Australia’s premier fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, has finally addressed the growing speculation surrounding his absence from the early phase of IPL 2026, pushing back strongly against what he termed “misinformed opinions” circulating in the media and on social platforms. The left-arm pacer, who is set to represent Delhi Capitals, confirmed that he is currently managing a shoulder and elbow injury—something he claims wasn’t fully understood during Australia’s home summer.
On Instagram, Mitchell Starc made it clear that much of the public narrative about his fitness was inaccurate. He expressed frustration at “certain individuals” who, according to him, have used their platforms to speculate about his condition without proper knowledge. It was a rare but firm response from a player who typically prefers to let his performances do the talking.
“I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow, the extent of which I didn’t know during the Australian summer,” Mitchell Starc explained. His statement directly counters claims made by former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, who had publicly questioned the pacer’s absence and suggested that Starc was fit enough to play.
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Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, had raised concerns over Starc’s availability despite stepping away from T20 internationals, questioning his workload management. Meanwhile, legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar also weighed in—without naming Starc directly—criticising players who miss IPL games for reasons other than clear injuries and suggesting franchises take a stricter stance in future auctions.
Mitchell Starc Instagram story for availability in IPL 2026 .#IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/W4LN6oKT6E
— Akhand Talks Cricket (@AkhandSharma9) March 28, 2026
Mitchell Starc, however, struck a more measured tone when addressing his franchise. He issued an apology to Delhi Capitals for missing the opening matches and reassured fans of his commitment to return as soon as possible. “I remain in constant communication with the team and will do everything I can to be available at the earliest,” he added.
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Support for Starc has also come from his wife, Alyssa Healy, who publicly defended him amid criticism from sections of Indian media. Interestingly, Delhi Capitals had remained tight-lipped about the exact nature of Starc’s injury in recent briefings, only stating that Cricket Australia had not yet granted him the necessary clearance.
Reports also suggest that workload management, given a packed international calendar ahead, may have played a role in delaying his IPL return. For now, Starc’s focus remains clear—complete recovery, followed by a return to action.
