Delhi Capitals (DC) would be aiming to make the most of the winning by outclassing Gujarat Titans (GT) at their home venue on 8th April. DC have won both the matches quite dominantly. The question though remains of Mitchell Starc‘s availability for DC. Mitchell Starc is yet to join the camp as the franchise haven’t even named an interim replacement as well.
There is a rain threat at Delhi which can make contest more exciting given if its a shortened match. DC have been bolstered by the rise of Sameer Rizvi who has amassed 160 runs in 2 innings & has struck 2 match winning half centuries. Rizvi is leading the batting unit even when the side has got seasoned campaigners KL Rahul & Nitish Rana who have been off-color.
There isn’t anyone better than Mitchell Starc in IPL- Munaf Patel
Munaf Patel, DC’s bowling coach was having an interaction with the media ahead of the match. Munaf Patel pointed out that the team is not feeling Mitchell Starc’s absence. Munaf Patel stated that Starc is DC’s top bowler. DC’s fast bowling coach also revealed a major update about potential comeback of Mitchell Starc in DC.
“Right now we have won two matches so we are not feeling Starc’s absence. But in coming matches, if they don’t perform then it depends there. He is one of the best bowlers in the world. Right now, everyone is like yeah we aren’t missing him because we are winning. But he is our top bowler,” said Munaf Patel.
And I think there isn’t anyone better than Starc in the IPL. Bumrah is there whom you can compare with him. You can see how much experience, how fast he bowls, swings with new ball at 140 plus. Till now there is no update Australian board physio or trainer or doctor will update,” he added.
Connundrum of Mitchell Starc for DC
Mitchell Starc is yet to receive clearance & NOC from Cricket Australia (CA). Starc is rehabbing from shoulder & elbow injury due to which there is delay for his arrival. The Australian pacer was pivotal in Ashes 2025-26 who took 31 wickets & bowled 153.1 overs and played all 5 Test matches.
Starc had taken T20I retirement on 2nd September 2025 inorder to prolong his Test cricket but had cited he would play IPL. Even Starc played in BBL 2025-26 for Sydney Sixers in some of final stages of tourney. It’s quite crystal clear that CA is managing workload of Starc very cautiously.
Austalia’s next Test assignment is against Bangladesh in August 2026, there is ample time we can say but given Starc is 35 years of age, an injury can take a bad toll on his body or who knows Starc won’t play in that series to give youngsters a chance. Australia’s Test summer is a humongous one with potential 22 Tests till September 2027, the most for Kangaroos ever.
With Munaf Patel clearly mentioning that CA hasn’t given any sort of update regarding Starc. It’s quite lucid that contracted player like Mitchell Starc is accountable first to CA then to franchise. It would sound very harsh but in this case, DC is quite powerless who are waiting for a directive of CA. In the near future, IPL franchises would think twice before signing Aussie player we can say given how things are unfolding. Starc had taken 14 wickets in 11 matches in IPL 2025 for DC and now only time will tell how many matches Starc will play this edition but things don’t look promising for Starc nor for DC.
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