Sydney: Delhi Capitals are poised to receive a significant boost in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season as fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been cleared by Cricket Australia to travel to India. Following a struggle with shoulder and elbow injuries, Starc has regained full fitness and is anticipating his participation in the match against the Rajasthan Royals on May 1.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Starc is scheduled to travel to India on Friday and is expected to join the team over the weekend. Delhi Capitals are set to compete against the Punjab Kings on Saturday and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday (April 29); however, Starc will need time to acclimatize and ramp up his bowling intensity before potentially being available for the May 1 game in Jaipur.
Initially, Starc’s unavailability created considerable confusion at the beginning of the IPL season. The bowler himself addressed the situation via social media, expressing frustration over what he described as “heavily misinformed opinions” regarding his condition. According to the ESPNCricinfo report, Starc has completed a week of pain-free bowling at his home in Sydney, which led to his clearance for travel.
Australia’s Fast Bowlers Regain Fitness
On another note, Cricket Australia is likely relieved as its key fast bowlers in Test cricket are on track to recover their full fitness. Josh Hazlewood, who was absent at the beginning of the season, has recently played a few matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru without any issues. Meanwhile, Starc’s anticipated return on May 1 will follow a lengthy absence from competitive cricket since late January. Additionally, Pat Cummins is set to play his first IPL 2026 match for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Saturday.
