Starc started bowling, Axar hopes to get permission from Cricket Australia soon

Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Hemanth Badani said that Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is close to achieving match fitness and has started bowling. As Cricket Australia is reportedly monitoring the workload of Starc along with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Starc is set to miss the initial stages of IPL 2026.

Badani said, "We are in constant touch with Mitchell Starc and the respective boards. He has started bowling and had a session recently as well. But the important thing is that until Cricket Australia gives him an NOC or confirms his availability, we as a franchise can't do much. Once we get the clearance, it will be clear when he will join the squad and we will plan accordingly." DC have other fast-bowling options in Kyle Jamieson, Lungi Ngidi, and Dushmantha Chameera available. However, it remains to be seen how they fill the void left by Starc, who picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches last season.

Captain Axar Patel said, "If Starc doesn't become available soon, we will have to think about the team combination accordingly. We will either go with another left-arm option or try to balance it with the available players, which will be decided based on the conditions and the opposition. Especially in T20 cricket, combinations are always about balance. If he gets the clearance, he might be available for the first game, so we can't rule out the possibility of his availability."

DC are also hopeful about Starc's availability as their first match is against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 1. Starc was retained by DC for 11.75 crore rupees ahead of the 2026 auction. He was a key bowler for Australia in the Ashes, playing all five Test matches and winning the Player of the Series award as Australia won 4-1. He last played in the BBL in January for Sydney Sixers. The workload of Australian fast bowlers will be closely monitored, with Australia set to play 21 Test matches between August 2026 and July 2027, including four Tests against New Zealand in December and January over a four-week period.