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.
Why is Mitchell Starc missing games for Delhi Capitals?
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.
How is Delhi Capitals Performing Without Mitchell Starc
Delhi Capitals have started IPL 2026 perfectly, winning their first two matches. They sit near the top of the points table, sharing the spot with three other unbeaten teams. Their success has been powered by a strong middle order. The team has been led by Sameer Rizvi.
Rizvi has been the star, scoring 160 runs in two innings with two 50s and a strike rate of 163. He came in during crises and guided the team home against Lucknow Super Giants (70*) and Mumbai Indians (90*). His six-hitting and ability to accelerate after slow starts have been crucial.
The bowling has adapted well to Starc’s absence. Mukesh Kumar has been sharp with the new ball. Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan have controlled the middle and death overs. And the spin trio of Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Vipraj Nigam have built pressure and taken wickets economically.
The weak point has been the top order. KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, and Pathum Nissanka have struggled. They are averaging just 10.2 runs collectively, often leaving the middle order to rescue the team.
Delhi Capitals will next play Gujarat Titans on April 8 at home, Chennai Super Kings on April 11 away, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 18 away. Starc will miss all three matches, so the current bowling unit’s form will be vital. Rizvi’s performance will also be key in keeping the winning momentum going.
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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