New Delhi: Delhi Capitals (DC) have received a major boost ahead of their clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Saturday as Mitchell Starc has joined the team’s camp. The Australian pacer arrived in Delhi on Friday night and has linked up with the rest of the squad.
Starc’s arrival in the IPL 2026 was delayed due to a shoulder injury. The Australian pacer was undergoing rehab for shoulder and elbow issues, which he sustained during the Ashes 2025-26. Starc was recently cleared for IPL 2026 by Cricket Australia after passing fitness tests and joined DC on Friday.
His arrival is set to significantly bolster DC’s pace attack, which consists of the likes of Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, and T Natarajan, among others. The three pacers have done well so far, but Starc’s return will help DC further improve their pace attack. In the Aussie pacer’s absence, Natarajan was being utilised in the death overs by DC, but now Starc is likely to be the death specialist for the franchise.
Worth the wait 💙❤️
Welcome back home, Tiger! 🐅 pic.twitter.com/cbd5Adjzxo
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 25, 2026
Starc was bought by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 11.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction and was one of the standout bowlers for the franchise last season, with 14 wickets in 11 matches. The Aussie pacer returned home after the league was suspended due to the tensions between India and Pakistan. He decided not to return when the IPL 2025 resumed and decided to focus on preparing for the World Test Championship final.
Will Mitchell Starc play against Punjab Kings today?
Though he joined the squad on Friday night, Starc is unlikely to feature in Delhi Capitals’ clash against the table-toppers, Punjab Kings, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, April 25. DC will take on Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS in an afternoon game at home on Saturday. Starc will not play as the franchise will be wary of not rushing him into action.