Mitchell Starc’s Hilarious ‘Meow’ Moment in Delhi Capitals Nets with Axar Patel

A Lighter Side of the Speedster

The intensity of the Indian Premier League (IPL) often keeps players under immense pressure, but a recent training session with the Delhi Capitals provided a much-needed break from the seriousness of the sport. Fans were treated to an unexpected and humorous side of Australian pace sensation Mitchell Starc, who was spotted in the nets displaying a personality that is rarely seen on the international stage.

The Viral Net Session

As the Delhi Capitals prepare for their final league encounter against the Kolkata Knight Riders, the team has been working hard to finish their campaign on a high note. During a routine net session, Mitchell Starc, who has been leading the pace attack for the Capitals in the latter half of the season, decided to lighten the mood while bowling to skipper Axar Patel. The interaction, which was captured on video, quickly went viral, showing the world a side of Starc that left his captain in stitches.

It began when Starc, known for his thunderous run-up and intimidating pace, started making peculiar noises mid-stride. During the first delivery, Starc let out a loud roar, prompting an immediate laugh from Axar Patel. The skipper was clearly amused, remarking in Hindi, ‘Have you ever seen this before? Making a fast bowler roar in the middle of bowling.’ However, the humor escalated when Starc decided to take it a step further.

The ‘Meow’ That Stole the Show

In a bizarre turn of events, Starc intentionally let out a ‘meow’ sound as he approached the crease for the second ball. The sheer absurdity of a world-class fast bowler mimicking a cat while charging in to deliver a ball at high speed left Axar Patel struggling to focus. Starc even celebrated the delivery with his arms in the air, embracing the comedy of the moment. The viral clip highlights a rare instance of playfulness between teammates.

Focus vs. Fun

The amusement continued for a third ball, with Starc grunting in an odd fashion. By this point, Axar Patel, who has been in fine batting form late in the season, had to intervene. The skipper jokingly told Starc that he was losing his focus because he was paying more attention to the bowler’s antics than the delivery itself. Starc eventually complied, delivering the fourth ball in silence while holding a finger to his lips in a mock gesture of seriousness.

Starc’s Impact on the Capitals

Mitchell Starc’s journey with the Delhi Capitals this season has been one of adaptation. After missing the first eight matches of the tournament due to injury, he arrived in India mid-season to bolster the Capitals’ bowling unit. While he has proven his worth as a consistent wicket-taker, he has also been working on his economy and control. As the IPL season nears its conclusion, the match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens is expected to be Starc’s final appearance in this edition of the tournament.

Following this final league game, the Australian speedster is set to return home. His focus will shift toward maintaining his fitness levels and preparing for the upcoming international red-ball season for Australia. While the Capitals may have faced challenges regarding their net run rate and qualification status this year, the camaraderie shown in the nets suggests a team spirit that remains intact despite the results on the field.

Looking Ahead

Even as their playoff hopes have faded, the Delhi Capitals have continued to play a vibrant brand of cricket, causing several upsets along the way. Moments like Starc’s ‘meow’ session in the nets prove that cricket is not just about the numbers and the standings, but also about the human element that makes the sport so endearing to fans globally. As the season draws to a close, fans will certainly remember this lighthearted exchange as one of the most memorable off-field moments of the 2026 IPL campaign.