Delhi Capitals Coach Blames Cricket Australia for Mitchell Starc’s IPL Absence

The Tension Between Delhi Capitals and Cricket Australia

The IPL 2026 season has proven to be a rollercoaster for the Delhi Capitals, and nowhere is that frustration more evident than in the recent comments made by head coach Hemang Badani. The primary point of contention revolves around the late arrival of legendary Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, with the Capitals’ management placing the blame squarely at the feet of Cricket Australia.

Mitchell Starc, a seasoned veteran of the game, recently reminded everyone of his immense value during a high-scoring thriller against the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, May 17. In a match where nearly 400 runs were scored, Starc’s ability to take four wickets for just 40 runs proved to be the decisive factor. His late-innings burst restricted the Royals from a commanding position, turning the tide in favor of the Capitals and earning him the ‘Player of the Match’ honors.

The Impact of Starc’s Absence

For the Delhi Capitals, the narrative of their season has been one of ‘what could have been.’ Hemang Badani did not mince words when discussing the impact of Starc’s late entry into the squad. Having missed the first half of the tournament due to injury management protocols enforced by his home board, Starc’s absence left a noticeable void in the Capitals’ bowling attack.

Badani expressed his clear dissatisfaction with the situation, noting that as a franchise, they have made significant financial investments in a player of Starc’s caliber. “Ideally, I would want my players to be available to me from day one,” Badani stated following the victory over the Royals. “Mitchell Starc is probably one of my biggest players in my squad, and we’ve invested in him, and we know that he’s a match winner.”

The coach further highlighted the helplessness of the franchise in these situations, stating, “Certain things that are decided by associations and governing bodies, there’s very little that we can do. Because if Cricket Australia does not release him, there’s little a coach or any franchise can do.”

A Mixed Return to Form

While the coach believes that having Starc for the full duration would have changed the team’s trajectory, the reality of the pacer’s performance since his return has been a mixed bag. After a stellar debut for the season against the Royals on May 1, the 36-year-old experienced a dip, going wicketless against both Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. He also struggled against the Punjab Kings, conceding 57 runs in his quota of four overs.

However, the performance on May 17 suggested that Starc might be hitting his peak rhythm just in time. Across his five innings in IPL 2026, he has accounted for nine wickets. While his average of 22 is respectable, his economy rate of 10.42 reflects the challenges he has faced in adjusting to the high-scoring environment of this year’s tournament.

The Road Ahead for Delhi

Despite the recent win, the Delhi Capitals find themselves in a precarious position. Currently sitting seventh on the points table with six wins and seven losses from 13 matches, the path to the playoffs remains narrow. The franchise is now at the mercy of other results and must secure a victory in their upcoming clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 24.

The frustration voiced by Hemang Badani represents a broader conversation in modern cricket regarding the balance between national board directives and franchise commitments. As the Capitals look to salvage their season, the focus remains on whether Starc can continue to produce match-winning spells that justify the investment—and the high-stakes political drama that preceded his arrival.