, you rely on instinct. But what really helps is the leadership group and how balanced the team feels. Everyone backed each other, and that gave me the clarity to execute,” said Starc in the post-match presentation.

However, what truly surprised Starc — and even seasoned analysts — was Rajasthan Royals’ strategy in the last over. According to reports, both Rahul Dravid and Sanju Samson made an unexpected call regarding the batting order and strategic placements, which may have played into DC’s hands. While the details remain closely guarded, Starc himself admitted during a post-match interview, “I didn’t expect them to hold back certain players at that stage. It definitely gave us a little more room to apply pressure.”

Cricket, often defined by fine margins and unexpected turns, saw just that during this rollercoaster of a match. While Starc’s brilliance stole the spotlight, the mystery behind RR’s final-over choices is likely to be discussed for days to come.

With playoff positions tightening and performances like these setting the tone, fans can expect plenty more drama as the IPL 2025 season unfolds.