Starc returns from injury, powers DC to seven-wicket win over Rajasthan in IPL 2026
Synopsis
Mitchell Starc's return from a three-month injury layoff was perfectly timed. With Delhi Capitals reeling from three straight losses, the Australian pacer's death-overs brilliance and a near-flawless 226-run chase — the highest successful IPL run-chase in franchise history — signals a potential turning point. Starc's readjustment to white-ball pace was swift; momentum for DC, overdue.
Key Takeaways
Mitchell Starc returned to IPL action after three months out with shoulder and elbow injury sustained in Big Bash League .
Delhi Capitals defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Match 43 on 2 May 2026 , chasing 226 — their highest successful IPL run-chase.
Starc removed Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession, restricting Rajasthan to 225/6 .
Half-centuries from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka anchored DC's chase, completed with an over to spare.
Victory ended Delhi's three-match losing streak as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Mitchell Starc marked his long-awaited return to the IPL 2026 with an immediate impact as Delhi Capitals secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Match 43 on 2 May in New Delhi. The left-arm pacer, sidelined since the tournament's opening phase due to a shoulder and elbow injury sustained during a Big Bash League game for Sydney Sixers, delivered crucial strikes in the death overs to restrict Rajasthan to 225/6 — a total DC chased down in their highest successful run-chase in IPL history.
Starc's Impact on Return
Despite nearly three months away from competitive cricket, Starc proved his readiness by removing key middle-order batters Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession, stalling Rajasthan's momentum in the latter stages. The Australian had completed rehabilitation in February but faced discomfort upon resuming bowling, delaying his tournament entry. "Yeah, always great to start with a win. It's nice to be back," Starc said after the match, acknowledging the value of game time after a prolonged absence.
Adjusting to White-Ball Pace
The pacer admitted the transition back to international cricket required recalibration. Having not bowled to a batter for nearly three months, Starc noted the adjustment to white-ball cricket's tempo: "I've played long enough to know what I need to do to get ready, so it probably took a while to get the speed of the game. White-ball cricket is a bit quicker than Test cricket, but nice to get some miles on the legs." His early breakthroughs against Rajasthan's opening partnerships — a structural strength for the franchise — proved pivotal in shifting momentum toward DC.
Delhi's Clinical Chase
The successful pursuit was anchored by half-centuries from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka, with Nitish Rana providing crucial middle-order support. Starc praised the batting unit's execution: "Pretty clinical from the bat. Near on perfect chase, and to do it with an over to spare is pretty good." The chase was completed with DC retaining control of the required rate throughout, a marked contrast to their recent struggles.
Momentum Shift for Delhi
The victory halted Delhi Capitals' three-match losing streak at a critical juncture in the tournament. Starc emphasized the importance of building momentum: "It's a new month, so we'll take some different momentum, particularly after this win. We'll just take it one game at a time and focus on our next game." The timing of Starc's return — coinciding with a resurgence — offers DC renewed hope as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Point of View
Not tentative. Three months away from competitive cricket, yet he arrived with precision — removing the exact batters Rajasthan needed to accelerate, at the exact moment they threatened to run away. Delhi's chase was equally clinical, which raises a question: was this the rust falling off, or a franchise finally clicking? The timing matters. With six weeks left in the tournament and momentum fragile across the league, Starc's return could be the catalyst Delhi needed to arrest their slide. Watch whether this win translates to consistency or remains an outlier in a season of mixed results.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mitchell Starc return to IPL 2026 action?
Starc made his comeback on 2 May 2026 in Match 43 between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. He had been sidelined since the tournament's opening phase due to a shoulder and elbow injury sustained during a Big Bash League game for Sydney Sixers in February.
How did Mitchell Starc perform in his comeback match?
Despite nearly three months away from competitive cricket, Starc delivered crucial strikes in the death overs, removing Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession to help restrict Rajasthan to 225/6. His early breakthroughs against Rajasthan's opening partnerships proved pivotal.
What was Delhi Capitals' chase total, and how did they perform?
Delhi Capitals chased down 226 in their highest successful IPL run-chase in franchise history, winning by seven wickets. Half-centuries from KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka anchored the chase, which was completed with an over to spare.
Why was Starc's return significant for Delhi Capitals?
Starc's return coincided with Delhi Capitals ending a three-match losing streak at a critical juncture in the tournament. His immediate impact with the ball and the team's clinical chase offered timely momentum as the tournament entered its decisive phase.
How did Starc describe his readjustment to competitive cricket?
Starc acknowledged the challenge of returning after three months without bowling to a batter. He noted that white-ball cricket's pace was quicker than Test cricket and that it took time to readjust, but expressed satisfaction at getting match fitness back and securing a win.
