DC vs RCB IPL 2026 Mitchell Starc was not included in the playing XI for Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday despite recently joining the squad.
Delhi Capitals’ director of cricket Venugopal Rao had earlier confirmed that Starc would only be available for selection from May 1. “Cricket Australia has given a report. From 1st May onwards (Rajasthan Royals match), he is available. We will wait and see the combination,” he said.
Starc had been expected to bolster Delhi’s pace attack, especially after Lungi Ngidi was ruled out following a head injury in the previous match. However, the Australian pacer remains unavailable due to medical clearance restrictions.
Delhi captain Axar Patel made multiple changes to the lineup, bringing in Dushmantha Chameera, Kyle Jamieson and Sahil Parakh, while Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar and Pathum Nissanka missed out.
Starc, one of the most experienced fast bowlers in international cricket, picked up 14 wickets for Delhi Capitals last season and is expected to strengthen the bowling unit upon his return.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Playing XIs
Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Sahil Parakh, KL Rahul(w), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel(c), Dushmantha Chameera, Kyle Jamieson, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar