Mitchell Starc RULED OUT of DC vs PBKS IPL 2026 match

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have finally got some much-needed good news in the middle of the ongoing IPL 2026. The Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has now joined the Delhi Capitals (DC) team, giving a big boost to the squad ahead of the important phase of the tournament.

The Capitals were eagerly waiting for Mitchell Starc’s arrival. Now that the fiery Australian pacer is back, DC’s bowling attack looks stronger, but fans may have to wait a bit before seeing him on the field in the ongoing tournament.

Delhi Capitals finally welcome back Mitchell Starc after a long wait

On Saturday, April 25, the Delhi Capitals posted a video on its social media handle where it confirmed Mitchell Starc’s arrival for the ongoing IPL 2026. They captioned the video, "Worth the wait 💙❤️ Welcome back home, Tiger! 🐅”

Worth the wait 💙❤️

Welcome back home, Tiger! 🐅 pic.twitter.com/cbd5Adjzxo

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 25, 2026

The reason behind Starc’s delay was fitness issues. The Australian fast bowler had put a lot of load on his body during the Ashes, where he bowled long spells throughout the five-match Test series and played a key role in Australia’s 4-1 victory over England at home.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma injury update: Hitman set to play against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026

Mitchell Starc’s tough recovery journey

After the Ashes, Mitchell Starc played in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, where he fell badly while trying to stop a catch, and he started feeling pain in his shoulder and elbow. His recovery took a long time. This left the Delhi Capitals with no option but to wait.

Earlier this week, Cricket Australia (CA) cleared Starc to join the IPL. During his absence, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, and Lungi Ngidi did their best to keep things under control this season.

Starc is an important player in DC’s line-up. In IPL 2025, he picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches and even took a five-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, he could not finish the season as he returned home early to prepare for international matches.

Delhi Capitals take safe route with Starc’s comeback

Well, the Delhi Capitals are not rushing Starc back into action in the ongoing IPL 2026. The Australian bowler is unlikely to play against the Punjab Kings on April 25. The team wants him to train properly first and slowly get back into rhythm after staying away from the actions for nearly three months.

Read Also: Cooper Connolly left Punjab Kings camp mid-IPL and flew back to Australia! Shocking truth revealed

If everything goes smoothly, Starc is expected to play his first match of this season against the Rajasthan Royals on May 1. The plan is to have him fully fit for the final stage of the tournament. Till then, Ngidi, who has taken seven wickets in six matches, will continue leading the pace attack.

DC look to bounce back against PBKS

Notably, Delhi Capitals will face Punjab Kings in Match 35 of IPL 2026 on April 25 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. DC has won 3 of 6 games, and they sit sixth on the points table. They are coming into this game after a tough loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but won two games at home.

On the other hand, PBKS are unbeaten with 5 wins and 1 no result, and they will aim to continue their winning run and move closer to the IPL 2026 playoffs in this crucial clash.