IPL 2026: Why did Mitchell Starc miss DC vs PBKS clash despite returning to India?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Mitchell Starc has not played any game for DC in IPL 2026.
Delhi Capitals (DC) are clashing with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League 2026 on Saturday, April 25. The encounter is taking place at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Since the start of IPL 2026, DC have missed the services of their star pacer Mitchell Starc. Delhi retained him for IPL 2026, but he did not join the squad ahead of the tournament. He had mentioned that he is recovering from a shoulder and elbow injury and will join the tournament in the latter half.
Just after the start of IPL 2026, Starc clarified that he is committed to representing Delhi and is in constant communication with the team management over his recovery.
“With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, and in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap,” Starc had shared in an Instagram post.
Now, Starc has recovered from his injuries and has arrived in India. He has joined the DC squad and is match fit to play in the tournament. Despite joining the squad, Starc missed the DC vs PBKS clash of IPL 2026 on Saturday, April 25.
Why is Mitchell Starc not part of the DC vs PBKS clash?
Although he has joined the Delhi Capitals squad in IPL 2026, he is not playing in today’s match against PBKS. He is skipping the match and looking forward to playing in the next encounter.
Notably, Starc has just arrived in India and must be experiencing jet lag. He will take a rest for a few days and attend training sessions with the DC squad to get match-ready.
According to reports, he will also miss the next game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 27. Starc is expected to play in the match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 1.
Notably, Cricket Australia (CA) is carefully managing Starc’s workload ahead of his busy international schedule this year. Earlier this year, Starc featured in all matches of the Ashes 2025-26 for Australia.
He also won the Player of the Series award after finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 31 wickets at an average of 19.93.
Mitchell Starc is part of which team in IPL 2026?
Mitchell Starc is part of the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.
Why is Mitchell Starc not part of the DC vs PBKS match?
Starc has arrived in India and joined the DC squad. He is missing today’s game and looking forward to playing in the next match.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.