IPL 2025 Major Setback for DC as Mitchell Starc Opts Out of Remainder of Season
The Delhi Capitals have been dealt a major blow ahead of the IPL 2025 restart, as their star pacer Mitchell Starc has reportedly opted out of the remainder of the tournament. Starc’s absence could severely impact DC’s playoff hopes, especially considering his vital role in their bowling attack so far this season.
Below is a detailed look into this development, the reasons behind it, and what it means for both Delhi Capitals and the broader IPL 2025 scenario.
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1. Starc’s Sudden Exit: A Shock for Delhi Capitals Fans
Mitchell Starc’s decision to not return for the remainder of IPL 2025 has come as a shock to Delhi Capitals fans and management alike. According to multiple reports, the Australian left-arm speedster has informed the franchise that he will not be rejoining the squad for the tournament’s resumption.
Starc has been Delhi’s most successful bowler in the season so far, with 14 wickets in 11 matches. His fiery spells, especially in the powerplay and death overs, have been crucial in several wins for the franchise.
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2. Why Starc Is Skipping the Remainder of IPL 2025
The main reason behind Starc’s decision appears to be preparation for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship Final. Scheduled shortly after the IPL, the WTC final is a crucial fixture for the Australian team, and Starc has chosen to focus on red-ball cricket to ensure peak fitness and performance.
Given the physical demands of fast bowling, especially in Indian conditions, this seems to be a calculated move by the Aussie pacer to manage his workload and avoid injury ahead of a big international assignment.
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3. IPL 2025: Temporarily Suspended, Now Set to Resume
The IPL 2025 was temporarily halted due to rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, creating an unexpected mid-season break. Now that the situation has stabilized, the tournament is scheduled to resume on May 17 with a high-voltage clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Only 13 league matches remain in the season before the playoffs begin, and teams are now regrouping and recalibrating their strategies.
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4. Delhi Capitals Resume Campaign on May 18 vs Gujarat Titans
Delhi Capitals, currently placed fifth on the IPL 2025 points table, will resume their campaign on May 18, hosting Gujarat Titans. With the playoff race heating up, each match from here on will be critical.
However, without Mitchell Starc in the bowling line-up, DC will need to find a suitable replacement who can deliver under pressure.
5. Starc’s IPL 2025 Performance: A Quick Recap
Before exiting the tournament, Starc had made a significant impact in IPL 2025. Here’s a glance at his performance:
• Matches Played: 11
• Wickets Taken: 14
• Economy Rate: 8.10
• Best Bowling Figures: 4/29
His pace, bounce, and ability to swing the new ball made him a nightmare for opposition batters, and his absence will leave a noticeable void in the Capitals’ pace battery.
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6. Replacement Dilemma: Who Can Fill Starc’s Shoes?
With overseas quotas limited to four players per match, DC’s team management has a tough decision ahead. Potential replacement options include:
• Lungi Ngidi (South Africa) – Has IPL experience and raw pace but has lacked rhythm lately.
• Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – Coming back from injury, but a proven IPL performer.
• Akeal Hosein (West Indies) – A left-arm spinner, offering variety, though not a direct replacement.
The team may also consider bringing in a mid-season overseas replacement if permitted by the BCCI, depending on squad availability and visa clearances.
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7. Aussies Return: Cummins and Hazlewood Rejoin Their Teams
Interestingly, while Starc has opted out, fellow Australian pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have confirmed their return for the IPL 2025 restart. This decision highlights that not all Australian players are skipping the IPL due to the WTC final.
Both Hazlewood and Cummins have had significant roles in their respective franchises and are expected to feature prominently in the final leg of the season.
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8. Impact on DC’s Playoff Chances
Delhi Capitals have been consistent yet inconsistent, winning key games but also dropping some easily winnable ones. With Mitchell Starc unavailable:
• Their bowling attack loses variety and firepower.
• Greater responsibility now falls on Indian bowlers like Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Axar Patel.
• The balance of the team may need reshuffling, possibly sacrificing an overseas batter or all-rounder for a fast bowler.
The next three matches will be decisive for their playoff hopes, and how they adapt without Starc could define their season.
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9. WTC Final vs IPL: The Scheduling Dilemma Continues
Starc’s exit reignites the perennial debate around IPL’s scheduling and its proximity to key ICC tournaments. While the IPL is a lucrative and competitive league, international players often have to make tough calls when global tournaments are around the corner.
With the World Test Championship Final likely scheduled in early June, Starc’s choice to prioritize Australia over franchise cricket reflects a broader trend among top-tier Test players.
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10. Final Thoughts: Can Delhi Capitals Bounce Back Without Starc?
The loss of Mitchell Starc is undeniably a major setback for Delhi Capitals. However, this franchise has previously shown resilience in the face of adversity. Coach Ricky Ponting and skipper Rishabh Pant will need to rally the team, rework combinations, and possibly trust young Indian pacers to step up.
With the playoff race wide open and only 13 league matches left, every over, every wicket, and every run will count. One thing is certain — the remainder of IPL 2025 promises to be as thrilling as ever.
