Mitchell Starc’s Hilarious ‘Meow’ Avatar in DC Nets Leaves Axar Patel in Splits

Rafiq Hasan · 23/05/2026 · 4 min read

A Laugh Riot in the Delhi Capitals Nets

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its intense pressure and high-stakes drama, but it also produces some of the most lighthearted and memorable moments off the field. Recently, Delhi Capitals’ premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc and skipper Axar Patel gave fans something to chuckle about. Known globally for his fiery aggression and toe-crushing yorkers, Starc displayed a completely unexpected, comical avatar during a practice session that has quickly gone viral across social media platforms.

In a video captured during the Capitals’ nets, the Australian speedster decided to ditch his usual intimidating persona. Instead, he chose to test his captain’s concentration using a series of bizarre and hilarious vocal distractions right in the middle of his bowling run-up.

The Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of Starc’s Vocal Antics

The lighthearted battle between the premier bowler and his skipper unfolded over four deliveries, each more entertaining than the last. Axar Patel, who has been trying to fine-tune his batting form ahead of the team’s final league fixture, found himself struggling to keep a straight face against his teammate’s antics.

Delivery 1: The Roar

As Starc began his run-up for the first ball, he rushed in with his usual athletic stride. However, midway through his delivery stride, the left-arm pacer let out a loud roar. The sudden burst of noise caught Axar completely off guard, causing the skipper to burst into laughter. Amused by the sheer absurdity of the moment, Axar turned to the onlookers and said in Hindi:

“Dekha hai aisa kabhi? Fast bowler ko roar karwa diya chalu bowling mein.” (Have you ever seen anything like this? Made a fast bowler roar in the middle of his bowling.)

Delivery 2: The “Meow”

If the roar wasn’t enough, Starc took things to an even more hilarious level on the very next ball. Charging in once again, the Australian speedster intentionally uttered a high-pitched “meow” sound just as he released the ball. Distracted by the feline noise, Axar missed the ball completely. Seizing the moment, Starc celebrated his “wicket” enthusiastically, throwing his arms up in the air in mock triumph.

You won’t believe what we caught Starcy doing on camera 😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/QY3dMoiklb

Delivery 3: The Unwanted Grunt

By the third delivery, Axar was finding it nearly impossible to maintain his focus. Starc grunted loudly once more before releasing the ball. This time, the Delhi Capitals skipper had to stop the bowler mid-session. Axar complained that his attention was shifting entirely from the ball to the hilarious noises coming from the other end of the pitch, making it impossible to practice his shots effectively.

Delivery 4: The Silent Treatment

Acknowledging his captain’s plea for some serious practice, Starc agreed to tone down the comedy. He bowled the fourth delivery in complete silence. After successfully playing the shot, Axar acknowledged the peace and quiet, saying “that’s fine.” Starc, keeping up the playful banter, reciprocated by placing a finger on his lips, signaling that his vocal cords were officially shut down for the session.

Delhi Capitals’ Toughest IPL Campaign Comes to a Close

While the mood in the nets remains jovial, the Delhi Capitals have endured a tough season overall. As one of the franchise teams yet to lift the coveted IPL trophy, their hopes of breaking the jinx have officially ended for this season. Hampered by a highly unfavorable net run rate, the Capitals cannot qualify for the playoffs even if they secure a victory in their final league match.

The Axar Patel-led side will play their final match of the season against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at KKR’s iconic home ground, the Eden Gardens. Despite being mathematically eliminated early on, Delhi Capitals have played a highly competitive brand of cricket in their recent outings, pulling off several major upsets to dent the playoff hopes of other franchises.

Mitchell Starc’s Mixed Season and the Road Ahead

For Mitchell Starc, this IPL season has been a journey of comebacks and adjustment. The left-arm quick was sidelined for the first eight games of the tournament due to an injury, arriving in India only when the Capitals were halfway through their campaign. Since his return, he has featured in five matches.

While Starc has consistently proven to be a promising wicket-taker, he has struggled to maintain his usual economical standards, leaking runs at a higher rate than expected in the fast-paced tournament. The upcoming clash against KKR at Eden Gardens is highly likely to be Starc’s final appearance of the season.

Following the conclusion of Delhi’s campaign, the veteran speedster is scheduled to return home to Australia. He will focus on physical recovery, managing his fitness levels, and preparing for Australia’s upcoming, highly anticipated long red-ball international season.

Rafiq Hasan

Rafiq Hasan is the chief cricket correspondent for The Daily Star, Bangladesh's largest English-language newspaper. Over his two-decade career, he has chronicked the rise of Bangladesh cricket from perennial underdogs to a formidable force in world cricket. Hasan has covered every major ICC event featuring Bangladesh and reported from the press boxes of Lord's, the MCG, and Mirpur. He has a deep understanding of the country's cricket ecosystem—from the Dhaka Premier League rivalries to the politics of the BCB. Known for his balanced analysis and insider access to the dressing room, he wrote the widely acclaimed long-form series "Tigers' Roar: How Bangladesh Changed the Cricket Map." A graduate of the University of Dhaka, Hasan is also a respected voice on global cricket diplomacy, exploring how the sport affects the balance of power in South Asia.