Mitchell Starc has been cleared to link up with Delhi Capitals and is aiming to return against Rajasthan Royals on May 1, provided his preparation goes smoothly. His arrival would strengthen the pace attack of Axar Patel’s side at an important point in the season.
A stop-start build-up
The 36-year-old felt discomfort in his shoulder and elbow late in the Big Bash League while playing for Sydney Sixers. The concern raised doubts over his IPL participation and has kept him out of competitive cricket since late January.
It followed an outstanding Ashes series in which he took 31 wickets at 19.93 and bowled more than 150 overs across five Tests, winning Player of the Series. After the heavy workload came a setback in Australia’s domestic T20 competition.
Starc rested in February but felt discomfort again when he resumed bowling, so his rehabilitation was handled cautiously. Speculation about his fitness grew, and he publicly addressed what he considered misinformation about his condition.
Positive signs now
Starc has now completed a full week of pain-free bowling in Sydney. He is expected to spend a short acclimatisation period in India after arriving, gradually building his workload.
If everything goes to plan, he could play in Delhi’s fixture against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on May 1, which would be his first competitive match in some time.
