Summary of this article
Mitchell Starc hasn't been cleared to play in the IPL yet as he's undergoing injury rehabilitation
Starc sustained shoulder and elbow injuries during the 2025-26 Ashes series
Though his return date hasn't been confirmed yet, Starc updated that he'll join DC as soon as he's fit to play
Australia's premier fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, missed the first match for Delhi Capitals against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
While the news was doing the rounds that the southpaw Aussie quick will miss the first half of IPL 2026 due to injury, it was only confirmed at the toss, when his name was not included in the playing XI list.
His exclusion added one more name to the long list of players, especially fast bowlers, who'll miss either the entire or a significant part of the IPL due to injury.
Mitchell Starc's Injury Fiasco
Starc's exclusion was not a straightforward one, as the pacer last played international cricket in December-January, and despite a significant break, didn't join the DC squad before the tournament as he wasn't cleared by Cricket Australia to play in the IPL.
While there was no official confirmation of Starc's injury by then, it gave way to speculations regarding his commitment to the league. However, Mitchell Starc's himself clarified that he's undergoing rehabilitation for his shoulder and elbow injuries and will join the DC squad once fully fit.
Delhi and Lucknow are playing their first games of the season and both teams would want to start their campaign with a win.
Delhi Capitals have won the toss and elected to field first at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
When did Mitchell Starc got injured?
Mitchell Starc injured his shoulder and elbow during the Ashes series.
Have DC asked of a replacement for Mitchell Starc?
No, DC hasn't asked asked for Mitchell Starc's replacement yet as he's expected to join mid-tournament.
