Delhi Capitals announce Mitchell Starc's arrival hours ahead of Punjab Kings clash

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) star left-arm pacer, Australia’s Mitchell Starc has arrived in India ahead of their clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS). DC announced Starc’s arrival on April 24. On the morning of their match against PBKS, they posted a video of Starc’s arrival at the airport and him joining the camp.

The veteran pacer had missed six games due to a shoulder injury. He got a green light from Cricket Australia after proving his fitness. He had also posted a message for his fans and slammed those who doubted his commitment to DC. 

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Will Starc play vs PBKS?

The 36-year-old is unlikely to feature in the match against PBKS. He will require time to acclimatise to the conditions and then build his workload. As per an earlier report, Starc may not feature in DC’s next game which is against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at home as well.

Starc is highly likely to be available for DC’s last six games of the league stage starting with May 1 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur where he will be bowling to a free-flowing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi along with in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel.

When was the last time Starc played?

Starc's last appearance before a three-month injury layoff was in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 final. For Sydney Sixers, he registered bowling figures of 1/33 against Perth Scorchers in a losing cause.

Whose place Starc takes in playing XII?

It is yet to be seen whether DC use Starc as an impact player. He is capable of contributing with the bat as well down the order. In his absence, Lungi Ngidi has been leading the pace attack. His slower ones have troubled the batters. Based on current form, he is likely to retain his place in the side.

David Miller and Tristan Stubbs have done fairly well in the middle order. They are likely to retain their place in the playing XI as well. However, Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has a chance to cause selection headache. Nissanka has got starts but hasn’t been able to convert them into big scores. DC have other opening options as well in Prithvi Shaw and Abishek Porel. Both of them have opened for DC before as well.