DC started this season as a team to beat. DC won their first four games. But the table changed after that. They could win only 2 out of their next 7 matches. They are currently in the 5th position in the points table. They need to win all their remaining 3 matches or at least 2 out of 3 matches to cement their spot in the playoffs.
In this situation, as IPL is set to resume from 17th May, it would be a great setback for DC if Mitchell Starc decides to opt out of the remaining season. The revised schedule created a problem for the Australian and South African players as they have the WTC finals from June 11.
The Final of the IPL is scheduled on June 3rd. So, if their team qualifies for the playoffs and finals, they would have only one week to prepare for the big game. So, there are possibilities that Mitchell Starc might pull back from the IPL amidst national duties.
DC remaining matches in the group stage:
- DC vs GT – 18th May at Arun Jaitley stadium, Delhi
- DC vs MI – 21st May at Wankhede stadum, Mumbai
- DC vs PBKS – 24th May at Sawai Mansingh stadium, Jaipur
Replacement options
DC has a good bench strength to replace Mitchell Starc. They have got two experienced fast bowlers in the name of Mukesh Kumar and Mohit Sharma. Mukesh Kumar is having a bad season, but still he can use his experience and can deliver in the death overs.
Mohit Sharma, who made his redemption with GT in the last two seasons, is known for slower-ones and can reverse the ball in the death as well. His inclusion will make the death bowling of DC stronger along with Natarajan.
If not, DC can sign a new player to replace Starc. There are a couple of options.
Kyle Jamieson
The Kiwi pacer, who entered the cricket world with great hype and reputation, couldn’t live up to it because of injuries. He is a tall, hit-the-deck bowler who can generate bounce at a good pace and can be threatening with a new ball. He can be handy with the bat too.
Naveen-ul-Haq
The Afghan pacer has the ability to swing with the new ball and also has effective slower-ones with the old ball. He can operate in the death overs with Natarajan.
If they want an Indian option, they can go for Navdeep Saini, Shivam Mavi and Kartik Tyagi.
Trsitan Stubbs
Tristan Stubbs plays a key role in the DC-batting line up. He take cares of the finishing role. He might also miss the remaining because of the WTC final. If he pulls out, DC will have a big headache of filling two overseas slots. They will have to look for a promising overseas power-hitter who could finish matches.
Michael Bracewell
Michael Bracewell became famous after his 140 ( 77) against India while chasing 350 in an ODI match in 2023. He is left handed power-hitting batter who can add quick runs in the death overs. He also gives you an off-spin bowling option which DC lacks.
Sikander Raza
This Zimbabwe all-rounder is very underrated in international cricket. He carried his team for the past few years. He is a valuable asset to any team who could play quickfire cameos and bowl 2-3 overs in the middle.
They can also go with top order batters like Steve Smith, Daryl Mitchell and Ben Duckett as they are struggling to find a perfect opening combination.
Loan
IPL has introduced a new rule of borrowing players from other franchises during mid season. This rule is very popular among mid season. This will happen only if both the franchises mutually agreed to it. The borrowed cannot play against his home franchise.
This rule was never used in IPL so far. They can target some players from the following teams :
- KKR : Spencer Johnson, Anrich Nortje
- CSK : Nathan Ellis, Jamie Overton
Also Read:Â IPL 2025: Can RCB Manage To Win The Title Without Josh Hazlewood ?