Hemang Badani, the head coach of Delhi Capitals, stated on Monday that Mitchell Starc’s availability for the start of IPL-19 depends on when Cricket Australia issues a no-objection certificate to the left-arm pacer. Starc is considered the main bowler for DC. Reports from Australia suggest that Starc may not be able to play in the initial IPL games as CA is monitoring the workload of its top pacers. Sunrisers Hyderabad confirmed that their skipper, Pat Cummins, will also miss the beginning of the tournament. Starc has not played any competitive cricket since January, although he did appear in five T20 games for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.
Badani mentioned at a press conference that DC is in constant communication with CA regarding Starc’s availability. He emphasized that without CA’s approval, the franchise cannot do much. If Starc is unable to play in the early games, it will add to the challenge for Axar Patel in his second season as captain. While Patel is known for his all-round abilities in T20 cricket and has been a part of two T20 World Cup-winning Indian teams, he is still adapting to his leadership role.
Patel mentioned that being in a leadership position has made him more conscious about utilizing the team effectively. He aims to lead by example and be present in tough situations to support his teammates. The article was published on March 23, 2026.
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