Mitchell Starc IPL 2026: Big news for Delhi Capitals fans, Akshar Patel breaks silence on Mitchell Starc’s return.

News India Live, Digital Desk: A relief news has emerged for Delhi Capitals (DC), which is going through an ups and downs journey so far in IPL 2026. The ongoing suspense regarding the availability of the team’s most lethal foreign fast bowler Mitchell Starc is now over. Delhi captain Akshar Patel himself has confirmed that the Australian veteran has now joined the team. Starc, who was out of the initial matches of the season due to shoulder and elbow injury, is now all set to return to the field, which is sure to give a new edge to Delhi’s bowling unit. NOC received from Cricket Australia, date of return fixed. The biggest hurdle regarding the availability of Mitchell Starc was the ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) of Cricket Australia (CA). Captain Akshar Patel clarified in the press conference after the match against RCB that Starc has got official permission to play from May 1. Akshar said, “Yes, Mitchell Starc has joined the team and has received the NOC from the 1st. His workload is being closely monitored and he will be seen in action soon.” Starc’s comeback could happen in the match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 1. Injury and workload management had increased Delhi’s tension. The past few times have been quite challenging for this 36-year-old left-arm fast bowler. He was sidelined due to heavy workload during the Ashes series and then an injury sustained while attempting to take a catch in the Big Bash League (BBL). His shoulder and elbow injuries were so serious that Cricket Australia did not want to take any risks with his fitness. This was the reason why Starc reached India at the end of April. Now he is practicing with the team and trying to adapt himself to the Indian conditions. Will the hard work of Lungi Ngidi and Natarajan pay off? In Starc’s absence, the responsibility of Delhi’s fast bowling attack was on the shoulders of Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan. Ngidi in particular has impressed with his bowling, but the team was missing an experienced bowler like Starc in the death overs. Last season, Starc took 14 wickets in 11 matches. After his return, Delhi will have a ‘happy headache’ in the selection of foreign players, as they will have to strike a balance between in-form players like Pathum Nissanka, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs. Starc will become Delhi’s ‘X-factor’ in the race for the playoffs. Delhi Capitals is currently seventh in the points table and needs a big win in its upcoming matches to remain in the race for the playoffs. In such a situation, Mitchell Starc’s experience and his consistent yorker can prove to be a game changer for the team. Fans are hopeful that when the Delhi team faces Rajasthan at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on May 1, they will see the havoc of Starc’s pace. If Starc finds his rhythm, Delhi will be able to defend any big target or restrict the opposition to a low score.