Delhi Capitals bowling coach Munaf Patel has confirmed that the team is still awaiting an update. Mitchell Starc's fitness and participation in the 2026 Indian Premier League.
Cricket Australia rested Starc for the initial phase of the IPL, citing workload concerns ahead of a tough 12–18 months of international cricket following the conclusion of the tournament.
Starc played all five Tests in Australia's 4–1 home Ashes victory, where he won the Compton–Miller Medal for taking 31 wickets in the entire series. He announced his retirement from international T20 cricket in September 2025, which meant he was not a part of Australia's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Starc was signed by the Capitals for a significant sum of Rs 11.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction.
Munaf confirmed that there is no update on when Starc is expected to join the team and the clearance for his availability is in the hands of Cricket Australia's physio.
“There is no update yet on when he will join the camp. The Australian doctors and physio will be able to give an update on this,” Munaf said in a press conference ahead of Delhi Capitals' match against Gujarat Titans.
Munaf praised Starc's importance, skill and experience as a bowler, labeling him one of the best in the world. He said that the absence of Australian fast bowler is not felt. capitals Have won their first two games. He also said he is in constant touch with people involved in Stark's progress.
“We have won two matches, so it feels like we are not missing Mitchell Starc. Nobody is missing him because we are doing well, but he has a bigger role to play. He is one of the best bowlers in the world. He will always be a big bowler. As far as bowling is concerned, I don't think there is anyone bigger than him in the IPL.”
“I think you can only compare him with Jasprit Bumrah. He has a lot of experience. He keeps the new ball in discussion. We are keeping an eye on his progress. I always talk to people who know about his availability and when he will join the camp,” he said.
Delhi Capitals is set to host Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 8. They started their campaign with wins over Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, and will look to carry that momentum forward.
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