Delhi Capitals’ campaign in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has hit a roadblock, with back-to-back losses exposing the fragility of their bowling and fielding departments. Amid growing concerns, Chief Cricket Officer Venugopal Rao has confirmed that the franchise will provide a definitive update on the availability of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc within a week, keeping fans and analysts on edge.
IPL 2026: Starc’s injury and recovery timeline
Mitchell Starc, one of the top foreign recruits in IPL 2026, is yet to join the Capitals squad. The left-arm quick has been sidelined due to shoulder and elbow injuries sustained during the Australian summer. On March 28, Starc addressed fans via Instagram, apologizing for missing the first part of the season and assuring his followers that he was working to return. Venugopal Rao, speaking after DC’s loss to Chennai Super Kings, reiterated that clarity would come soon: “I think we’ll let you know in a week.” he said, hinting that the franchise is closely monitoring the progress of Starc’s rehabilitation. Previously, it was reported that Starc would be unavailable for DC’s next 3 games after their clash against MI, which meant he was likely to miss the games against GT and CSK. Now, the left-armer might miss DC’s next match in Bengaluru against reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 18.
Delhi Capitals Struggles Without Mitchell Starc
Starc’s absence has left a big void in Delhi’s bowling attack. Known for his ability to swing the new ball and bowl lethal yorkers at the death, Starc’s presence often tilts matches in his team’s favor. Without him, DC’s pace battery has lacked penetration, and their reliance on young Indian bowlers and foreign recruits has not yielded consistent results.
- Recent form: DC suffered a 24-run loss to CSK, their second consecutive loss.
- Bowling Concerns: The attack struggled to contain Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre, who powered a century stand to help CSK achieve a commanding total.
- Field problems: Rao admitted that sloppy fielding cost the team between 15 and 20 runs, a margin that proved decisive in the final result.
Match Summary: CSK vs DC
The clash against Chennai Super Kings highlighted Delhi’s shortcomings:
CSK Batting:
-
- Sanju Samson stole the show with an astonishing 115 off 56 balls*, studded with 15 fours and 4 sixes.
- Ayush Mhatre contributed a fluent 59, helping CSK post 212/2 in 20 overs.
DC Pursuit:
-
- Pathum Nissanka got off to a good start with 41 off 24 balls.
- Tristan Stubbs fought valiantly to a 30-ball 60.
- However, regular wickets in the middle order derailed the chase and DC fell short at 188/9.
CSK Bowling:
-
- Jamie Overton (4/18) and Anshul Kamboj (3/35) were the standout performers, ensuring CSK snapped their six-match losing streak at home.
Starc’s IPL Pedigree
Mitchell Starc’s IPL record underlines why his absence is so keenly felt:
| Season | Equipment | Matches | windows | average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | DC | 11 | 14 | 26.14 | 10.16 |
| 2024 | kkr | 14 | 17 | 26.11 | 8.5 |
| Career | — | 52 | 65 | 23.12 | 8.0 |
- Highlights: Two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul in IPL history.
- Legacy: Fundamental for KKR’s title triumph in 2024.
- Focus shift: Having retired from T20 internationals, Starc is now prioritizing franchise cricket, making his IPL commitments even more significant.
Venugopal Rao Review
Rao was candid in his post-match comments:
- On fielding: He stressed that DC’s failures in the field were unacceptable and cost them crucial runs.
- About Samson: He greeted Sanju Samson like a “class player,” pointing out that his century could rejuvenate CSK’s campaign.
- In Starc: Their guarantee of an update within a week has provided a glimmer of hope for DC fans.
Editorial analysis
Delhi Capitals’ season is on the line. His batting has shown flashes of brilliance, but the bowling lacks punch without Starc. In T20 cricket, saving 15-20 runs through accurate fielding can make the difference between victory and defeat, and DC’s failures underline the lack of intensity.
Starc’s possible return could be transformative. His ability to attack early and perform under pressure is unmatched, and his presence would not only bolster the bowling attack but also boost the team’s morale. However, the franchise must prepare for the possibility of his prolonged absence, ensuring that younger players step up and that fielding standards improve dramatically.
