When will Mitchell Starc play in IPL 2026? Check details

It has been approximately 10 days since the start of IPL 2026. All teams have played their opening two or three matches. However, the influx of players joining the tournament continues unabated. However, bad news has emerged for the Delhi Capitals, as their premier fast bowler, Australia's Mitchell Starc, is set to miss the next three matches of the tournament. It is highly unlikely for him to join the DC squad till April 20. 

Delhi Capitals have started well in the tournament so far, winning both matches. They are currently in 4th position in the points table. They defeated Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians. Sameer Rizvi became the player of the match in both matches. 

The bowlers have played a pivotal role in the Delhi Capitals' stellar performance, delivering exceptional displays in both matches to prevent their opponents from posting high scores. Currently, the responsibility for DC's pace attack rests with Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar, and T. Natarajan. Meanwhile, the team also has bowlers such as Dushmantha Chameera, Aqib Nabi, and Kyle Jamieson available on the bench.

Mitchell Starc is missing the initial games of IPL 2026 for the Delhi Capitals due to rehabilitation for shoulder and elbow injuries. His Critics raised concerns over his commitment, but Starc dismissed all the rumours about his commitment and gave an update about his injury. 

"I'm currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow, the extent of which I didn't know during the Australian summer."

“I do acknowledge this injury setback and that the timing is disruptive to the Delhi team, and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season.

The Delhi Capitals will face the Gujarat Titans on April 08 in their next cricket match. Following this, they will face Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 11 & 18, respectively, before April 20. It means Mitchell Starc will miss those games too. Given Mitchell Starc's stature, he is regarded as a big-match player (especially in knockouts and finals). The DC management is well aware that, sooner or later, they will inevitably need the services of this star player during the ongoing season. If Starc joins DC in a fully fit condition, the team's chances of winning the trophy this time around will increase significantly.

Mitchell Starc’s IPL stats

Mitchell Starc has played in only 4 IPL seasons for 3 IPL franchises so far. He has played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2014 & 2015, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and Delhi Capitals in 2025. He made an important contribution to KKR’s IPL 2024 title victory. So far, he has taken 65 wickets in 52 matches in his IPL career with an economy rate of 8.61.