Published on: Apr 23, 2026 6:49 pm IST|Updated on: Apr 23, 2026 6:49 pm IST
In a development that has sent waves of relief through the Delhi Capitals camp, Australia’s veteran left-arm speedster Mitchell Starc has officially been cleared by Cricket Australia (CA) to participate in the Tata IPL 2026. The Australian premier left-arm quick, who has been sidelined due to persistent injury concerns, is expected to fly to India on Friday, April 24, marking a significant turning point for the franchise’s bowling fortunes.
The 36-year-old’s journey to this year’s IPL has been far from smooth. Following a grueling international summer, Starc was forced to miss the opening weeks of the tournament to rehabilitate nagging shoulder and elbow injuries. However, after successfully completing a week of intensive, pain-free bowling sessions under the watchful eyes of CA’s medical staff in Sydney, the pacer has been granted the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) to rejoin competitive action.
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Starc’s injury woes can be traced back to an exceptionally demanding workload over the past year. He was the undisputed star of Australia’s Ashes campaign, where he earned the Player of the Series award after clinical performances that saw him claim 31 wickets at an average of 19.93. The physical toll was immense, as he bowled over 150 overs across five high-intensity Tests.
The situation was exacerbated during the Big Bash League (BBL) final. Representing the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers, Starc suffered a heavy blow to his left shoulder and elbow while attempting a diving catch. While he initially hoped for a quick recovery, he experienced significant discomfort when he resumed bowling in February, leading to a period of uncertainty that saw him miss the first half of the IPL 2026 season.
Addressing the speculation surrounding his absence, Starc recently expressed frustration over “misinformed opinions” regarding his availability, reaffirming his commitment to the Delhi-based franchise and his desire to compete at the highest level.
For the Delhi Capitals, currently led by Axar Patel, Starc’s return could not be better timed. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, they have lacked a consistent “enforcer” at both ends of the innings.
Starc’s 2025 season for DC was a testament to his value; he picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches, including his maiden five-wicket haul in the IPL. Despite an economy rate of 10.17—a byproduct of bowling the most difficult overs—his ability to strike early with the new ball and execute yorkers at the death remains unparalleled.
“To have a bowler of Mitchell’s caliber back in the shed is a massive confidence booster for the group,” a Delhi Capitals team source stated. “He brings a wealth of experience and a tactical edge that helps the younger domestic pacers. His presence alone changes how oppositions approach the Powerplay.”
Upon his arrival in India on April 24, Starc will not be rushed immediately into the playing XI. The team management has planned a brief period of acclimatization to help him adjust to the Indian heat and the specific match-day rhythm.
If his workload progression stays on track, Starc is targeting a return to action for the clash against the Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 1. This fixture is viewed as a critical “swing game” for Delhi as they look to solidify their position in the top half of the points table.
Starc’s inclusion will force a rethink of the Capitals’ overseas strategy. With players like David Miller and Tristan Stubbs providing the batting fireworks and Lungi Ngidi being clinical with his slower ones, the management will have to decide which overseas slot Starc occupies. However, given the experience Starc carries and the pace and bounce he generates with the ball, he is widely expected to be an automatic starter once match-fit, most probably replacing Pathum Nissanka in the eleven.
Here’s how the Delhi Capitals’ possible playing XI could look once Mitchell Starc is available to feature in the eleven.
Tags: IPL 2026