Cricket
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Delhi Capitals have received a major boost in the ongoing Indian Premier League as Mitchell Starc return edges closer after the pacer was cleared by Cricket Australia to travel to India.
The Mitchell Starc injury update comes as positive news for Delhi Capitals, with the Australian fast bowler recovering fully from shoulder and elbow issues. The Mitchell Starc IPL 2026 campaign is now set to begin soon, with the left-arm quick expected to arrive in India on Friday and join the squad over the weekend.
Cleared by Cricket Australia after recovering from shoulder/elbow issues, Mitchell Starc is nearing his IPL 2026 debut for Delhi Capitals, likely against Rajasthan Royals on May 1.
However, the Delhi Capitals team news suggests that Mitchell Starc is unlikely to be rushed back into action immediately. The team management is expected to allow him a short acclimatisation period and a gradual increase in bowling intensity before making him match-ready. As per current plans, the Mitchell Starc return date is likely to be May 1, when Delhi Capitals take on Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.
Delhi Capitals have matches lined up against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru before that, but Mitchell Starc is expected to miss both fixtures as part of his recovery and preparation process.
Earlier, the Mitchell Starc injury had led to confusion at the start of IPL 2026, but the pacer himself clarified the situation, expressing frustration over “misinformed opinions.” Reports indicate that Mitchell Starc had a successful week of pain-free bowling in Sydney before receiving clearance, further strengthening confidence around the Mitchell Starc fitness update.
The Delhi Capitals squad will be keen to integrate Mitchell Starc into their bowling attack at a crucial stage of the tournament, as his experience and pace could significantly impact their campaign.
Meanwhile, the return of Australian fast bowlers across the league is another key storyline in IPL 2026 news. Josh Hazlewood has already resumed playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Pat Cummins is set to feature for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
With the Mitchell Starc return nearing and other Australian pacers regaining fitness, the pace-bowling landscape in IPL 2026 is set to intensify in the coming weeks.
