Mitchell Starc IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals' strength halved! Big problem for Akshar Patel, chaos in the camp

New Delhi. Big news related to Delhi Capitals has come out. Actually, fast bowler Mitchell Starc is going to be out of the initial matches of IPL 2026, which has created panic in the camp of Delhi Capitals. This is a big blow for the team captained by Akshar Patel. The team had expected Starc to remain associated with the team since the beginning of their season, which has now ended. Starc is the most experienced and match-winning player of the team. In such a situation, the team is going to miss him in the initial matches.

According to the report of Cricket.com AU, Starc is one of the senior fast bowlers of Australia, who is being rested in the initial part of the tournament. His availability will depend on his fitness and the progress of the return-to-play protocols in the coming weeks. For 36-year-old Starc, his workload is also a major reason for this decision. He recently played all five Test matches of The Ashes and after that also took part in the last stage of the Big Bash League.

Why the setback for Delhi Capitals?
Starc missing the opening match is a big blow for Delhi Capitals because he has the power to give a strong start with the new ball. Apart from this, he can bowl well even in pressure overs. He is one of the few fast bowlers in the world who can change the course of a match with the new ball and can handle difficult situations with his experience in the death overs.

How was your performance last season?
It is noteworthy that Delhi had bought Starc for Rs 11.75 crore in the mega auction of IPL 2025. Last season, he played 11 matches for the team and took 14 wickets, however, his economy rate was more than 10. Starc's presence makes Delhi Capitals' bowling more dangerous and his ability to perform well in big matches is a strong point of Delhi Capitals. Since Starc will not be in the beginning, the Delhi team would like to have a strong start even in his absence, so that when he returns, the team can get strength in the last stage of the tournament.

Not only Starc, but Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will also not be available in the opening matches for their respective franchises. Cummins plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Hazlewood plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), which will give an initial blow to these teams too.