Mitchell Starc | Pat Cummins | IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
On Thursday, fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins received the eventual nod from the Cricket Australia (CA) to play in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Both the Aussie cricketers have missed the first half of the season because of fitness concerns.
The IPL 2026 prepares to host yet another action-packed weekend, starting with DC vs PBKS in the afternoon, followed by another high-octane clash between RR and SRH on Saturday. That being said, let’s explore if Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins play the respective games.
What’s the latest update on Mitchell Starc?
Delhi Capitals will host high-flying Punjab Kings in the match number 35 of the IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium today, April 25.
The Axar Patel-led DC are currently sixth in the table with three wins from six matches. They recently suffered a defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad and will be eager to bounce back strongly. Having won both their home games so far, DC will look to maintain their solid home record.
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On top of that, Mitchell Starc, who has been recovering from elbow and shoulder injuries, though belatedly, as per reports by The Times of India, has joined his IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals, on Friday morning.
Will Mitchell Starc play the DC vs PBKS IPL Match Today?
Although Mitchell Starc, as per reports, has joined the DC camp, he is unlikely to play in the Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings (DC vs PBKS) IPL match today.
While he has been cleared to join the squad after recovering from injury, he is expected to return to action on May 1, against Rajasthan Royals.
New update on Pat Cummins IPL return
Rajasthan Royals will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in another action-packed game scheduled for Saturday night, April 25, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The match promises to be an exciting contest as both teams aim for a top-four spot in the points table.
RR are currently second with five wins from seven matches, while SRH sit fourth with four triumphs from seven games. Nonetheless, SRH have been awaiting the return of their regular captain, Pat Cummins, for almost a month now.
SRH are on a three-match winning streak. However, bowling has been their Achilles heel in the first half of the season, but the improvement in this department has been drastic. Moreover, Cummins' inclusion would bring proven bowling prowess to the SRH playing XI.
Will Pat Cummins play the RR vs SRH Match Today?
On Friday, in a significant development, the 2016 champions, SRH, received a big boost ahead of their clash against RR. Their designated captain, Pat Cummins, confirmed that he will play his first match of the IPL 2026 on Saturday.
Cummins arrived in India ahead of the season but did not take part in the match. The 32-year-old flew back to Australia right after SRH's thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 2 for a scan on his back.
The Australian Test captain cleared the fitness test and has now confirmed that he will take the field against the inaugural champions.
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