Introduction: In a significant blow to the Delhi Capitals (DC), Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has confirmed he will not be returning for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The news comes as a major setback for the franchise, which was banking on the left-arm quick to lead their bowling attack in a highly competitive season. Sources reveal that Starc has communicated his decision to the DC management, citing personal and international commitments as the primary reasons for his absence.
Body: The IPL 2025 season has already faced numerous disruptions, including a temporary suspension due to cross-border tensions. With the revised schedule now in place, teams are scrambling to adjust to the unavailability of key players. For Delhi Capitals, Starc’s exit adds to the challenges as they prepare for a crucial phase of the tournament. The Axar Patel-led side held their first post-suspension practice session at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, but the absence of overseas stars was notably felt. Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera was the only foreign player in attendance, though there is optimism about the imminent arrival of South African duo Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs. Additionally, team mentor Kevin Pietersen, who had returned home during the suspension, is set to rejoin the squad on May 16.
Delhi Capitals are gearing up for their next clash against the Gujarat Titans at Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 18. The team will shift to their training facility in Aerocity on Friday for further preparations. Meanwhile, the Titans arrived in Delhi on the evening of May 15 and are scheduled to train on May 16, aiming to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the high-stakes encounter. DC, however, must navigate this match without Starc’s fiery pace, which could have been a game-changer on the pace-friendly Delhi track.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced temporary replacement rules to mitigate the impact of player unavailability due to international duties. Delhi Capitals have moved swiftly to sign Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for the injured Jake Fraser-McGurk, hoping his cutter variations will fill the void left by Starc. Similarly, Gujarat Titans have roped in Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis to replace their star opener Jos Buttler, who will miss the playoffs due to national commitments.
Starc’s decision to skip IPL 2025 is not entirely surprising, given his packed international calendar. The 35-year-old, who was acquired by DC for a staggering INR 11.5 crore in the auction, has been a vital cog in Australia’s Test and ODI setups. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India and preparations for other bilateral series on the horizon, Starc seems to be prioritizing national duties over franchise cricket—a trend increasingly visible among top-tier international players.
Conclusion: As Delhi Capitals brace for life without Mitchell Starc, the spotlight now shifts to their bench strength and strategic adaptability in IPL 2025. With new faces like Mustafizur Rahman stepping in and key players set to join the camp, there’s still hope for DC to turn their fortunes around. However, Starc’s absence will undoubtedly be a tough pill to swallow for fans and management alike. Can Axar Patel and Co. rise above this challenge? Their upcoming battle against Gujarat Titans on May 18 will be an early litmus test in this rollercoaster season.