Mitchell Starc (Image Credit: Cricket Australia) Delhi Capitals got a big boost as their overseas star Mitchell Starc officially joined the camp ahead of their clash with Punjab Kings.Starc’s arrival has been delayed in IPL 2026 due to ongoing shoulder and elbow injuries. These issues stemmed from a heavy workload during the Ashes series (where he bowled over 153 overs) and were compounded by a heavy fall while diving for a catch during the Big Bash League (BBL) in late January. Starc experienced lingering pain when he attempted to return to bowling in February, necessitating an extended rehabilitation period in Sydney.After his recovery, Cricket Australia officially cleared him to join Delhi Capitals on 23 April 2026. In his absence, Delhi Capital’s pace attack was led by Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi.In IPL 2025, Starc represented Delhi Capitals after being bought for Rs 11.75 crore in the mega auction. He was one of the franchise’s standout performers, finishing with 14 goals in 11 games. He also claimed his first IPL five-wicket haul (5/35) against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Visakhapatnam, becoming the first overseas pacer in DC history to do so. However, he did not finish the season and decided to return to Australia to prepare for the World Test Championship finals.
Will he play against Punjab Kings today?
Starc is unlikely to feature in the immediate home match against Punjab Kings on April 25. Instead, he is expected to play his first IPL 2026 match for Delhi Capitals on May 1 against Rajasthan Royals. Before returning to match action, he will undergo a short training and acclimatization phase with the DC support staff to gradually build up his bowling intensity after a three-month injury lay-off.Barring any setbacks, Starc is expected to be available for the rest of the season, including the final league games and the playoffs. Delhi Capitals’ pace attack, meanwhile, will continue to be led by Ngidi, who has taken seven wickets in the first six matches.
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