In response to his detractors, Mitchell Starc explained that his IPL 2026 return for the Delhi Capitals has been postponed due to injury rather than a lack of dedication. The Australian pacer disclosed that he is recuperating from shoulder and elbow problems, the full severity of which was only discovered following the Australian summer.
Starc harshly denounced certain media outlets for disseminating what he described as false information on his involvement in the IPL. He put an end to rumors about his absence by stating that he is still committed to his rehabilitation and would play for DC again once he is fully recovered.
“Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didn’t know the extent of during the Australian summer,” Starc said in a statement on Instagram.
“These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me,” Starc said.
In addition to apologizing to the Capitals and their supporters for missing the first part of the 2026 Indian Premier League, Starc reiterated his dedication to the team and stated that he is making every effort to return soon.
“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,” Starc added.
Starc has taken 14 wickets at an economy rate of 10.17 in ten games for the Capitals, including a five-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad during the previous season. The Capitals will play their first game of the season at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 1.
