Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc released a strong statement regarding his delayed arrival for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The left-arm pacer criticized sections of the Indian media for spreading misinformation about his current shoulder and elbow injuries.
Several Australian players remain uncertain for the tournament. Cricket Australia confirmed that the left-arm pacer will miss the start of IPL 2026 due to workload management. Delhi Capitals will open their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Wednesday, April 1, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in 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 managing an injury in his shoulder and elbow.
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“Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didn’t know the extent of during the Australian summer.”
“These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me,” Starc wrote.
🚨 IMPORTANT STATEMENT FROM MITCHELL STARC 🚨 pic.twitter.com/AnoMn4aGmd
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 28, 2026
Timing Is Disruptive To The Delhi Team And I Apologise – Starc
Mitchell Starc acknowledged that his absence disrupts the strategic plans of the Delhi Capitals management and offered a sincere apology for missing the initial matches.
“With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap,” he added.
Delhi Capitals finished fifth in IPL 2025, narrowly missing the playoffs. They started strongly with four consecutive wins but lost momentum later. The team managed to win only three of their remaining 10 matches, which cost them a place in the knockout stage.
Mitchell Starc’s Absence A Big Blow For Delhi Capitals Ahead Of IPL 2026
Mitchell Starc was one of Delhi Capitals’ key performers last season, finishing as their second-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in 11 matches. The left-arm pacer, who was signed for ₹11.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, was retained after his performances for the Axar Patel-led side.
He picked up 5 wickets for 35 runs in just 3.4 overs during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The pacer became the first fast bowler to take a five-wicket haul for Delhi Capitals in IPL history.
Before 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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