Delhi Capitals issue official statement on Mitchell Starc’s IPL 2026 availability

Like multiple overseas cricketers, Mitchell Starc is among those who so far have not been able to perform because of injury concerns. Delhi Capitals (DC) is all set to face the Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, tomorrow. Ahead of the match, Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel was asked about the current status of their ace pacer.

In the press conference, Munaf confirmed that without the service of Mitchell Starc, they have managed to win a couple of matches early in the IPL 2026 season, but the scenario can change in the upcoming days. Then, they could miss the presence of the Australian pacer.

Will Mitchell Starc play against the Gujarat Titans?

Will the Aussie pacer play against the Gujarat Titans? In response, Munaf said that they are yet to receive confirmation from Cricket Australia (CA).

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“Till now there is no update Australian board physio, trainer, or doctor will update,” said Munaf," the bowling coach of Delhi Capitals.

"Right now we have won two matches so we are not feeling Starc’s absence. But in the coming matches, if they don’t perform then it depends on them," Munaf Patel said in the pre-match press conference.

The DC bowling coach explained the importance of the Aussie speed star

The former Team India pacer bowler acknowledged that Mitchell Starc is one of the best pacers across the nations right now. For Patel, only Jasprit Bumrah can be compared with Starc.

"He is one of the best bowlers in the world. Right now, everyone is like yeah we aren't missing him because we are winning. But he is our top bowler. And I think there isn't anyone better than Starc in the IPL. Bumrah is the one you can compare with. You can see how much experience, how fast he bowls, swings with a new ball at 140 plus," he added.

When the pacer can ready to play the Indian Premier League 2026?

As per the latest avilable informations, Mitchell Starc is currently undergoing rehabilitation for shoulder and elbow injuries, which he sustained during the 2025-26 summer of Australia.

As of now, the ace pacer is expected to miss a few more matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League campaign, as the cricket governing body of Australia do not want to make any hurry. Some reports also suggested that he may not join the squad until at least April 20.

Cricket Australia is carefully managing his workload, as they aim to keep him fit for a heavy schedule of 21 tests in the coming year. As of now, the Delhi Capitals has no option but to wait for the green signal from the Cricket Australia. From the comments of the DC bowling coach, Munaf Patel, it is clear that the team management is a little bit under pressure regarding this matter.

Read More: Heinrich Klaasen points fingers at Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan after defeat vs LSG in IPL 2026