Mitchell Starc is set to miss at least three more IPL 2026 games for Delhi Capitals because of a shoulder and elbow injury. He hasn’t joined the team yet and is unlikely to play until after April 20. Delhi face Gujarat Titans on April 8, Chennai Super Kings on April 11, and Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 18 without him.
Despite Starc’s absence, Delhi’s bowling has been strong. Mukesh Kumar has been effective with the new ball, while Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan have bowled well in the tough overs. Spinners Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Vipraj Nigam have controlled the middle overs. Starc has been in touch with the team and says he’s committed to joining as soon as possible.
Delhi Capitals have won both games so far against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians. Young batter Sameer Rizvi has impressed in pressure chases, and the team aims to continue their unbeaten run against Gujarat Titans on April 8. A win would take them to the top of the IPL 2026 points table.
Mitchell Starc Injury Update Today: What Is His Injury?
Mitchell Starc has missed much of IPL 2026 because of a shoulder and elbow injury he got during the 2025-26 Ashes. He only realized how serious it was after the Australian summer. Cricket Australia is also being very careful with him, holding back his No-Objection Certificate and managing his workload to protect him and other top fast bowlers for a busy year, which includes up to 21 Tests and defending the 2027 ODI World Cup.
His wife, Alyssa Healy, defended him online, saying he can’t play if he’s injured and would be there if fully fit. Starc also responded to critics, calling opinions about his absence “heavily misinformed” and stressing that he’s committed to joining Delhi Capitals as soon as possible. He apologized to the team and fans for the early-season disruption.
As of early April 2026, he is still in Australia and unlikely to join Delhi before April 20. This means he will miss at least three more matches: against Gujarat Titans on April 8, Chennai Super Kings on April 11, and Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 18. If everything goes well, he could return for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 21.
Cricket Australia’s cautious approach and Starc’s rehab are keeping him out for now. But Delhi Capitals hope he will strengthen their bowling once he comes back.
Check Out: DC Schedule IPL 2026
Impact on Delhi Capitals
Mitchell Starc’s absence has been a big challenge for Delhi Capitals, but the team has handled it well so far. Without their star left-arm pacer, DC has had to rethink strategies for early breakthroughs and death overs, areas where Starc was usually deadly. His shoulder and elbow injury keeps him out at least until April 20. So he will miss matches against Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In his absence, other bowlers have stepped up. Mukesh Kumar has become a real threat with the new ball. Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan have bowled well in the middle and death overs. While spinners Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Vipraj Nigam have also taken important wickets.
Captain Axar Patel has had to be smart with field placements and bowling plans. Especially using a spin-heavy attack to cover for Starc. On the positive side, the absence of Starc has brought unexpected benefits. Sameer Rizvi has emerged as a reliable match-winner with two back-to-back big innings. The team has shown that they can win under pressure.
Looking ahead, Delhi Capitals remain strong playoff contenders. Starc’s return will add extra strength to an already balanced attack. But the next three games without him will test the team’s depth and character. If Starc comes back, it will increase their chances of winning the title.
FAQs
Q. Why is Mitchell Starc missing games for Delhi Capitals?
A. Starc has a shoulder and elbow injury from the 2025-26 Ashes.
Q. How has Delhi Capitals performed without him?
A. The team has won both matches so far. Sameer Rizvi has impressed with the bat.
Q. When could Starc return?
A. If his recovery goes well, Starc might return for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 21.
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