Delhi Capitals has suffered a big blow in the form of star pacer. Mitchell StarcHis return to the IPL has been delayed indefinitely, with the 36-year-old likely to be unavailable for almost a quarter of April.
Delhi Capitals have been performing impressively, but their performances have not come from the expected sources in this edition of the IPL. In both the matches, Delhi showed promising performances with the bat, but it was not KL Rahul or Nitish Rana but impact sub Sameer Rizvi who led their batting charts.
On the other hand, despite Mitchell Starc and Auqib Nabi not being part of the attack, Capitals have been the most economical and balanced bowling side in this IPL. While Nabi has been ruled out due to a concussion, Starc is yet to feature in the Capitals squad.
Mitchell Starc’s IPL return delayed: DC realizes huge trouble
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc played an important role in this. Delhi Capitals In his early success in IPL 2025. He is always considered important for whatever franchise he stars for. However, he was last seen in Sydney Sixers colors in the BBL and has been out of competitive cricket since then.
Despite this, Starc got injured and missed the opening matches of the IPL season for the Capitals. He has been battling shoulder and elbow injuries in the home country and as per the latest reports in TOI, he is unlikely to join the team anytime before April 20.
Mitchell Starc is likely to miss at least three more matches for Delhi Capitals. The time frame is unclear at this stage, but he is unlikely to join the team in the next two weeks… at least! https://t.co/3wcREnEIZY
– Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) 7 April 2026
Delhi Capitals optimistic about Mitchell Starc’s return
Mitchell Starc’s arrival has been postponed till April 20, while Delhi Capitals have to play three matches in the meantime. They have won against two teams, Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, in the beginning of the season.
are against the upcoming game Gujarat Titans on 8 April, against Chennai Super Kings on 11 April and finally against defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore on 18 April.
However, the Capitals think tank is very optimistic about retaining Starks at some point in the season, but the timeline is unclear at this time. However, the pace trio of Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan have been effective for them.
Upcoming matches of Delhi Capitals, which Starc will miss in IPL 2026
Possibly, Delhi Capitals’ choice has been very promising Akshar PatelVipraj Nigam and Kuldeep Yadav are forming a spin trio with three fast bowlers. Mitchell Starc will add to the importance of this powerful attack.
Starc has also shown full commitment to making a comeback in the IPL, as the players are in constant touch with the management. Delhi Capitals will be playing their second home match of the season as they host the Titans for their third match of the season Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Currently, they are placed fourth in the points table with 4 points, same as former champions RCB and Rajasthan Royals. Punjab Kings top the table with 2 wins and one rain-washed draw.
Also read: Shreyas Iyer’s sister trolls Ajinkya Rahane’s KKR after washout; Punjab Kings reach the top of the IPL 2026 table
