Starc's Shoulder and Elbow Injury Puts Him Out of Action for Delhi Capitals' Season Opener

Mitchell Starc is currently rehabbing a shoulder and elbow injury, which has forced him to miss the early part of IPL 2026 with Delhi Capitals. The Australian pacer revealed this in a social media post, hitting back at critics who questioned his absence from the tournament. Starc apologized for the inconvenience caused to the team and fans, stating he's committed to joining DC as soon as possible. Starc had picked 14 wickets in 11 innings for DC last season and was expected to play a crucial role in the team's campaign. However, with his injury, DC will have to rely on other bowlers like Kyle Jamieson, Lungi Ngidi, and Dushmantha Chameera. "With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team, and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap." Delhi Capitals are facing a tough start to IPL 2026 without Mitchell Starc, who is rehabbing a shoulder and elbow injury. Starc, retained for INR 11.75 crore, took 14 wickets in 11 games last season and was Australia's spearhead in the 2025-26 Ashes. DC's other overseas fast-bowlers are Kyle Jamieson, Lungi Ngidi, and Dushmantha Chameera, but filling Starc's void won't be easy. Starc apologized for missing the early part of the season, citing "disruptive timing" and "misinformed opinions" from critics. He remains committed to joining DC as soon as possible. Cricket Australia is monitoring the workload of their fast bowlers closely ahead of a busy international season following the IPL. They are scheduled to play 21 Tests from August 2026 to July 2027, including four Tests in four weeks against New Zealand in December-January. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are also missing the first few games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively, though unlike Starc they have joined their IPL squads.