Why did Mitchell Starc miss LSG vs DC clash of IPL 2026?

LSG retained Mitchell Starc for IPL 2026.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are squaring off in match 5 of the Indian Premier League 2026. The encounter got underway on Wednesday, April 1, at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Also Read: Why did Auqib Nabi miss LSG vs DC clash of IPL 2026?

Both LSG and DC failed to qualify for the playoffs last season and aim for a big comeback in IPL 2026. While Rishabh Pant is the captain of LSG, Axar Patel leads the Delhi Capitals.

Axar Patel won the toss and opted to field first in the clash. Notably, pacer Mitchell Starc is not part of the Delhi Capitals’ playing XI in the encounter. Delhi retained Starc for INR 11.75 for the ongoing tournament.

Why is Mitchell Starc absent from the LSG vs DC clash?

Notably, Mitchell Starc is recovering from a shoulder and elbow injury and has yet to join the DC squad for IPL 2026. He is undergoing rehabilitation in Australia and is expected to join the squad next month.

A few days ago, Starc clarified that he is committed to playing for Delhi in IPL 2026 and is in constant communication with the team.

“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 stated in an Instagram post.

Last season, the left-arm pacer clinched 14 wickets in 11 games at an average of 26.14 and an economy of 10.16, including a five-wicket haul in one match.

Earlier this year, he gave a spectacular performance for Australia in The Ashes 2025-26. He finished as the highest wicket-taker with 31 scalps and two half-centuries across five games. He was adjudged Player of the Series and also won Player of the Match awards in two games.

Notably, Dushmantha Chameera, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Kyle Jamieson, and Lungi Ngidi are other pacers in the DC squad. They will have to shoulder the responsibility of the fast bowling attack in Starc’s absence.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.