New Delhi: In a huge blow for Delhi Capitals (DC), Australia pacer Mitchell Starc’s arrival has reportedly been delayed further in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Starc is yet to join the DC squad as he is currently undergoing rehab for a shoulder and elbow injury. The left-arm pacer is expected to miss at least three more matches for DC in the ongoing season.
As per a report in the Times of India, Starc is highly unlikely to join the Delhi Capitals squad before April 20. He will thus miss DC’s next three matches that are scheduled in the said period. DC will take on the Gujarat Titans in Delhi on April 08 before locking horns with the Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk on April 11. DC are then scheduled to lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 18.
Starc will miss his side’s next three matches, having already missed their first two games this season. In total, the Aussie pacer will miss five matches for DC, leaving a huge void in their pace attack. Nonetheless, the DC management is optimistic about Starc joining the squad in the later stages of the season, but there is no clear return date yet.
In his absence, the likes of Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan and Lungi Nagidi have stepped up for Delhi Capitals in their pace attack, helping them get off to a strong start in IPL 2026. DC have won their first two matches this season and are currently sitting in the fourth spot on the IPL 2026 points table.
The Axar Patel-led side defeated Lucknow Super Giants in their opener before clinching a convincing victory against the Mumbai Indians in their last game. While Mukesh has done well with the new ball, Ngidi and Natarajan have showcased great control in the middle overs and death, while mixing variations to trouble opposition batters.
Mitchell Starc in regular touch with DC management
Earlier this month, Starc took to social media to end the speculation surrounding the delay in his arrival for IPL 2026. Taking a dig at critics, Starc revealed he couldn’t join the DC squad because he was managing a shoulder and elbow injury. The left-arm pacer said he was undergoing rehab and was in regular touch with the DC management over his return for the franchise.
Starc was initially expected to miss a few matches for DC at the start of IPL 2026, however, his arrival in India has been delayed further due to his rehab. Starc is arguably the best pacer in the DC squad and his arrival will further bolster DC’s already strong bowling attack in IPL 2026. His skills, experience and timely arrival wil be key to DC’s chances of winning their maiden title this season.