Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins for IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
Coming fresh off their first defeat of the season, Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to clash against the five-time IPL winners, Chennai Super Kings, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the evening slot.
On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will step into the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh to take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 17 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) on Saturday, April 11, as part of a double-header.
However, both teams have had contrasting starts to their IPL 2026 campaign. While the Axar Patel-led DC won two out of their three initial games, SRH have only managed a win in their first three games.
But both the IPL franchises have one thing in common: so far, they are without one of their most vital players. While DC is still hopeful that Mitchell Starc will join the side soon, SRH is waiting on Pat Cummins’ complete recovery.
Thus, in this article, let’s take a look at the latest updates on Mitchell Starc ahead of CSK vs DC, and on Pat Cummins before PBKS vs SRH IPL 2026 match.
Latest Update On Mitchell Starc Availability For CSK vs DC IPL 2026 Today Match
Despite their strong start in the IPL 2026, the high-flying DC are still without the services of their premium fast-bowler, Mitchell Starc, who is yet to join the team.
The Australian speedster sustained shoulder and elbow injuries during the 2025-26 Ashes series at home, forcing Starc to miss the initial matches of his IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals.
Also read: Nitish Rana Out; Will Auqib Nabi Play? DC's Strongest XI For IPL 2026 Match 18 Vs CSK
Recent reports indicate that Mitchell Starc remains in Australia to manage his shoulder and elbow injuries. As his rehabilitation continues, the 36-year-old speedster is slated to miss several more fixtures for the Capitals.
Thus, Mitchell Starc is unavailable for the Delhi Capitals in their upcoming IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings on April 11, 2026.
Will Pat Cummins play PBKS vs SRH IPL match today?
Australian captain Pat Cummins has been out of action since July last year, when his back stress injury flared up. This ruled him out of the initial IPL 2026 weeks, with Ishan Kishan currently leading the team.
Earlier, Cummins had joined the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 24, 2026. He arrived in Bengaluru to begin rehabilitation with the team’s medical staff after sustaining a back injury, with plans to lead the team during the 2026 season.
However, earlier this month, Cummins reportedly left the team’s camp to return home to Australia for a scheduled scan of his back stress injury under the supervision of Cricket Australia (CA). He is expected to rejoin the squad on April 17 if he receives clearance from the board.
Thus, it is pretty evident that Pat Cummins will not play today’s PBKS vs SRH due to his return to Australia.
A glance at Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s IPL 2026 so far
Under Axar Patel’s leadership, DC have started their IPL 2026 campaign strongly, highlighted by a dominant 6-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and a victory against Mumbai Indians, followed by a narrow 1-run loss to Gujarat Titans.
So far, the team has displayed balanced form, featuring standout performances from KL Rahul, David Miller, and Sameer Rizvi early in the season.
In contrast, SRH have had a mixed start to the IPL 2026 season, with 1 win and 2 losses in their opening 3 matches. Under temporary captain Ishan Kishan, they have shown some explosive batting capabilities but struggled with consistency and defending totals, placing them in the middle-to-lower half of the table early in the tournament.
Also read: RCB Bowler Apologises To Cricket Board For Legal Trouble Amid IPL 2026
