Mitchell Starc to Miss Remainder of IPL 2025 Season Amid Suspension

The Delhi Capitals face a significant setback as star bowler Mitchell Starc is set to miss the remainder of the IPL 2025 season due to the tournament's suspension. With only two wins in their last eight matches, the team's performance has been underwhelming. As they prepare for the resumption of the league, the Capitals are also dealing with the implications of Starc's absence, which coincides with Australia's upcoming World Test Championship final. The team is making adjustments, including bringing in Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey in the league.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 08:54 IST

Mitchell Starc's Absence Affects Delhi Capitals

The recent suspension of the Indian Premier League has created challenges for several teams, particularly the Delhi Capitals, who are likely to be without their star bowler, Mitchell Starc. Reports indicate that the Australian fast bowler will not be returning to India for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season.

The tournament's abrupt one-week suspension disrupted the ongoing season. However, there is optimism that the IPL will resume on Saturday, May 17, with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Notably, both teams previously secured victories against the Delhi Capitals at their home ground, the Arun Jaitley Stadium, earlier in the season.

The latter half of the season has been particularly challenging for the Delhi Capitals. They have struggled to maintain their momentum, winning only 2 out of their last 8 matches. One of these matches ended with no result, while another against Punjab Kings (PBKS) is also classified as a no-result and will need to be replayed.

According to reports, Starc will miss the remaining three league matches for DC and will not be available for the playoffs, should the team qualify. This outcome was somewhat anticipated. Starc had a remarkable start to the season, taking eight wickets in just two matches, bringing his total to 14 wickets with an impressive bowling strike rate of 15.0. However, his economy rate of 10.17 has overshadowed these achievements.

While no official explanation has been provided for Starc's absence from the IPL, it is speculated that he is preparing for Australia's crucial World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa, which is set to begin on June 11.

Training for the Delhi Capitals has resumed under the leadership of Axar Patel at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Dushmantha Chameera was the only overseas player present, with Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs expected to join soon. Kevin Pietersen, who had returned home during the break, is set to rejoin the team today, May 16.

In light of Starc's uncertainty, DC has signed Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk. Although this change is not a direct swap, Mustafizur's left-arm pace is expected to be beneficial, especially under current conditions, helping to fill the gap left by Starc.