Delhi Capitals waiting for an update from Cricket Australia on Mitchell Starc, coach says, 'I follow up with the team every day'

UPDATED: Apr 08, 2026 03:19 PM IST

Delhi Capitals' Mitchell Starc reacts during the IPL match against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on April 5, 2025.

Story Highlights:

Mitchell Starc is yet to recover from his shoulder injury.

Munaf Patel feels Jasprit Bumrah is the only bowler in same bracket as Starc in IPL 2026.

Delhi Capitals (DC) have won their first two games of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 but they may need services of their star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc going ahead in the tournament. Starc has been recovering from a shoulder injury and yet to attain match fitness. On the eve of their clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, DC bowling coach Munaf Patel said that Starc’s absence hasn’t been felt yet but there is no other bowler who can swing the ball at 140 kmph-plus like him other than Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2026. Patel revealed that he has been in tough with Cricket Australia and waiting for the left-arm pacer to join the camp.

"We have won two games so it has not been felt," Patel said in jest.

"If we don't do well, it depends. He is one of the best in the world. There is no bigger bowler in the IPL than Starc. Bumrah is the only one I can think of. He has so much experience, he swings at 140kmph plus with the new ball. I follow up with the team every day. Cricket Australia will update us. We need him as our main bowler," the 42-year-old added.

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DC’s pace-bowling bench strength

So far, DC’s pace trio Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi have done a fine job. Mukesh has been potent with the new ball. Natarjan has kept a lid on boundaries at the death. Ngidi has trouble batters with his cutters.

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As a result, they have benched their Rs 8.4 crore recruit, Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar, New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson and Sri Lanka pacer Dushmantha Chameera.

Munaf Patel praise Auqib Nabi

Patel has lauded Nabi who was the highest wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy 2025-26. He said that the in-form pacer can play anytime as a bowling all-rounder or as an impact player.

"He is fond of bowling, has a great work ethic. IPL kee hawa nahi lagi hain ab tak (He has not got the hang of IPL yet). He took 60 wickets in Ranji Trophy, it is a big deal. He is ready to play for us. He could play anytime including as an impact player," said India pacer with 125 international wickets.