Mitchell Starc joins Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood; set to miss Delhi Capitals' initial few IPL 2026 matches

By Admin

20 Mar, 2026

The build-up to IPL 2026 has taken an early twist, with Mitchell Starc set to miss the opening matches, joining fellow Australian pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines. For the Delhi Capitals, however, Starc’s absence is more than just a scheduling issue it’s a strategic setback.

Starc’s Absence: A Major Setback for Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals had invested heavily in Mitchell Starc, acquiring him for ₹11.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, with a clear plan to make him the leader of their bowling attack. His absence at the start of IPL 2026 disrupts those plans significantly.

Starc was expected to spearhead the attack from the very first match setting the tone with the new ball and controlling the death overs. Without him, Delhi will need to rethink their bowling combinations and leadership in high-pressure situations.

Why Mitchell Starc Is So Crucial

Starc isn’t just another fast bowler he’s a match-winner. What makes him invaluable in T20 cricket is his ability to deliver in the most critical phases:

• New Ball Threat: Early breakthroughs with pace and swing
  
  

• Death Overs Specialist: Handles pressure with experience and precision
  
  

• Big Match Player: Known for stepping up in crucial games
  
  

Even though he picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches last season, his impact goes beyond numbers. His presence alone adds intimidation and balance to any bowling lineup.

The Reason Behind His Delayed Return

According to Cricket Australia, the decision to delay Starc’s participation is precautionary. The 36-year-old has had a heavy workload over the past 12 months, including:

• Playing all five Ashes Tests
  
  

• Participating in the latter stages of the Big Bash League
  
  

• Bowling one of the highest number of deliveries in Test cricket (second only to India’s Mohammed Siraj among pacers)
  
  

Given this intense schedule, Cricket Australia is carefully managing his recovery, with his IPL return dependent on return-to-play protocols over the coming weeks.

Cummins and Hazlewood Also Missing

Starc isn’t alone. His Australian teammates:

• Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
  
  

• Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
  
  

will also miss the initial phase of IPL 2026. However, their teams may feel the impact slightly less compared to Delhi Capitals, who were heavily reliant on Starc as their primary bowling leader.

What This Means for Delhi Capitals’ Campaign

For Delhi Capitals, the early matches now become a test of squad depth and adaptability. The team must:

• Find alternative leaders in the bowling unit
  
  

• Build early momentum without their star pacer
  
  

• Stay competitive until Starc returns
  
  

The good news is that Starc’s absence is not expected to be season-long. If Delhi can hold their ground in the initial phase, his return could provide a major boost during the business end of the tournament.

Final Thoughts

Mitchell Starc missing the start of IPL 2026 is a reminder of how player workload and international commitments can shape franchise cricket. While Delhi Capitals face an early challenge, the season is long and Starc’s eventual return could still play a decisive role.

For now, all eyes will be on how Delhi adapts and how soon their pace spearhead is back in action.