The Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is set to miss the first half of the initial phase of the IPL 2026 season, which is set to begin on March 28.
Starc, who was retained by the Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, will be missing the first few games after the Australian cricket Board is cautious on the pacer’s fitness and his workload, and that’s why Mitchell Starc has been asked to remain in Australia.
However, Mitchell Starc’s participation in IPL 2026 depends on his progress in return-to-play protocols over the coming few weeks.
Even if the Australian misses the first half of the season, it will be a huge blow for the Delhi Capitals, who will be hunting their maiden IPL title this year.
He joined the Delhi Capitals for INR 11.75 crores during the IPL 2025 auction. His addition significantly bolstered the franchise’s pace department. However, they were unfortunate to finish in the 5th position of the IPL 2025 points table.
The 2026 edition will be his 3rd returning to the IPL circuit for the first time since 2015. In his first two seasons (2014-15), Starce had picked 14 and 20 wickets respectively.
While returning to IPL in the 2024 season, he became the champion with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he picked 17 wickets in their 3rd title run.
Being released by the franchise, Delhi Capitals roped in Mitchell Starc, and the Australian returned with 14 wickets in 11 games with a best of 5/35.
Starc will be a key figure for Australia in the next 12 months as the Aussies are scheduled to play 21 tests in 2026.
This includes tours of South Africa, India and England. Mitchell Starc will be cautiously monitored for the 2027 ODI World Cup, where the Aussies will be defending their title.
Apart from Starc, Australia duo Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are also set to miss the opening phase of the tournament. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings’ Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a hamstring injury.
Delhi Capitals will be missing the services of Starc while they face Lucknow Super Giants on April 01 at Ekana Sports StadiumLucknow.
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