Why hasn’t Mitchell Starc joined Delhi Capitals yet? Alyssa Healy gives blunt reply
Injuries are impacting IPL 2026 team plans, with Australian pacers Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood facing early absences. While Cummins' recovery is monitored and Hazlewood has joined RCB, Starc's return timeline remains uncertain, causing fan frustration. Delhi Capitals, heavily reliant on Starc, are reassessing strategies to end their playoff drought.
Injuries have already begun to reshape plans for several teams ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with a number of key players unavailable at the start. Among the biggest concerns are the absences of Australian fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, all of whom are expected to miss at least the opening phase. While Hazlewood has already linked up with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Cummins’ recovery is being monitored by Sunrisers Hyderabad, the situation around Starc remains uncertain.
According to head coach Daniel Vettori, a decision on Cummins’ availability will be taken in the next 10 to 12 days. In contrast, Starc’s return timeline is still unclear, with Delhi Capitals awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WPGA Tour of Australasia (@wpgatour) The uncertainty around Starc sparked reactions from fans, one of whom questioned his absence on social media after spotting him at a golf course alongside his wife Alyssa Healy and other athletes.
"This is so unfair to us Delhi Capitals fan that Hazelwood and Cummins despite being injured will be available for their teams but you wont be," the fan wrote. Healy responded sharply, defending Starc’s situation. "Probably cause he's injured mate...
if he can't bowl how's he supposed to play?! " She added, "If he was fully fit he'd be there. " Delhi Capitals had built much of their bowling strategy around Starc’s pace and ability with the new ball, and his absence has forced the team to reassess their plans.