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Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani has taken a subtle dig at Cricket Australia over the delayed availability of key fast bowler Mitchell Starc in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
The DC head coach made strong comments after Mitchell Starc produced a match-winning performance for Delhi Capitals in the 62nd match of IPL 2026 against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Mitchell Starc joined Delhi Capitals quite late
Mitchell Starc joined the Delhi Capitals team very late in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026, as Cricket Australia delayed clearing him for the tournament due to his injury problems.
The Australia national cricket team fast bowler missed the initial phase of IPL 2026 and made his first appearance for Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals on May 1.
Notably, Cricket Australia was carefully managing Mitchell Starc’s workload after a busy international schedule.
Despite missing several matches, Starc made a quick impact after joining the Delhi Capitals camp and his return came as a big boost for Delhi Capitals, who were struggling for consistency in the bowling department.
Hemang Badani targets Cricket Australia over Mitchell Starc’s availability
Speaking after Delhi Capitals’ win over Rajasthan Royals, Hemang Badani admitted that he would ideally like to have Starc available from the start of IPL 2026.
The Delhi Capitals head coach also pointed out that franchises have very little control when cricket boards decide to restrict the availability of players.
Hemang Badani said, “Ideally, I would like my players to be available for me from day one. And Starc is probably one of the biggest players in my team, and we have invested in him, and we know he is a match-winner.”
“Some of the things that are decided by the federations and the governing bodies, there are very few things that we can do. Because if Cricket Australia does not release them then there is nothing a coach or a franchise can do,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the match against Rajasthan Royals, the experienced left-arm pacer achieved sensational figures of 4/40 and played a big role in Delhi Capitals’ victory.
Also read: Ravindra Jadeja injury update: Rajasthan Royals coach refutes Ryan Parag’s claim on the all-rounder
His preparation before the game with his plans and his training is above level – Hemang Badani praises Mitchell Starc
Hemang Badani also praised Mitchell Starc and described him as one of the best role models in world cricket.
“His work ethic, his preparation before the game with his own plans and his training is excellent. I don’t see that with a lot of young boys, that’s why he’s lasted so long,” Hemang Badani said in the press conference.
He said, “If you go back and watch the recent Ashes series, he won the Ashes single-handedly – there was no Pat Cummins, there was no Josh Hazlewood; that pretty much tells you what that guy can do.”
Hemang Badani further explained how Mitchell Starc is mentoring the young bowlers in the Delhi Capitals camp and is constantly sharing his knowledge with them.
Hemang Badani said, “Talking about the kind of work he does with the young players: he is always talking to them, he is always trying to impart knowledge – how can you reverse swing, how can I catch the length, what do I do when a certain batsman is in trouble; do I think about taking wickets or do I try to be polite and defensive. There is tremendous conversation about what Starc brings to the table.”
Despite being a late addition to the tournament, Starc has already emerged as one of the best performers for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. The Australian fast bowler has played five matches in the tournament so far and has taken nine wickets.
