Why Mitchell Starc Missed DC vs PBKS Clash After Joining Squad?

The Delhi Capitals are facing the Punjab Kings in their 7th match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Punjab Kings are at the top of the table while DC is at the 6th position, where both teams are coming with a well balanced squad and good bunch of overseas players as well.

The Northern Derby of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is expected to be a thriller match for cricket fans across the country. The fans were expecting to see the Aussie pacer, Mitchell Starc, to get his first game of this season as he has joined the Delhi Capitals squad, but he is still missing from the Playing XI.

Why Mitchell Starc is Not Playing Today?

The journey of Mitchell Starc IPL 2026 is yet to begin as one of the best bowlers in IPL was out for a while due to an injury. However, he joined the Delhi Capitals camp on April 24, 2026, after a long wait and missing an almost month of the IPL. Many fans were expecting to see Mitchell Starc to be featured in the DC vs PBKS IPL 2026, but it is likely that he is not ready for a game right now and will take some time to get ready and fit for a match. Moreover, it is expected that Mitchell Starc will be in action on May 1, 2026, against Rajasthan Royals.

Who Will Mitchell Starc Replace in Playing XI?

The Delhi Capitals Playing XI has almost got fixed after 6 matches into this season, where all departments looks fixed and perfect. However, as Mitchell Starc has joined the squad, it is likely that he will be getting a nod in the Playing XI and won't be warming the bench for a very long time. If we see the overseas players in DC playing XI, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, and Lungi Ngidi, all are doing well for team in their own capacity.

But considering the past matches of Pathum Nissanka and his performance going below par expectations, he may get dropped and replaced by Mitchell Starc as overseas player and Prithvi Shaw getting an opening slot. This is the only way possible to get Mitchell Starc fix in the Playing XI without changing much in other departments and getting the services of Mitchell Starc along with it.