Delhi Capitals are still waiting for their star overseas fast bowler Mitchell Starc to join the squad in IPL 2026. The Australian pacer, who was bought for ₹11.75 crore, is currently dealing with shoulder and elbow issues and is unlikely to play before April 20.
Because of this delay, Delhi Capitals will have to manage the early part of the tournament without one of their most experienced bowlers.
Why Mitchell Starc Has Not Joined Delhi Capitals Yet
Mitchell Starc has not played competitive cricket for nearly three months. He previously played in the Ashes 2025–26 series and later in the Big Bash League.
Cricket Australia has taken a cautious approach with its senior fast bowlers. Due to workload management and fitness concerns, Starc’s return to competitive cricket has been delayed.
As a result, Delhi Capitals will miss his services in several important matches during the early phase of IPL 2026.
Matches Starc Could Miss for Delhi Capitals
Starc is expected to miss some key fixtures against strong teams in the tournament.
| Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | Delhi |
| Chennai Super Kings | Chennai |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru |
The Delhi Capitals management hopes Starc will join the team later in the season, but there is currently no confirmed return date.
Delhi Capitals Bowling Unit Performing Well
Despite Starc’s absence, Delhi Capitals have started their campaign positively under captain Axar Patel.
The team has already won two matches and their bowling attack has looked balanced.
DC Bowlers Performance Overview
| Bowler | Role | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mukesh Kumar | New ball bowler | Provided strong starts with the new ball |
| Lungi Ngidi | Fast bowler | Took 4 wickets in first two matches |
| T Natarajan | Death overs specialist | Controlled the final overs effectively |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder | Tight bowling in middle overs |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner | Provided breakthroughs in middle overs |
| Vipraj Nigam | Spinner | Supported spin attack with control |
| Auqib Nabi | Domestic pacer | Yet to play this season |
Although the bowling unit has performed well, Starc’s experience and ability to break partnerships quickly is difficult to replace.
Also See : RR vs MI IPL 2026 Weather Update: Will Rain Affect the Match in Guwahati?
Mitchell Starc’s IPL 2025 Performance
Starc played an important role for Delhi Capitals last season after joining the franchise following his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Mitchell Starc IPL 2025 Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 14 | 5/35 | 10.16 |
His performances included key spells that helped Delhi Capitals in crucial moments of the tournament.
Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders had paid ₹24.75 crore for Starc, and although his season had mixed results, he produced strong performances in the qualifier and final that helped KKR win the title.
Delhi Capitals Upcoming Matches – IPL 2026
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 8, 2026 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 18, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 3:30 PM |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM |
| Apr 25, 2026 | Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 3:30 PM |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:30 PM |
What Starc’s Absence Means for Delhi Capitals
Even though Delhi Capitals have started the season well, Starc’s absence still leaves a gap in the pace attack.
Starc brings several important qualities to the team:
- Left-arm pace variation
- Experience in high-pressure matches
- Ability to swing the new ball
- Capability to take early wickets
These qualities often make him a match-winner in T20 cricket.
If Starc returns later in the season fully fit, he could strengthen Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack significantly.
Conclusion
Mitchell Starc’s delayed arrival is a setback for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. The franchise spent ₹11.75 crore to bring the Australian pacer into their squad, but injury concerns mean he may not join the team until after April 20.
While the current bowling unit has performed well so far, Starc’s presence could add more experience and firepower to the attack once he becomes available.
