Delhi Capitals (DC) will have to wait a little longer for their biggest overseas signing. Mitchell Starc is unlikely to join the squad before April 20 as he continues to recover from shoulder and elbow issues, leaving DC without their INR 11.75 crore recruit for at least three more matches.
Starc has not played competitive cricket for close to three months. After featuring in the entire Ashes 2025-26 series and the latter stages of the Big Bash League (BBL), Cricket Australia has taken a cautious approach with its senior fast bowlers. The decision has kept Starc away from the IPL at a time when Delhi would have ideally wanted him to lead their attack.
Starc is set to miss key fixtures against Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While the franchise remains hopeful of having him available later in the season, there is no fixed return date yet.
DC coping well, but Starc’s absence still felt
Interestingly, Delhi have not struggled in his absence so far. Under Axar Patel, they have begun their campaign with two wins, and their bowling unit has looked well-rounded.
Mukesh Kumar has been effective with the new ball, while Lungi Ngidi has carried his T20 World Cup form into the tournament, already picking up four wickets in two games. T Natarajan, now fully fit, has handled the death overs with control, and the spin trio of Axar, Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam has kept things tight through the middle. Auqib Nabi, who impressed so much in the Indian domestic circuit, hasn’t even got a chance yet.
On paper, it looks like a complete attack. But Starc brings something different. Left-arm pace, experience in high-pressure games, and the ability to break partnerships quickly. Those are qualities that cannot be replicated easily. KKR paid an exhorbitant INR 24.75 crore for Starc, who didn’t do much for the rest of the tournament but shone in the Qualifier and the final to take KKR to their third title.
Delhi Capitals Next 5 Matches – IPL 2026
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 8, 2026 (Wed) | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 11, 2026 (Sat) | Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 18, 2026 (Sat) | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 3:30 PM |
| Apr 21, 2026 (Tue) | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 25, 2026 (Sat) | Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 3:30 PM |
| Apr 27, 2026 (Mon) | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:30 PM |
Mitchell Starc was one of the best bowlers for DC in IPL 2025, having joined after a successful stint with KKR. Starc took 14 wickets in 11 games for DC in IPL 2025, with a best of 5/35 and an economy of 10.16.
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