Mitchell Starc Out; Delhi Capitals' Probable Bowling Attack For Initial IPL 2026 Matches

Mitch Starc will miss the initial few IPL 2026 matches [Source: AFP]

Even before ther start of the IPL 2026, the Delhi Capitals have suffered a massive jolt in the form of Mitchell Starc. The Aussie pacer was supposed to lead their bowling attack for the upcoming season, but Cricket Australia has yet to provide Starc with an NOC, and his arrival in India could be delayed.

Last season, the franchise had spent a hefty amount to acquire Starc’s services, and this year, the left-arm seamer was supposed to be Delhi’s trump card. However, with the pacer not available, at least for the initial few games, here is how the Capitals' bowling attack could look for the initial IPL 2026 matches.

Red-hot South African to replace Mitch Starc

With Mitch Starc certainly out for the initial IPL 2026 matches, there are two players who can replace him in the playing XI- Lungi Ngidi, and Kyle Jamieson. The two pacers are quite different in terms of skillsets, and the incoporation of one of them could benefit the franchise.

However, looking at the team combination, and the perfect Mitch Starc replacement, only one name comes to mind- Lungi Ngidi. The South African pacer was in red-hot form during the T20 World Cup 2026, and was one of the leading wicket-takers.

Criterion	Data
Matches	7
Dismissals	12
Economy	7.19

(Ngidi in T20 WC 2026)

Ngidi, the South African pacer was the star for his team in the T20 World Cup. He plucked 12 wickets in the tournament and constantly troubled the opposition batters with his pace and bounce.
Moreover, on flat Indian wickets, his economy rate was only 7.19, and this showcases his control over the lines and lengths as batters found him hard to get away with.
He is a different bowler as compared to Mitch Starc, and at least for the initial few games, the franchise should trust Ngidi to replace the Aussie pacer.

Also Read: Delhi Capitals Stars Who Can Take Retirement From IPL After 2026

8.40 crore Indian pacer to be trusted by Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals franchise sprung a surprise as they acquired the Jammu and Kashmir pacer, Auqib Nabi, for a whopping 8.40 crore. The fast bowler had done well in red-ball cricket, and was the pivotal reason why his team won the Ranji Trophy this season.

The Capitals have shown trust in him, and the pacer will carry a hefty price tag alongside him. However, he’ll be hopeful of a brilliant debut season as Nabi will be one of the lead Indian pacers in the squad.

Alongside him, the franchise has two choices- go with Mukesh Kumar or trust T Natarajan. The former SRH pacer, Natarajan, played only two matches in IPL 2025 as the left-armer was injured for the entire campaign. On the other hand, Mukesh Kumar was decent as he played 12 matches in 2025 and managed to scalp 12 wickets.

Two of the finest spinners to lead the spin attack for Delhi Capitals

In Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, the Delhi Capitals have two of the best Indian spinners in their ranks, and they certainly have the best spin department in the IPL.

In IPL 2025, captain Axar Patel scalped just 5 wickets, but recently, he had a brilliant T20 World Cup campaign, and he’ll be eager to continue the same form. On the other hand, there is Kuldeep Yadav, one of the best in India.

Last season, the wily spinner bagged 15 IPL wickets, and he’ll be the leader of the spin attack as the Capitals aim to win the IPL title.