Is Mitchell Starc playing today for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings? Not yet — but the franchise’s social media tease on Friday has confirmed the left-arm quick has landed in India, setting the stage for his long-awaited IPL 2026 debut. Starc’s arrival comes on the same day Pat Cummins confirmed his return for Sunrisers Hyderabad — a bumper Saturday for Australian fast bowling in the IPL.
Delhi Capitals dropped a hype video on X (formerly Twitter) featuring Starc, fuelling excitement among fans ahead of their DC vs PBKS clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, April 25. However, the 36-year-old won’t feature in today’s match. He is expected to make his first appearance of the season against Rajasthan Royals on May 1 in Jaipur, after completing a workload build-up over the coming week.
ALSO READ: Highest Individual Score in IPL History — KL Rahul Enters List
Why Mitchell Starc Is Not Playing Today
Starc arrived in Delhi on Friday morning after receiving fitness clearance from Cricket Australia. He has been sidelined since January with elbow and shoulder injuries sustained during a diving catch attempt in a Big Bash League match for the Sydney Sixers — an injury that followed a physically demanding Ashes series where he bowled over 153 overs and picked up 31 wickets to win the Player of the Series award in Australia’s 4-1 victory.
Cricket Australia withheld his No Objection Certificate until he could demonstrate full fitness. According to a report from cricket.com.au, Starc completed a pain-free week of bowling in the nets before being cleared to travel. But match fitness and full-intensity bowling will still take time to build, which is why DC’s management has opted for a cautious reintegration rather than rushing him into the playing XI.
Starc addressed the situation himself on Instagram last month, pushing back against what he described as “heavily misinformed opinions” from sections of the Indian media who had questioned his commitment to the franchise. He clarified that the delay was purely medical and reaffirmed his dedication to joining DC as soon as possible.
ALSO READ: What happened to Lungi Ngidi? Why was he stretchered off the field?
What Starc’s Return Means For Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals currently sit fifth on the IPL 2026 points table with a 3-3 record — the exact position they finished last season. Their path to playoff qualification remains firmly open but demands consistency from here on. Their pace attack, led by Lungi Ngidi (seven wickets in six matches), T Natarajan and Mukesh Kumar, has been competitive but lacks the x-factor that Starc’s left-arm angle and new-ball potency would provide.
Starc was DC’s leading fast bowler last season, picking up 14 wickets in 11 matches, including a maiden five-wicket haul for the franchise against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His IPL career record stands at 65 wickets from 52 matches. More importantly, he brings big-match pedigree — he was instrumental in KKR’s 2024 title run with Player of the Match performances in the Qualifier and Final.
His arrival will also create a selection headache. Pathum Nissanka, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Ngidi currently occupy the four overseas slots in the DC IPL 2026 squad. When Starc slots in, one of them will have to make way — with Ngidi’s spot the most likely to come under pressure given Starc would take over the lead pace role.
DC vs PBKS: The Challenge Without Starc
Today’s match against Punjab Kings is arguably DC’s toughest assignment of the season so far. PBKS are unbeaten with five wins from six matches (one no result) and sit atop the points table — their best-ever start to an IPL campaign. Shreyas Iyer returns to the Arun Jaitley Stadium as opposition captain for the first time since leading DC to the 2020 final.
Without Starc, Delhi will rely on the same XI that lost by 47 runs to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last outing. Axar Patel’s captaincy, KL Rahul’s batting form (205 runs, two fifties) and Kuldeep Yadav’s spin will need to fire against a PBKS side that has barely put a foot wrong this season.
The Starc countdown, though, has officially begun. May 1 against Rajasthan Royals is circled — and if all goes to plan, Delhi Capitals will finally have their ₹11.75 crore investment leading the attack for the business end of IPL 2026.
Follow all latest cricket news and updates here on The Dakia.
