Why Mitchell Starc Is Not Playing LSG vs DC IPL 2026 Match in Lucknow

Mitchell Starc was not part of the Delhi Capitals playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants in their Indian Premier League 2026 opener in Lucknow due to injury.

Starc has not joined the DC squad in India and is currently recovering from a shoulder and an elbow injury.

Responding to criticism over his absence, Starc said, "Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I'm currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didn't know the extent of during the Australian summer. These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me."

He apologised to the DC management and fans for missing the initial matches.

"With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team, and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap," he said.

Starc’s statement came after his commitment was questioned for not joining the squad. He was also not being given a No Objection Certificate by Cricket Australia, which is managing the workload of key bowlers.

Meanwhile, DC captain Axar Patel opted to bowl first after winning the toss.

"We will bowl first. First match, fresh wicket, it's a red solid wicket and might help in the first 6 overs. Data says a lot of matches are won by the team batting first, but we thought it's the first game and we will bowl. We started well last time, but we slipped in the middle, we're not thinking too far ahead. Nissanka, Miller, Stubbs and Lungi Ngidi, our four overseas players," Axar said at the toss.

LSG captain Rishabh Pant said the toss would not have much impact.

"It doesn't matter on a wicket like this, it won't change a lot as I don't think dew will come. It's completely new - we've changed our colour and logo. No negative thoughts, we're feeling good and raring to go. Last season there were injury concerns, but as a captain you can't dwell on them too much. Everyone is fit this time around. Markram, Marsh, Nicholas Pooran and Anrich Nortje are our four overseas players," Pant said.