Mitchell Starc returns in IPL 2026, will bowl the first ball of this season against Vaibhav Suryavanshi!

New Delhi: There is news of big relief for Delhi Capitals. Because Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has got approval to play in IPL 2026. Cricket Australia has declared him fit. Starc is expected to start the season with the match against Rajasthan Royals on May 1.

Delhi’s bowling will get an edge 

Let us tell you that this season of Delhi has been full of ups and downs so far. The team has got three wins in six matches and DC is stuck in the middle in the points table. In such a situation, Stark’s return is like a booster dose at the right time for the team. His arrival will provide both experience and balance to the bowling. According to a report by Australia Cricket, “Starc will increase his workload in India and is set to start the 2026 season with the match against RR on May 1.”

Starc was out due to injury 

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc could not play the initial matches of IPL. He suffered minor elbow and shoulder injuries during the home summer in Australia. Many questions were raised over his absence. Strong statements were also made in some Indian media regarding his commitment.

Stark had expressed displeasure over this. He had said, “Some people in the Indian media are misusing their platform. I was working on my elbow and shoulder injuries at that time. These people spread wrong things about my participation in the IPL. It seemed as if they knew my body better than me.”

Vaibhav will bowl the first ball of the season to Suryavanshi 

It is worth noting that Mitchell Starc is expected to play against Rajasthan Royals on 1 May 2026. The team in which strong batsman like Vaibhav Suryavanshi is in good form at the moment and Starc’s return for Delhi can prove to be a big challenge for them. However, the team management will exercise caution. First they will gradually increase the workload in India, then they will enter the field. Given the recent injuries, no risks will be taken.

Starc showed his strength in the Ashes  

36-year-old Starc was last seen in the Big Bash League. Before that he had done wonders in the Ashes. Played all five Tests and became ‘Player of the Series’. After this his entire focus was on recovery and fitness. Starc was Delhi’s main fast bowler in the last IPL season. He took 14 wickets in 11 matches. Taking wickets with the new ball and maintaining control in the death overs are his strengths. This is what DC needs in the second half.