The Delhi Capitals have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, with star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc set to miss the initial matches of the tournament.

The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 28, and Starc’s absence in the early phase could impact Delhi’s campaign.

Starc’s Absence: What We Know

While the exact number of matches Starc will miss remains unclear, reports suggest that he will sit out the early part of the tournament due to workload management.

Starc was a key signing for Delhi Capitals, having been bought for ₹11.75 crore ahead of IPL 2025, making him one of the team’s premier bowling assets.

Australia’s Workload Management Strategy

According to reports, Cricket Australia is taking a cautious approach with its multi-format fast bowlers, including:

• Mitchell Starc
• Josh Hazlewood
• Pat Cummins

The decision is influenced by a packed international schedule, which includes:

• Multiple Test series against South Africa national cricket team, India national cricket team, and England cricket team
• Up to 21 Test matches in a 12-month period
• Preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, where Australia will defend their ODI title

This long-term planning has led to strict return-to-play protocols for key players.

Delhi Capitals’ Bowling Options

In Starc’s absence, Delhi Capitals will need to rely on their pace attack depth.

Key bowlers likely to step up:

• Lungi Ngidi
• T. Natarajan
• Kyle Jamieson
• Dushmantha Chameera
• Auqib Nabi Dar

While these bowlers bring experience and variety, replacing Starc’s pace, swing, and match-winning ability will be a challenge.

Injury Concerns Across IPL Teams

Delhi Capitals are not alone in dealing with player availability issues ahead of IPL 2026.

Several players across franchises have been affected, including:

• Nathan Ellis
• Sam Curran
• Jack Edwards

This highlights a broader trend of injuries and workload management impacting team preparations.

What This Means for Delhi Capitals

Starc’s absence could have multiple implications:

• Reduced firepower in the powerplay and death overs
• Increased pressure on the remaining bowling unit
• Need for strong starts despite missing key players

However, it also presents an opportunity for other bowlers to step up and prove their impact early in the season.

Looking Ahead

The Delhi Capitals will aim to navigate the early matches carefully and stay competitive until Starc returns.

If managed well, the team could still build momentum and remain strong contenders in IPL 2026 once their star pacer rejoins the squad.