IPL 2026: When will Mitchell Starc return to Delhi Capitals? Information about the injured player from the coach

Hemang Badani made a statement about Mitchell Starc : The Delhi Capitals team is in a quandary as it is unclear when Mitchell Starc will join the team camp for IPL 2026. According to a report a few days ago, the dashing fast bowler, along with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, will miss the opening few matches of the upcoming season.

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Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2026 journey with their first match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, and when Starc is likely to join the team, head coach Hemang Badani has clarified. Speaking to the media, DC head coach Hemang Badani said the team is still waiting for the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia.

He made this statement when asked about Starc’s availability. The Australian fast bowler was last seen on the field in January 2026 playing for the Sydney Sixers in Perth. It is important to note that Mitchell Starc currently only plays ODIs and Tests, so he was not in Australia’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad. This means, he has not played any competitive cricket match in the last two months.

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In IPL 2025, Starc took 14 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 26.14, with 5/35 as his best. He was the most expensive player in the mega auction of IPL 2024, when Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore. However, he could not justify his hefty price tag and was subsequently released from the team.

VIDEO | Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani says, “We are waiting for NOC from Cricket Australia” regarding Mitchell Starc’s availability.

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/tAxBsP4g7c

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 23, 2026

Starc’s IPL career

Talking about Starc’s IPL career, he has played 52 matches in the league so far. Bowling in 49 innings, Starc has taken 65 wickets at an average of 23.12, with his best figures being 5/35. During this period he scored at an economy rate of 8.61.