IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals got a big blow, Mitchell Starc is out of the initial matches, know the real reason.

News India Live, Digital Desk: Only a few days are left for the start of IPL 2026, but good news is not coming for the fans from the camp of Delhi Capitals. The team’s most expensive and experienced bowler Mitchell Starc will not be available in the initial phase of the tournament. Along with Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will also not be able to play in the opening matches for their respective teams. Why was Mitchell Starc out? (Workload Management) The reason for Starc’s exclusion is not injury, but Cricket Australia’s ‘workload management’ policy. Busy schedule: Australia have important tours of South Africa, India and England in the next 12 months and also prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Avoiding fatigue: Starc has played a lot of cricket in the last 12 months, including all 5 Ashes Tests. Considering his age (36 years), the board wants to keep him fresh. Return-to-play protocol: Starc’s return will depend on how he completes his fitness protocol in the next few weeks. How big a challenge for Delhi Capitals? Bowling command: Delhi bought Starc for Rs 11.75 crore so that he can lead the bowling attack. In his absence, the responsibility of powerplay and death overs will now be on T. Natarajan and Mukesh Kumar. Starting Momentum: In a long tournament like IPL, it is important to have a good start. In the absence of Starc, Delhi will have to change the combination of its foreign players. Other options: The team can now rely on Anrich Nortje or other foreign fast bowlers until Starc returns. Position of Australian players in IPL 2026: PlayerTeamPositionMitchell StarcDelhi Capitals will miss the opening matchPat CumminsonRisers Hyderabad will miss the opening matchJosh Hazlewood Royal Challengers Bangalore to miss opening match Nathan Ellis Chennai Super Kings out of entire tournament (due to injury)