Mitchell Starc has been cleared by Cricket Australia to join the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026, marking his return after recovering from injury.
Mitchell Starc is set to make a significant impact in the ongoing IPL 2026 season after being officially cleared by Cricket Australia (CA) to join the Delhi Capitals (DC). The veteran left-arm pacer, who was signed for a remarkable 11.75 crore during the mega auction, had been sidelined for the first month of the tournament due to a persistent elbow injury and shoulder issues sustained during the home summer.
On April 23, 2026, DC received the long-awaited news that Starc would be able to participate in the tournament. Fans and team officials alike have been eagerly anticipating his return, especially after weeks of speculation surrounding his fitness status. Starc himself expressed frustration over “misinformed” reports regarding his condition, emphasizing that his absence was strictly medical.
Starc is expected to make his IPL 2026 debut on May 1, 2026, against the Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium. He is scheduled to arrive in India this weekend and will undergo a brief three-day acclimatization and training program with the DC support staff. While there was hope for an earlier appearance, the medical team has advised a cautious approach to ensure he remains fit for the remainder of the tournament and the upcoming international calendar.
The addition of Starc to the Delhi Capitals lineup is poised to change the dynamics of the team significantly. His presence provides Axar Patel, the team’s captain, with a world-class “X-factor” that has been lacking in the power play. Starc’s ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers and variations is expected to enhance the team’s bowling strategy, allowing for a more aggressive approach in the middle overs.
Starc is likely to join fellow pacers Lungi Ngidi and Mukesh Kumar, forming one of the most formidable pace attacks in the competition. His knack for taking early wickets will enable Axar to utilize Ngidi more effectively, shifting from a defensive to an aggressive bowling strategy.
Prior to receiving his clearance, Starc made headlines for addressing critics who suggested he was “saving himself” for international duty. He clarified that his delay in returning to the field was purely medical, stating he was working “double shifts” with physiotherapists in Sydney to honor his commitment to the Delhi Capitals. With the CA’s green light now in hand, Starc is reportedly “hungrier than ever” to prove his worth in the world’s richest cricket league after a multi-year hiatus.
As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Starc as he prepares to make his much-anticipated return to the game. The Delhi Capitals and their fans are hopeful that his presence will elevate the team’s performance and contribute to a successful campaign.
According to The Sunday Guardian, Starc’s return is not just a personal milestone but also a pivotal moment for the Delhi Capitals as they aim for success in IPL 2026.