Hemang Badani Criticizes Cricket Australia Over Mitchell Starc’s Delayed IPL Entry
The Frustration of Delayed Availability
In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL), every match is critical, and the absence of a marquee player can significantly alter a team’s trajectory. Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani recently made his dissatisfaction clear regarding the delayed entry of premier Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc into the 2026 season. The coach’s comments followed a standout performance by Starc, who proved exactly why his absence was felt during the initial stages of the tournament.
The Impact of National Governing Bodies
Mitchell Starc’s late start to IPL 2026 was largely attributed to Cricket Australia’s management of his workload following a demanding international schedule. While the decision was made with the player’s long-term health in mind, the delay meant that Delhi Capitals were without one of their primary strike bowlers for the opening phase of the competition. Hemang Badani noted that, as a coach, there is very little a franchise can do when governing bodies restrict player availability.
“Ideally, I would want my players to be available to me from day one,” Badani stated during a post-match press conference. “Starc is probably one of my biggest players in my squad. We’ve invested in him, and we know that he’s a match-winner.” He acknowledged the limitations of the franchise structure, adding, “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.”
A Masterclass Against Rajasthan Royals
The frustrations surrounding his absence only served to underscore Starc’s value when he finally took the field. In the 62nd match of the 2026 season against the Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Starc delivered a masterclass in fast bowling. Finishing with sensational figures of 4/40, the veteran left-arm pacer single-handedly swung the momentum in favor of Delhi Capitals, securing a crucial victory that kept their campaign alive.
This performance provided a stark reminder of why teams invest heavily in international icons. Starc has already made his mark, claiming nine wickets in just five appearances, effectively stabilizing a bowling unit that had struggled with consistency before his arrival.
More Than Just a Bowler: A Mentor and Role Model
Beyond the statistics, Badani lauded Starc’s influence off the field. The coach highlighted the Australian’s preparation and professional habits as a blueprint for the younger players in the squad. “His work ethic, his preparation before the game with his own plans, and his training are above par,” Badani remarked. “I don’t even see that with a lot of the younger boys; that’s the reason why he has sustained for so long.”
Badani further emphasized Starc’s role as an educator within the dressing room. According to the head coach, Starc is constantly engaging with the younger bowlers, offering technical advice on complex arts such as reverse swing and strategic bowling lengths. The depth of conversation that Starc brings—ranging from how to handle aggressive batters to knowing when to be defensive or aggressive—has been an invaluable asset to the Delhi Capitals’ youth development.
The Legacy of a Champion
To contextualize Starc’s ability, Badani pointed to the pacer’s heroics during the recent Ashes series, where he carried the Australian bowling attack in the absence of other stalwarts like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. This ability to perform under pressure remains Starc’s defining trait.
As IPL 2026 moves toward its business end, the inclusion of Mitchell Starc has provided Delhi Capitals with the firepower they desperately lacked. While the delayed arrival may have been a point of contention for Badani, there is no denying that the veteran pacer remains one of the most influential figures in modern cricket, both for his contributions on the pitch and the wisdom he imparts to those around him.
