In Indian Premier League 2026, Australian fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins won’t be joining the league in the earlier games. This has affected teams like Delhi Capitals that depend on them.
Starc has not joined Delhi Capitals yet because of shoulder and elbow injuries. He said he only fully understood how serious it was after the Australian summer. Because of this, he is currently focusing on recovery and rehab instead of playing.
There has been a lot of criticism online. Some people even suggested cutting players’ salaries for missing matches. Starc reacted to this and said many opinions in the media are wrong. He made it clear that people are spreading “misinformed” views and acting like they know his body better than he does.
At the same time, he accepted that his absence is not good for the team. He said sorry to Delhi Capitals and the fans for missing the early matches. He also said he is still committed to the team and is in regular contact with them, and will join as soon as he is fit.
Mitchell Starc’s Wife Reveals Why Starc is Missing IPL 2026 Start
At the start of the IPL 2026 season, DC are missing their main fast bowler Mitchell Starc, and this led to a lot of talk online.
The real reason is that Starc is injured. His wife Alyssa Healy made this clear when a fan questioned why he is not playing while others like Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins might still join their teams. She replied directly that if he cannot bowl, he cannot play, and if he was fit, he would already be there.
Starc later explained his side. He is dealing with shoulder and elbow injuries. He said he only understood how serious it was after the Australian summer, where he played a full Test series.
He also showed frustration with some media opinions. According to him, people have been spreading wrong information and questioning his commitment without knowing his condition. He said some claims are “misinformed” and treated like facts when they are not.
Even with that frustration, he admitted his absence affects the team. He said sorry to Delhi Capitals and their fans for missing the early matches. At the same time, he made it clear he stays in touch with the team, and wants to return as soon as he is fit.
Mitchell Starc Injury: Impact on Delhi Capitals
Mitchell Starc missing the start of Indian Premier League 2026 has clearly affected Delhi Capitals in a big way. He usually gives early wickets in the powerplay and is also trusted at the end for yorkers. So his absence creates two problems at once – no strong start and less control at the death.
Because of this, the bowling attack has been reshaped. Lungi Ngidi is expected to lead the pace attack after doing well in the T20 World Cup. Other overseas options like Dushmantha Chameera and Kyle Jamieson are also there. The Indian side includes T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, and Auqib Nabi, but overall the attack looks different without Starc’s experience.
His importance can be understood from last season. In IPL 2025, he played 11 matches and took 14 wickets. One of his best performances was a 5/35 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. It was a rare five-wicket haul for Delhi by a fast bowler.
There is also a delay beyond injury. Delhi are still waiting for clearance from Cricket Australia. Even though Starc has started bowling again in rehab, he cannot join until this approval comes. Starc last played in the Big Bash League earlier in 2026. He also stepped away from T20 internationals to focus on longer formats, which shows his current workload management.
For DC, this season is important. They are trying to win their first IPL title and also end a run of missing the playoffs. The team is now led by Axar Patel. And they will have to manage the early matches without their main strike bowler.
FAQs
Q. Why is Mitchell Starc missing the start of IPL 2026?
A. Mitchell Starc is injured with shoulder and elbow problems.
Q. What did Alyssa Healy say about his absence?
A. Alyssa Healy said if he cannot bowl, he cannot play.
Q. Has Mitchell Starc reacted to criticism?
A. Yes, Starc said many opinions are wrong and misinformed.
Q. What did Mitchell Starc say to fans and the team?
A. Starc said sorry and promised to return once he is fit.
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