IPL 2025: Jaiswal Hails Starc’s Death Bowling Masterclass After Thrilling DC-RR Clash

April 17, 2025: In a heartwarming exchange after Delhi Capitals (DC) pulled off a thrilling victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a Super Over at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, RR opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was seen complimenting DC pacer Mitchell Starc for his brilliant bowling during the death overs.

The official X handle of DC posted a video capturing the two cricketers sharing a handshake after the match. Jaiswal, who had been a key player in RR’s chase, praised Starc’s excellent performance in the final two overs, where the Australian bowler conceded just 16 runs, claimed a crucial wicket of Nitish Rana, and contributed to a run-out of Dhruv Jurel on the final ball of the innings with skipper Axar Patel and KL Rahul. Jaiswal remarked, “Legend, very well done, very well bowled.”

This moment of camaraderie between the two players came after an intense clash on the field, one that has been brewing since their first encounter during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Jaiswal, during his knock of 161 in the first Test at Perth, had taken on Starc aggressively. The young opener had even taunted the Aussie bowler by saying, “It is coming too slow,” as he took some audacious hits off Starc’s deliveries. Their rivalry continued throughout the series, with Jaiswal scoring 133 runs off Starc in 10 innings at an average of 44.33, despite being dismissed three times by him.

During the DC-RR match, Jaiswal got the better of Starc once again. The Australian pacer, who had previously been a menace with the ball, gave away 19 runs in his second over, courtesy of two fours and a six hit by Jaiswal. In their two T20 encounters, Jaiswal has amassed 26 runs off Starc in 15 balls, with a strike rate of over 173, and has yet to be dismissed by the Aussie legend in T20 cricket.

Currently, Jaiswal is one of the top performers of IPL 2025, with 233 runs in seven matches at an average of 33.28 and a strike rate of over 138. His performances include three fifties, with a best score of 75. Meanwhile, Starc is also making his mark in the competition, sitting as the fifth-highest wicket-taker with 10 wickets in six matches at an average of 21.80, with his best figures being an impressive 5/35.

This friendly rivalry and mutual respect between the two players have added an extra layer of excitement to the already high-voltage IPL 2025 season.