Munaf Patel

Delhi Capitals receive a significant boost with Mitchell Starc's availability for their IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals. Bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed the pacer's recovery, highlighting his crucial role in a struggling attack. Despite recent batting collapses, Patel expressed confidence in the team's approach, emphasising a do-or-die mindset for the upcoming must-win game.

Delhi Capitals bowler Lungi Ngidi is fit for the IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings. Bowling coach Munaf Patel confirmed Ngidi's availability. Delhi Capitals need to win this crucial game to stay in playoff contention. Early wickets are vital against Chennai Super Kings. The team is likely to maintain selection continuity.

Ngidi had to be taken off the field on a stretcher and was hospitalised after the incident. It happened in the third over of Punjab Kings’ innings, bowled by Axar Patel, when Ngidi tried to take a catch off a shot by Priyansh Arya.

Munaf Patel called Jasprit Bumrah a superstar but said his popularity still lags behind Virat Kohli’s. He also flagged India’s fast-bowling gap, noting 140+ kmph pacers get priority while others are overlooked, and stressed the need for better scientific training to develop genuine pace bowlers.

Former India pacer Munaf Patel has voiced strong concerns about India's cricketing ecosystem, urging reforms at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and domestic structure. He criticized the NCA's focus on rehabilitation over holistic development and highlighted the lack of a strong feeder pathway, advocating for strengthened grassroots infrastructure.

“Just remember this, if a head coach like Gautam Gambhir is removed, then handling the players will become very difficult. He is a genuine person; he calls the truth as it is and many people don’t like that," Munaf said while speaking on TOI Sports' Bombay Sport Exchange Podcast.

Speaking about how injuries affected his career and pace, Munaf said the system in place during his early years did not provide the required support.

Starc has not yet received his NOC from Cricket Australia and is also dealing with a shoulder injury.

Delhi Capitals are off to a strong start with two wins, showcasing a balanced bowling attack and eager to extend their winning streak against a winless Gujarat Titans. Despite top-order batting concerns, Capitals' bowlers have been instrumental. Titans, however, welcome back captain Shubman Gill and need their batting to perform to overcome recent struggles.

Mukesh Kumar has emerged as an unlikely yet vital weapon for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, silencing doubters with discipline and control. Backed by the team management, the Bengal pacer has relied on hard lengths and consistency to deliver.

A cricket league for the Jain community has achieved remarkable success in its inaugural franchise auction, raking in Rs 31 crore. With 12 teams and over 50 bidders, the JITO Premier League showcased an IPL-style competitive spirit. Mumbai Sobo Star emerged as the most expensive franchise at Rs 3.7 crore, highlighting the league's corporate shift and promising future.

Hardik Pandya once again named domestic legend Wasim Jaffer as his idol at the Naman Awards, recalling their first meeting at an Irfan Pathan dinner in 2014-15. Pandya, then an emerging talent, expressed his admiration for Jaffer's batting style. Jaffer, who amassed nearly 20,000 first-class runs, acknowledged Pandya's continued respect.

IPL 2026 begins March 28 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad. All teams have finalised coaching staffs featuring experienced names. Andy Flower leads RCB, Stephen Fleming heads CSK, while Mahela Jayawardene guides MI. Other teams also boast strong coaching setups, setting the stage for a competitive season.

Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as Delhi Capitals' mentor due to time commitment issues, but will return to the IPL commentary box for the 2026 season. The England veteran announced his departure on Saturday, wishing the team well. The IPL 2026 schedule for the initial phase was also released by the BCCI.

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as mentor of Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League, citing lack of time for the role. He will still appear as a commentator during the tournament. Pietersen joined the franchise in 2025 and previously played for several IPL teams during his career. The season begins March 28 in Bengaluru.

Injured medium-pacer Munaf Patel is all set to join English county side Worcestershire later in August.

Munaf Patel, who represented Maharashtra last season, is among 15 cricketers who have sought inter-state transfers.

The congratulatory SMS to Indian cricket team speedster Munaf Patel on his reported marriage to his childhood sweetheart received a strange response. Within minutes, Munaf called up and said the news was a mischief.

Life's come a full circle for Munaf Patel. It was exactly 11 years ago in 2003 that the pacer was blooded along with Sreesanth and RP Singh against New Zealand in a three-day game at the Municipal Stadium here.

Until not long ago, he was the part of the Indian cricket dressing room. As a matter of fact, Munaf Patel, also known as the Ikhar Express, was in the squad of the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup final.

Former India pacer Munaf Patel, who earned the sobriquet of ‘Ikhar Express', went back to his village Ikhar in Gujarat’s Bharuch district in April this year to witness Covid-19 hitting the shores with the village declared as a containment zone. Observing the lack of social distancing, Munaf stepped in and started educating people. Not a single case has been reported since.

Former India fast-bowler Munaf Patel has criticized the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the 4th Test against England, citing potential considerations for the upcoming IPL and T20 World Cup 2024. Despite the controversy, Patel believes that once the decision is made, there should be no doubts.

Bobby Darling’s brief but stimulating interlude with cricketer Munaf Patel in a Delhi hotel has led to heartbreak. The cricketer refuses to return his phone calls.

Nursing a broken ankle, pacer Munaf Patel told TOI from the UK that he’s become a “laughing stock” post Bobby Darling’s latest claim that the two had shared great “chemistry”.

Let Munaf swear on Quran that he did not sleep with me, says Bobby Darling

Home team Badaga Yedapadav bagged the overall best village trophy with Rs 1 lakh prize at Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Kreedotsava - III village games tournament that concluded at Shasthavu Sri Bhoothanatheshwara Temple, Badaga Yedapadav, Mijar on Sunday.

Young guns of Baroda cricket are firing on all cylinders. The team's crucial victory over Punjab came through the brilliance of the youngsters who made light of the absence of some key players.