Is Mitchell Starc playing today in RR vs DC IPL 2026 clash?

Jaipur is hosting the crucial Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals (RR vs DC) match in the 43rd game of the IPL 2026 on Friday night (May 1). For the last few weeks, there has been one big question at the beginning of every DC match: whether the Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc is playing or not. 

The 36-year-old Mitchell Starc is a special name in cricket, as the left-arm fast bowler has dominated international cricket. In any format, he has an incredible ability to carry the team consistently with his strong bowling performances. 

In the IPL 2025 auction, Delhi Capitals signed Mitchell Starc for INR 11.75 crore. While he scalped 14 wickets in 11 games in the 2025 season, he missed more than half of the IPL 2026 due to his fitness issues. After a busy home summer, Starc had to recover from the shoulder and elbow injuries, as the recovery took significant time. 

Finally, the Delhi Capitals have the great news. In the RR vs DC match during the 43rd game of the IPL 2026, Mitchell Starc is playing for DC. At the toss, after RR captain Riyan Parag chose to bat first, DC skipper Axar Patel confirmed that Starc has returned to the game and is set to play his first match of the IPL season.  

Delhi Capitals eyeing crucial win

Delhi Capitals are struggling at the moment, as they are in seventh place in the IPL 2026 points table with six points in eight games, recording three wins and five losses. Recently, DC have hugely struggled, as they won only once in their last five games, including losing all their last three games before their ongoing away meeting against the Rajasthan Royals. So, DC are eyeing a crucial win, as the two points will massively boost their confidence.  

Mitchell Starc IPL career

Just like his entire cricket career, Mitchell Starc has made a strong impact whenever he has participated in the IPL. Before the IPL 2026, Starc took 66 wickets in 53 IPL matches. The left-arm fast bowler has now been regularly active in the IPL since 2024, as he had an important role for the Kolkata Knight Riders' third IPL trophy success (2024) after recording 17 wickets in 14 games in that season.