As IPL 2026 approaches, uncertainty around player availability has become a major talking point. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly recently shared his views on the challenges teams face when star players miss matches.
Speaking at a brand endorsement event in New Delhi, Ganguly said that building an IPL team is sometimes more difficult than selecting the Indian national team. His comments came while discussing the uncertainty around Mitchell Starc’s participation in the upcoming season.
Starc’s Availability and Its Impact on IPL Teams
Ganguly explained that when a top international player pulls out at the last moment, it can disturb the entire balance of a franchise.
IPL teams depend on experienced overseas stars to strengthen their line-ups. When such players are unavailable, it becomes difficult for teams to adjust quickly.
Ganguly said that the absence of a key player can create a major gap in the team.
| Issue | Impact on Team |
|---|---|
| Star player unavailable | Team balance gets affected |
| Replacement players | Often not as experienced |
| Bowling attack changes | Strategy and combinations need adjustment |
He added that in international cricket, selectors usually have a large pool of players available. But in the IPL, talent is spread across ten teams, making it harder to find suitable replacements.
Why Replacing Star Players Is Difficult
According to Ganguly, the absence of a strike bowler can seriously affect a team’s chances in the tournament.
Players like Mitchell Starc or Matheesha Pathirana are key bowlers for their teams. If they are not available, the team may struggle to find someone with the same impact.
Domestic replacements may perform well, but they often do not have the same experience or match-winning ability as top international stars.
This is why franchises face serious challenges when key players miss matches during the tournament.
Workload Management in Modern Cricket
Ganguly also spoke about the heavy workload faced by modern cricketers.
International players now participate in multiple tournaments and series throughout the year. This includes international cricket, domestic leagues, and franchise tournaments.
Because of this busy schedule, player workload management has become very important.
| Factor | Challenge for Players |
|---|---|
| Continuous international matches | Physical fatigue |
| Franchise tournaments | Increased travel and pressure |
| Long tours | Time away from family |
| Mental pressure | Stress and burnout |
Ganguly noted that the mental side of the game is sometimes more challenging than the physical demands. Long tours and constant travel can make it difficult for players to stay fresh.
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Mitchell Starc’s Recent Schedule
Mitchell Starc has been busy with international commitments in recent months. He recently stepped away from T20 Internationals before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Australian cricket officials are also planning to manage his workload after the Ashes. Australia has a packed schedule ahead, including series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and India.
Because of these commitments, IPL teams are still waiting for confirmation about his availability.
Delhi Capitals’ Plan if Starc Misses Matches
Delhi Capitals are currently waiting for official clearance from Cricket Australia before Starc can join the squad.
If he misses the start of IPL 2026, the team will rely on other fast bowlers to lead the attack.
At the IPL auction, Delhi Capitals added more depth to their bowling line-up.
Delhi Capitals Fast Bowling Options
| Bowler | Role |
|---|---|
| Kyle Jamieson | Right-arm fast bowler |
| Auqib Nabi Dar | Emerging pace option |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Experienced overseas pacer |
| T Natarajan | Death overs specialist |
These additions are meant to strengthen the bowling department in case Starc is unavailable early in the season.
What This Means for IPL 2026
Ganguly’s comments highlight two major issues that IPL teams must deal with every season.
One is the uncertainty of player availability, especially when international schedules clash with the tournament.
The second is the importance of managing player workloads to prevent injuries and fatigue.
As teams finalize their squads for IPL 2026, they must prepare backup plans for situations where star players might miss matches.
Mitchell Starc’s availability remains a key question ahead of IPL 2026. For Delhi Capitals, his presence could strengthen the bowling attack, but the team must also be ready to adjust if he joins late.
Sourav Ganguly’s remarks underline how difficult it can be for IPL franchises to maintain balance when important players are unavailable.
With a long tournament ahead, teams will need strong squads and smart planning to deal with these challenges.
