Big Setback for Delhi Capitals As Mitchell Starc Set to Miss Initial Matches of IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals face a major setback as Mitchell Starc is likely to miss the early stages of IPL 2026.

Cricket Australia take cautious call on Mitchell Starc ahead of IPL 2026

According to a report from cricket.com.au, Mitchell Starc is set to miss the initial stages of IPL 2026 as Cricket Australia are taking a cautious approach in managing him ahead of a busy international schedule.

Recently, Starc played in all five Tests in The Ashes before featuring in the later stages of the Big Bash League. Axar Patel revealed that there’s uncertainty around his availability at the start, but if he gets NOC, the Aussie quick will play from the first game onwards.

“If Mitchell Starc’s NOC is cleared he could even play in the first game. We are waiting on the update, there has been no clear direction yet. He is 100% fit”.

Starc was retained by Delhi Capitals for INR 11.75 crore, and his absence will leave a big gap in their bowling attack at the start of the season. In IPL 2025, he took 14 wickets in 10 innings and bowled at an economy rate of 10.16.

Australia will be concerned because Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are already recovering and are expected to miss the initial matches of IPL 2026. Nathan Ellis and Jack Edwards have also been ruled out of the entire season due to injuries. Considering Starc’s age and workload, Cricket Australia has decided to take a cautious approach.

Moreover, Alyssa Healy, Starc’s wife and former Australia captain, confirmed that the pacer is not completely fit and is carrying an injury. So, Starc won’t participate in the initial phase of the tournament, and his suspected injury might be why he hasn’t joined the team yet.

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Who Could Replace Mitchell Starc in Delhi Capitals’ Playing XI at the Start of IPL 2026?

Mitchell Starc would have been in Delhi Capitals’ playing XI from the start of the season. But since he is set to miss some matches, the good news for the franchise is that they have strong backups. Unlike some other teams, they don’t have injury concerns with their pacers.

They have Lungi Ngidi in the squad, who had an impressive T20 World Cup 2026 and could come into the XI in Starc’s place. They also have Dushmantha Chameera, who played for them last season, and Kyle Jamieson, who was bought in the auction. The team will be hoping Mitchell Starc returns soon, as his presence will be important in the latter stages of the league.

With the schedule announced only for the first four matches of each team, here are the games that Starc is expected to miss.

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