Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc issued a strong statement regarding his delayed arrival for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The left-arm fast bowler criticized a section of the Indian media for spreading misinformation about his current shoulder and elbow injuries.
Many Australian players remain uncertain about the tournament. Cricket Australia confirmed that the left-arm fast bowler will miss the start of IPL 2026 due to workload management. Delhi Capitals will begin their campaign on Wednesday, April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury – Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc called out pundits who questioned his commitment to the Delhi Capitals franchise. The fast bowler said that he is suffering from injuries in his shoulder and elbow.
“Despite the opinions and views of some individuals through the Indian media and on their forums, I am currently rehabilitating and managing my shoulder and elbow injuries, which I was not aware of during the Australian summer.”
“These individuals have made some strong statements about my involvement in the IPL and have given false information about the players, promoting them as facts and claiming to know my body better than I do,” Starc wrote.
Important statement of Mitchell Starc pic.twitter.com/AnoMn4aGmd
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 28 March 2026
It was a bad time for the Delhi team and I apologize – Starc
Mitchell Starc admitted that his absence disrupted the strategic plans of the Delhi Capitals management and apologized sincerely for missing the opening matches.
He said, “I acknowledge that this injury and the timing has been disruptive for the Delhi team and I apologize for this and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I am committed to joining DC, will be updating the team in constant communication and will continue to do everything possible to be available for DC as soon as possible.”
Delhi Capitals finished fifth in IPL 2025 and missed the playoffs. They started strongly with four consecutive wins but lost momentum later. The team managed to win only three of its remaining 10 matches, missing out on a place in the knockout stage.
Mitchell Starc’s absence before IPL 2026 is a big blow for Delhi Capitals.
Mitchell Starc was one of the key performers for Delhi Capitals last season, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in 11 matches. The left-arm fast bowler, who was signed for ₹11.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, was retained following his performances for the Axar Patel-led side.
He took 5 wickets for 35 runs in just 3.4 overs during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The fast bowler became the first fast bowler in IPL history to take a five-wicket haul for Delhi Capitals.
Ahead of IPL 2026, Starc also featured in all five Tests during the 2025-26 Ashes. Delhi Capitals will miss his presence this season. In his absence, Lungi Ngidi is expected to lead the pace attack along with Dushmantha Chameera, Kyle Jamieson, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and T Natarajan.
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