The rumours and speculations around IPL 2026 have started again, and it has been reported that the auction will be held in December. It is a mini-auction, so there would not be big changes in most of the teams, but there could be some adjustments.
Many big-ticket players might be released for a variety of reasons, and according to reports, the Delhi Capitals might release Mitchell Starc. It would be a very bold call if DC does go ahead, and one that the franchise might regret. In this article, we will look at the reasons why it would be a blunder if the Delhi Capitals release Mitchell Starc.
Proven performer with experience
Mitchell Starc is one of the most experienced overseas fast bowlers in world cricket currently. He has delivered for Australia for more than a decade and has over 200 T20 wickets with experience of playing for plethora of different teams in his CV.
Mitchell Starc in T20s
Criterion
Data
Matches
153
Wickets
207
Average
20.96
Strike-rate
15.8
4w/5w
3/1
To add to it, he has been a world-class bowler in other formats too and is an asset that DC can use to groom their younger players. He has also proven his credentials in IPL and was one of the key performers for KKR in their title-winning campaign of 2024. Starc also did decently for DC in the last edition, and it would be hard to find a proven performer like Starc if they release him.
Genuine wicket-taker
Mitchell Starc is one of the rare bowlers who is as effective at the death as he is with the new ball. He can make the new ball talk and can nail yorkers at will in the final overs, making him an irresistible asset in the shortest format.
Mitchell Starc in IPL
Criterion
Data
Matches
52
Wickets
65
Average
23.12
Strike-rate
16.1
4w/5w
2/1
Over his long career, Mitchell Starc has run through many world-class batting line-ups and having a bowler like him always keeps the opposition on their toes. The average of 23.12 and the strike-rate of 16.1 show how effective he has been in IPL, and if DC persist with him, he can take them to the place where they have never reached in the league.
Mitchell Starc is a high-profile cricketer and is a man for the big occasions. He has delivered for Australia in World Cup finals and is a bowler who has led their attack in white-ball cricket in almost all ICC events of the last 10 years.
For KKR, he was the one who delivered match-winning spells in Qualifier 1 and the final of IPL 2024 with big wickets in the Powerplay. Even in IPL 2025, Mitchell Starc displayed his absolute best in the game against RR with a death-bowling masterclass in the final over and Super Over.
DC is a franchise that is yet to win an IPL trophy, and to do so, they need players like Mitchell Starc, who know how to perform in big games. Thus, DC should keep faith in Mitchell Starc for the next season and avoid releasing him before the IPL 2026 auction.
Mitchell Starc for IPL (Source: AFP)
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