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Mitchell Starc Set for IPL Return on May 1, Says Axar Patel

Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel confirmed that Mitchell Starc has joined the squad and will be available from May 1, subject to workload management. Starc, who has been out since January after a heavy Ashes workload, received his NOC and is expected to bolster DC's bowling attack. The 36-year-old left-arm quick took 31 wickets in the Ashes and played BBL before a shoulder injury delayed his IPL arrival. Meanwhile, DC suffered a heavy defeat to RCB, who climbed to second in the points table.

Key Points: Mitchell Starc Available for DC from May 1

  • Mitchell Starc joins Delhi Capitals squad
  • Available for selection from May 1
  • Workload being monitored after Ashes
  • DC suffered heavy loss to RCB
2 min read

Mitchell Starc available from May 1, workload under watch: Axar Patel

Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel confirms Mitchell Starc has joined the squad and will be available from May 1, with workload management in focus.

"Yes, Mitchell Starc has joined. He has got the NOC from the 1st, so he can play after that. His workload is being monitored. Whenever he is available, we will look to play him. - Axar Patel"

New Delhi, April 28

Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel confirmed that Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has joined the squad and will be available for selection from May 1, subject to workload management.

Speaking after DC's loss to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday night, Axar said Starc has received the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) and is expected to feature in the upcoming matches.

"Yes, Mitchell Starc has joined. He has got the NOC from the 1st, so he can play after that. His workload is being monitored. Whenever he is available, we will look to play him," the DC captain said during the post-match press conference.

Starc's return is expected to bolster Delhi's bowling attack as the team heads into a crucial phase of the tournament. Known for his pace and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, the left-arm quick could provide much-needed experience and firepower to the Capitals' lineup.

The 36-year-old left-armer has been out of action since late January following a heavy workload during the Ashes, where he was named Player of the Series for claiming 31 wickets at an average of 19.93. Starc bowled over 150 overs across five Tests before featuring in five matches for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL).

His last appearance came in a game against the Perth Scorchers, where he suffered a fall on his left shoulder and elbow while attempting a catch. Though he took a break in February, lingering soreness upon his return to bowling delayed his IPL arrival.

Meanwhile, Delhi suffered a one-sided loss to the defending champions RCB at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

RCB opted to field first, and excellent spells from Josh Hazlewood (4/12) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/5) reduced DC to 75 in 16.3 overs, with Abishek Porel (30) and David Miller (19) offering some resistance. RCB batters came out all guns blazing as Jacob Bethell (20 in 10 balls, with a four and two sixes), Devdutt Padikkal (34* in 13 balls, with three fours and three sixes), and Virat Kohli (25* in 13 balls, with a four and two sixes) sealed the chase in 6.3 overs.

With this win, RCB have registered their sixth win in eight matches, with 12 points to their name. RCB are at number two in the points tally. This fifth defeat for DC, who have won three, keeps them at seventh spot in the points table.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good news for DC fans, but honestly, their batting let them down badly against RCB. 75 all out? That's embarrassing! Starc can't fix that. They need to look at their top order collapse issues.
V
Vikram M
Axar as captain is handling things well, but these PR statements about Starc being available from May 1 sound like a typical IPL move. Let's see if he actually plays or sits out again! Indian fans deserve some transparency about foreign player availability.
A
Ananya R
Starc in IPL? Exciting prospect! But let's be real—he is 36 and injury-prone now. Remember how he was expensive last time? DC should groom young Indian pacers like we have in domestic circuit. That's long-term planning.
J
James A
Mitchell Starc returning is great for the tournament's quality. His yorkers and bouncers will be fun to watch on Indian pitches. Workload management is smart—better to have him fresh for playoffs than broken now.
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Nikhil C
Typical IPL drama—hype around Starc but will he deliver? DC is already struggling at seventh position with five losses. One bowler won't fix all their problems. Team selection and strategy need a revamp. Axar needs to step up as captain big time.
S
Shreya B

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