Delight for Delhi Capitals as Mitchell Starc cleared to play in IPL 2026 starting this date

Delhi Capitals' (DC) pace attack has received a huge boost with Mitchell Starc getting Return to play clearance from Cricket Australia (CA). Starc has recovered from elbow and shoulder injuries he suffered during the Ashes and his short BBL 2025-26 stint.

Starc has been training in Sydney, building up his workload. As per ESPNCricinfo, he will reach Delhi on April 24. After adapting to Indian conditions, he is expected to be available for selection for DC’s May 1 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR). 

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In the meantime, DC will have to make do with their current pace attack which was taken to the cleaners by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the previous game, setting a mammoth target of 243.

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Who will DC drop to fit in Starc?

When Starc arrives, DC will have to drop at least one of the current overseas player in the lineup. Pathum Nissanka opens with KL Rahul. Tristan Stubbs has been in form whereas David Miller has played the role of finisher. Lungi Ngidi has been brilliant with his slower balls, getting key breakthroughs. DC are likely to bolster their bowling attack and drop Nissanka. Their list of backup openers include Karun Nair, Prithvi Shaw and Abishek Porel.

Starc in previous season

Starc is set to play six league games this season for DC until and unless he gets injured. In IPL 2024, their Rs 11.75 crore signing had played 11 games and claimed 14 wickets at an average of 26.14. He claimed a fifer against SRH. However, his economy rate was over 10 runs per over.

DC’s mixed bag of a season

Losing the match against Gujarat Titans (GT) by just one run has haunted them. The Axar Patel-led side are currently played sixth with three wins and as many losses. Their net run rate (NRR) is a negative 0.821.

DC are likely to be without the services of Starc for two more games. They face table-toppers Punjab Kings (PBKS) at home on April 25. Then, they lock horns with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at home on April 27. If Starc is fit to play against RCB, it will be a huge boost for DC considering the batting friendly conditions of Arun Jaitley Stadium.