Mitchell Starc Lungi Ngidi IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
Delhi Capitals have little to no time left to dwell on what is going wrong for them as the IPL 2026 official reaches its mid-point, leaving one and all pondering the qualification scenarios.
That being said, the Axar Patel-led DC are set to enter their most crucial clash of the season against Rajasthan Royals in today’s IPL match.
The Capitals have had an extremely difficult run this season. They have swung between extremes in the last two games. From posting a 250-plus total only to concede a world-record chase, to being bowled out for 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
On top of that, the head injury to Lungi Ngidi, who has been a standout performer for DC, has also added to their misery.
However, a major boost on the bowling front is expected for the Capitals. The pace ace Mitchell Starc has officially joined the DC camp after getting clearance from Cricket Australia.
Mitchell Starc IPL 2026 debut: Latest update
In a significant development, the 36-year-old Starc received the final nod from Cricket Australia on April 23 to travel and take part in the IPL 2026. He is expected to be available for Delhi Capitals ahead of their important match against Rajasthan Royals on Friday, May 1.
It is important to note that the Aussie bowler was recovering from a shoulder and elbow injury, which delayed his participation in the tournament.
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Starc was among the senior Australian fast bowlers, including Pat Cummins, who were held back at the start of the championship. His participation depended entirely on how quickly and well he recovered. In addition, workload management played a major role in the decision.
Will Mitchell Starc play in IPL’s match today between RR and DC?
The Cricket Australia announcement on Mitchell Starc’s IPL return had clearly stated that he will initiate his workload build-up in India and make his debut for the 2026 season in Delhi's May 1 match against Rajasthan Royals.
Initially, Starc’s return was expected to cause a headache for DC's playing 11. However, with Lungi Ngidi still recovering from the series head injury, Starc's inclusion comes as a timely boost. He is likely to replace Dushmantha Chameera.
What’s the update on Lungi Ngidi’s injury?
The South African ace, Ngidi, did not feature in DC’s game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Moreover, Lungi Ngidi has also been ruled out of action for the Capitals’ next game against Rajasthan Royals.
It has also been stated that the ICC mandates a mandatory seven-day stand-down period for any player diagnosed with a concussion. It added that Ngidi has been asked to follow the same rule, even though IPL playing conditions from the hospital the same evening after scans showed no serious issues.
However, in recent social media videos, Lungi, can seen bowling comfortably and enjoying the DC practice session. Thus, if possible, the management may look to prepone his return.
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