Mukesh Kumar Backs Natarajan to Shine as DC's Death Bowling Ace in IPL 2026

At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Natarajan picked up 1-24 in three overs and continued his good show in the competition after picking a three-fer against Lucknow Super Giants. He, Mukesh, and Lungi used their lengths and variations well to ensure MI's hopes of setting a formidable target evaporated, as only 38 runs came off the last four overs.

"Bonding is good with everyone. Natarajan is a death bowler, and he is known for death bowling. He does what he is told to do. So, he has worked on this. Last year, he was hampered a bit there as he was injured (in the shoulder), and we were not able to play him much.

"He got only one or two matches to play, and how much could he do. This year, it is a new season. He has been playing well this season from the start. So, his confidence will build up, and he is poised to perform very well," Mukesh said, while replying to a question from IANS in the post-match press conference.

On the conditions, where the pitch was two-paced, Mukesh said, "We played on the same wicket last year, and it was easier to score runs. But this time, it wasn't as such - we asked for a flat wicket, but it hasn't played that way, and it's okay. The plan was to bowl first if we won the toss and restrict them to a lower total. That worked well - we kept them to around 160 and went on to win."

He explained his attacking mindset, which came to the fore after he took out Ryan Rickelton and Tilak Varma in quick succession, and eventually finished with 2-26. "My mindset is always to take wickets. If I start thinking about just saving runs, I end up bowling defensively. I prefer to stay on the attack. If I get wickets, that's great. Otherwise, it can get difficult to control runs."

He credited role clarity and guidance from captain Axar Patel ahead of the season. "Before the main season, we have practice matches. If you perform well there, the management and team start backing you. I had good practice games and also had regular conversations with Axar bhai during the off-season.

"He guided me on areas to improve, saying those would be important during the season. That backing from him and the team is now reflecting in my performances," he added.

On putting in the hard yards at DC camp after a hamstring injury affected his domestic season, Mukesh said, "After the injury, my focus was on getting fit as quickly as possible and being mentally strong. I worked on both aspects. Once I was fit, I prepared well, performed, and earned my chance to come back... if the practice is from 5 pm, then you can come at 3 or 4 pm. So, it depends on the situation."

On team support for every DC player, Mukesh said it's for the whole season. "This isn't just one or two matches; it's a 14-match tournament. If the team doesn't back you, it becomes difficult. Here, everyone supports each other and encourages us to stick to our plans. That backing is very important."

Mukesh added that his preparation has been more purposeful. "Nothing drastically different. I'm just being more purposeful and giving 100 percent in practice. From the beginning, I wanted to bowl in the powerplay and death overs, so I've been focusing on that.

"If you bowl well in the powerplay and pick up a couple of wickets, it creates pressure on the batting side... In the death overs, if you don't execute well, there can be a difference of 10-20 runs, which can be crucial in a chase. So, both phases are equally important."

He also spoke about hitting test-match lengths for success as Power-play bowler. "Last year, we observed how Hazlewood bowled; he consistently hit test lengths. Our coach advised me to focus on my strengths and target that area. It's a difficult length to score off, especially if the ball is moving."

On fielding, Mukesh said the appointment of John Mooney has brought in a good change. "A lot has changed with the new fielding coach. Batting and bowling can have ups and downs, but fielding is one area where you must give 100% every time. Even saving a couple of runs or taking a key catch can make a big difference in the result."

- IANS