Mitchell Starc is expected to miss at least three more matches before joining the Delhi Capitals squad in the 2026 Indian Premier League. The 36-year-old is currently sidelined with a shoulder and elbow injury, having already missed DC’s opening two games of the season.
Starc has not featured in professional cricket since representing the Sydney Sixers in five Big Bash League matches at the end of January. Prior to that, he played in all five Ashes Tests against England, ending as Player of the Series with 31 wickets.
According to reports, Starc is unlikely to join the DC camp before April 20. This means he will miss matches against the Gujarat Titans (April 8), Chennai Super Kings (April 11), and the defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 18). If recovery goes as planned, Starc could be available for the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 21 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Despite his absence, DC have made a strong start to the season, winning their opening two games against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians. Axar Patel’s side received impressive performances from T. Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi against LSG, each taking three wickets, while Mukesh Kumar’s pivotal over against MI helped secure victory.
Starc joined DC ahead of the 2025 season after a successful stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders, helping them win the IPL 2024 title. Last season, he claimed 14 wickets in 11 matches, including a five-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Visakhapatnam.
With Starc’s return on the horizon, DC will hope to strengthen an already promising bowling line-up as they continue their IPL 2026 campaign.
