Mitchell Starc update: Axar Patel’s DC suffer big blow as pacer rules out comeback in IPL 2026
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Delhi Capitals suffer a major blow as star pacer Mitchell Starc's return to the IPL has been delayed over an uncertain period of time, as the 36-year-old is likely to be unavailable for almost a quarter of April.
Delhi Capitals have been making impactful performances, but such performances have not come from the likely anticipated sources for them in this edition of the IPL. In both matches, Delhi performed promisingly with the bat, but it was not KL Rahul or Nitish Rana but Sameer Rizvi, the impact sub, who led their batting charts.
On the other hand, the Capitals have been the most economical and balanced bowling side in this IPL, despite Mitchell Starc and Auqib Nabi not being part of the attack. While Nabi has been benched due to the combinations, Starc is yet to join the Capitals' den.
Mitchell Starc's IPL comeback delayed: DC senses massive trouble
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc played a crucial role for the Delhi Capitals in their early success in IPL 2025. He is always considered crucial to any franchise he stars for. However, he was last seen in the Sydney Sixers colours in the BBL and since then has been out of competitive cricket.
Despite this, Starc caught up with an injury and missed the starting games of the IPL season for the Capitals. He is managing a shoulder and elbow injury back home, and as per the latest reports from TOI, he is highly unlikely to join the squad anytime before 20th April.
Mitchell Starc is likely to miss at least three more games for Delhi Capitals. Timelines remain unclear at this stage but he is unlikely to join the squad in the next two weeks... at least! https://t.co/3wcREnEIZY
— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) April 7, 2026
Delhi Capitals are optimistic about Mitchell Starc's return
Mitchell Starc's arrival has been pushed back till April 20, while the Delhi Capitals are scheduled to play three games in the meantime. They have won against the two teams, Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, early in the season.
The upcoming games are against the Gujarat Titans on the 8th of April, against the Chennai Super Kings on the 11th of April and lastly against the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the 18th of April.
The Capitals think tank is, however, very optimistic about having Starc with them at some point in the season, but the timelines are unclear at this point in time. However, the pace trio of Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan has been effective for them.
Delhi Capitals' upcoming matches, which Starc will miss in IPL 2026
Likely, Delhi Capitals have been very promising with the likes of Axar Patel, Vipraj Nigam and Kuldeep Yadav forming the spin trio, alongside the three pacers. Mitchell Starc will only add to the significance of this potent attack.
Starc has also shown full commitment to returning to the IPL, as the player has been in constant touch with the management. Delhi Capitals will play their second home match of the season as they host Titans for their third match in the season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Currently, they are fourth on the points table with 4 points, the same as former champions RCB and the Rajasthan Royals. Punjab Kings top the table with 2 wins and a rain-washed draw.
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