Fast bowler Mitchell Starc is scheduled to join the Delhi Capitals (DC) on Friday morning after receiving medical clearances from Cricket Australia. The 36-year-old left-armer has been sidelined due to elbow and shoulder injuries, missing the first half of the IPL 2026 season.
Return Timeline & Impact
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Expected Comeback: Starc is targeting the May 1 away fixture against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
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Workload Management: He will spend the upcoming week gradually building his workload before entering competitive play.
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Availability: If he remains fit, he is expected to feature in at least six matches during the business end of the tournament. Last season, Starc took 14 wickets in 11 games for the franchise.
The “Selection Headache”
Starc’s return presents a significant challenge for the DC management, led by captain Axar Patel, regarding the four overseas slots. Currently, the slots are occupied by:
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Pathum Nissanka
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David Miller
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Tristan Stubbs
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Lungi Ngidi
The team will have to decide which of these high-performing internationals to bench to accommodate Starc’s experience and pace.
Emerging Talent: Sahil Parakh
Amidst the senior roster shifts, the DC think-tank is reportedly highly impressed with 18-year-old left-hander Sahil Parakh. Known for his fearless strokeplay, Parakh has performed exceptionally well in match simulations against senior bowlers like Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan. There is growing speculation that he may soon find a place in the top order.
Current Standings
Delhi Capitals have had a balanced start to the season, winning three and losing three of their first six matches. To keep their playoff hopes alive, the team must secure strong results in their next two games against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru before Starc officially joins the XI.
