Delhi Capitals Coach Hemang Badani Blames Cricket Australia for Mitchell Starc’s Late IPL 2026 Arrival
A Clash of Interests: The Starc Availability Saga
In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, player availability can often dictate the difference between a championship run and an early exit. For the Delhi Capitals, the 2026 season has been defined by a significant struggle to field their premier bowling asset, Australian legend Mitchell Starc. The franchise’s head coach, Hemang Badani, has recently brought these internal frustrations into the public eye, leveling sharp criticism at Cricket Australia (CA) regarding the management of Starc’s return to the field.
The controversy stems from Starc’s prolonged absence during the first half of the IPL 2026 season. Having concluded a demanding 2025-26 Ashes campaign and the subsequent Big Bash League season in January, the veteran paceman remained inactive in competitive cricket until mid-season. His absence was attributed to injury concerns, which ultimately saw him sit out the 2026 T20 World Cup as well.
Badani’s Perspective on Franchise Investment
Following a high-scoring thriller against the Rajasthan Royals on May 17, where Starc’s stellar four-wicket haul proved instrumental in securing a victory, Coach Hemang Badani did not hold back. He openly expressed his disappointment regarding the constraints placed upon his star bowler. Badani emphasized that the Capitals had made a significant financial investment in Starc, banking on his status as a proven match-winner to anchor their bowling attack.
“Ideally, I would want my players to be available to me from day one,” Badani stated during the post-match press conference. He highlighted the helplessness of the coaching staff when faced with mandates from national governing bodies, noting, “Certain things that are decided by associations and governing bodies, there’s very little that we can do. Because if Cricket Australia does not release him, there’s little a coach or any franchise can do.”
Performance Under Scrutiny
While Badani remains convinced that Starc’s presence from the start of the tournament could have salvaged the Capitals’ underwhelming season, the reality of Starc’s performances has been somewhat inconsistent. Since returning to the fold, the 36-year-old has experienced a “hot and cold” run of form. After an impressive three-wicket haul in his season opener against the Rajasthan Royals on May 1, the pacer struggled to find his footing, going wicketless against both the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Furthermore, his rhythm took a hit in the match against the Punjab Kings, where he conceded 57 runs in his four-over spell. However, the game on May 17 served as a reminder of his class. Restricting the Royals from a comfortable 161-2 in 14 overs to 193-8 by the end of the innings, Starc showcased the exact value the Capitals had invested in. Across five innings this season, he has taken nine wickets with an average of 22, albeit with a high economy rate of 10.42.
The Road Ahead: Survival Mode
The timing of Starc’s resurgence comes as the Delhi Capitals find themselves in a precarious position. Currently sitting seventh on the IPL 2026 points table, the franchise is staring at potential elimination. With a record of six wins and seven losses from 13 matches, their path to the playoffs is narrow. To keep their hopes alive, the Capitals must secure a victory in their upcoming clash against the KKR on May 24.
Beyond their own performance, the team is now reliant on a specific sequence of results elsewhere in the league to keep their tournament dreams afloat. As the season nears its dramatic conclusion, the debate over player scheduling and national association control is likely to continue, leaving franchises like the Delhi Capitals to grapple with the fallout of decisions made thousands of miles away from the pitch.
