Mitchell Starc in action during IPL 2025 (PTI photo)
Fast bowler after getting necessary approval from Cricket Australia Mitchell Starc Ready to join the Delhi Capitals on Friday morning. Battered by elbow and shoulder injuries, the 36-year-old is now expected to return to action for DC’s May 1 match against Rajasthan Royals.As first reported by TimesofIndia.com, the DC think tank was in regular touch with the left-armer and knew that he was unlikely to join. Squad at least until April 20. The Akshar Patel-led unit has won three and lost as many of the six games they have played in the league so far. While Starc’s development is a big boost, the team must be at their best in two more games – against Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore – without the experienced Australian to keep their qualification chances strong.
It is understood that the men who matter may change their combinations in the coming games given Starc’s situation, as they will have to manage the four overseas slots judiciously. Pathum Nissanka, David Miller, Tristan StubbsAnd Lungi Ngidi are playing, but when Starc returns to the XI, the management will be in for a treat.They have a number of options to explore, and it remains to be seen how long Sahil Prakh will stay on the bench. The 18-year-old left-hander has been impressive in the pre-season camp and subsequent full-strength intra-squad fixtures, and could soon find himself in the top order.Even the senior players of the team are impressed with his fearless stroke play which allows him to take down bowlers like Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan with ease in tough match simulations.Starc will join the squad tomorrow morning but will not return to competitive cricket. He will gradually increase his workload ahead of the match against RR this coming week. The left-armer played 11 matches for the franchise last season and took 14 wickets in an outing. If he stays on track for the May 1 fixture, the veteran will play at least six games for the fast-paced franchise and hope to make an immediate impact at the business end of the tournament.
