Mitchell Starc ditches Delhi Capitals, pulls out of IPL 2026 matches

Mitchell Starc ditches Delhi Capitals, pulls out of IPL 2026 matches

Australian Fast Bowler Mitchell Starc to Miss Start of IPL 2026 Season

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced that he will be absent from the beginning of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The left-arm pacer has informed the Delhi Capitals (DC) management about his unavailability for the first few matches of the tournament, scheduled to kick off on March 28.

After a recent report by cricket.com.au, it has been revealed that Cricket Australia (CA) is taking a cautious approach with their bowlers. The Australian cricket board wants to carefully manage Starc, considering the busy international calendar ahead, which includes major bilateral series against teams like South Africa.

A Fresh Start for Starc

Despite missing the beginning of the IPL season, Mitchell Starc will bring a fresh perspective to the Delhi Capitals camp. After retiring from T20 Internationals and prioritizing his workload during the recent T20 World Cup 2026, the veteran fast bowler will arrive feeling relatively fresh compared to his peers.

Starc’s last competitive outing was during the recent Big Bash League season, where he impressed by taking 10 wickets in just five matches. Even though he stepped away from T20 internationals, the experienced pacer continues to be a formidable force in white-ball cricket.

Reflecting on IPL 2025

In the IPL 2025 auction, the Delhi Capitals secured Mitchell Starc for a whopping INR 11.75 crore. The high-profile acquisition paid off as Starc delivered a relatively successful individual campaign, making significant contributions to the team’s bowling lineup.

Throughout the season, Starc claimed 14 wickets in 11 matches at an impressive strike rate of 15.40, although he was slightly on the expensive side. His standout performance came when he picked up five wickets for just 35 runs, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker for the Delhi-based franchise.

Despite Starc’s efforts, the Delhi Capitals experienced a bittersweet campaign in IPL 2025. While they started strong, the team faced three critical defeats in their final five league-stage matches. Ultimately, they finished fifth in the standings with 15 points, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot.

Australian Pacers to Miss Start of IPL 2026 Season

Aside from Mitchell Starc, several other notable Australian fast bowlers will also be absent from the opening weekend of the IPL 2026 season. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood will join Starc in their unavailability for the initial matches.

Additionally, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fast bowler Nathan Ellis is expected to miss the entire IPL season. After retaining Ellis and releasing Matheesha Pathirana, CSK announced that the 31-year-old suffered a severe right hamstring injury during the recent One-Day Cup domestic final in Hobart, forcing his withdrawal.

The absence of these talented Australian pacers at the start of the IPL 2026 season will undoubtedly have an impact on their respective franchises, but fans can rest assured that they will soon witness their favorite bowlers in action once they recover and join their teams on the field.

The Impact of Australian Pacers Missing from IPL 2026

With Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Ellis all set to miss the start of the IPL 2026 season, the absence of these talented Australian pacers will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their respective franchises. These bowlers bring a wealth of experience, skill, and firepower to their teams, and their presence is sorely missed during the initial matches of the tournament.

Starc, known for his lethal left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball at high speeds, has been a key player for the Delhi Capitals since his arrival in the IPL. His absence at the beginning of the season will require the team to rely on other bowlers to step up and fill the void left by the veteran fast bowler.

Similarly, Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, is a crucial figure in the team’s bowling lineup. His absence will not only impact their bowling options but also the team’s overall strategy and leadership on the field. Cummins’ skill with both the new ball and in the death overs makes him a valuable asset for his franchise.

Josh Hazlewood, who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is another Australian pacer who will be missed at the start of the IPL season. Known for his accuracy, control, and ability to extract bounce from the pitch, Hazlewood’s absence will require RCB to reshuffle their bowling attack and adjust their plans accordingly.

Lastly, the unfortunate injury to Nathan Ellis of Chennai Super Kings comes as a blow to the team, as they will be without a seasoned fast bowler for the entire season. Ellis, who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, was expected to play a crucial role in CSK’s bowling lineup. His absence will force the franchise to explore other options and find a suitable replacement to maintain their bowling depth.

Looking Ahead

While the absence of these Australian pacers is a setback for their respective franchises, fans can look forward to their return to action once they recover and join their teams on the field. The IPL is a long and grueling tournament, and having experienced bowlers like Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Ellis back in the fold will undoubtedly strengthen their squads and enhance the quality of cricket on display.

As these players focus on their recovery and rehabilitation, their teammates will have an opportunity to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a permanent spot in the playing XI. The early stages of the IPL 2026 season will provide a platform for emerging talents to shine and make a name for themselves in the world’s premier T20 league.

Ultimately, the absence of these Australian pacers highlights the physical demands of professional cricket and the importance of managing player workload effectively. As fans eagerly await the return of Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Ellis to the IPL arena, they can appreciate the depth of talent and competitiveness that these bowlers bring to the tournament.

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