Mitchell Starc cleared to travel to India, set for Delhi Capitals debut on May 1

Mitchell Starc Cleared for IPL 2026 Return, Eyes May 1 Debut for Delhi Capitals

The wait is almost over for Delhi Capitals fans. Australia's premier fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been cleared by Cricket Australia to resume competitive cricket and will fly to India on Friday, April 24, to link up with the Delhi Capitals squad for the remainder of IPL 2026.

The 36-year-old left-armer, who was retained by Delhi for a hefty ₹11.75 crore (AUD 2 million) ahead of this season, has been sidelined since late January with shoulder and elbow injuries. Barring any setbacks during his acclimatisation period, Starc is expected to make his IPL 2026 debut on May 1 against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.

The Injury Story

Starc's layoff has been nearly three months long. The setback came during a Big Bash League match for Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers on January 25, when he injured his left shoulder and elbow while diving to take a catch. The niggle followed an intense Australian summer in which Starc played all five Ashes Tests and was named Player of the Series after taking 31 wickets at an average of 19.93 in Australia's 4-1 victory over England.

After taking a break in February, Starc felt soreness when he returned to bowling — which pushed his IPL arrival back and sparked speculation about his commitment. But a recent pain-free week of bowling sessions at home in Sydney gave the medical team the confidence to sign off on his return.

Starc Hits Back at "Misinformed" Media

The delay had drawn criticism from sections of the Indian media, prompting Starc to release a strongly-worded social media post earlier. The Australian pacer pushed back against what he called "heavily misinformed opinions" from commentators who questioned his commitment to Delhi Capitals, making it clear that his absence was strictly medical.

Starc also apologised to the Delhi franchise and their fans for the disruption, reiterating that he had been in continuous communication with the team management and was doing everything possible to be available as soon as he was fit.

What Starc Brings to Delhi Capitals

His addition is a massive boost for the Axar Patel-led side, which currently sits fifth on the IPL 2026 points table with a 3-3 record from six matches. Despite Starc's absence, the Delhi bowling unit — led by South African quick Lungi Ngidi (seven wickets in six games), along with Mukesh Kumar, T. Natarajan, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav — has held its own.

Starc's IPL 2025 season for Delhi was impressive: 14 wickets in 11 matches, including his first-ever five-wicket haul in the tournament. His ability to swing the new ball and nail yorkers at the death makes him a genuine match-winner in Indian conditions.

Australian Pace Trio All Back in Action

Starc's return caps a notable week for Australia's fast-bowling department. Pat Cummins is set to play his first IPL 2026 game for Sunrisers Hyderabad this weekend after being cleared of a back stress issue, while Josh Hazlewood has already been playing for his franchise after missing the Ashes with hamstring and Achilles problems.

With Australia facing a brutal schedule of 20 Tests over the next 12 months — including a potential World Test Championship final — having Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood all back to full fitness is a significant boost for the national side beyond the IPL.

What's Next?

After landing in India on Friday, Starc will spend the next week ramping up his bowling workloads under the watchful eye of the Delhi Capitals' medical and coaching staff. If everything goes to plan, Capitals fans will see him charging in at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 1 — and for the rest of the regular season and any playoff campaign to follow.

For Delhi, looking to cement a top-four finish, the timing couldn't be better.