Delhi Capitals vs Cricket Australia: Hemang Badani Blames CA for Starc’s Delay
The Mitchell Starc Difference: A Masterclass in Delhi
In a high-stakes encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Mitchell Starc proved exactly why he remains one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. During the high-scoring thriller in Delhi on Sunday, May 17, Starc became the definitive wall between the Delhi Capitals and the Rajasthan Royals. In a match where the aggregate score soared toward the 400-run mark, the legendary Australian paceman delivered a masterclass in death bowling.
Delhi Capitals [Source: AP]
The Rajasthan Royals were cruising at 161-2 after 14 overs, looking set to post a target well beyond reach. However, Starc’s intervention changed the complexion of the game entirely. Picking up four wickets at an expense of just 40 runs, he spearheaded a collapse that saw the Royals restricted to 193-8 by the end of their 20 overs. For his clinical four-wicket burst in the backend of the innings, Starc was deservedly named the ‘Player of the Match.’
Hemang Badani Goes to War with Cricket Australia
While the victory provided a much-needed boost to the Delhi camp, it also served as a catalyst for a brewing controversy. Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani did not hold back in his post-match assessment, directing his ire toward Cricket Australia (CA). The core of the issue lies in Starc’s late arrival for the IPL 2026 season. The 36-year-old was forced to miss the first half of the tournament due to long-standing injury concerns, a situation Badani believes was exacerbated by the Australian board’s management.
The frustration in the Capitals’ camp is palpable. Since participating in the 2025-26 Ashes series and the subsequent Big Bash League (BBL) in January, Starc did not feature in any competitive cricket until mid-way through the IPL. Having already missed the 2026 T20 World Cup, his restricted availability at the start of the IPL season left a massive void in the Delhi bowling attack.
The Financial Stakes and Franchise Frustration
Coach Badani highlighted the significant financial investment the franchise made to secure Starc’s services. In the high-pressure environment of the IPL, having a marquee player unavailable for half the season can be catastrophic. “Ideally, I would want my players to be available to me from day one,” Badani stated firmly during the post-match press conference. “Mitchell Starc is probably one of my biggest players in my squad, and we’ve invested in him, and we know that he’s a match winner.”
Badani’s comments suggest a growing rift between IPL franchises and national governing bodies regarding player workload and injury management. “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,” he added, highlighting the helplessness coaches feel when international schedules and board mandates interfere with league commitments.
A Season of Peaks and Valleys for Mitchell Starc
Despite the coach’s staunch defense, Mitchell Starc’s return to the field has been a narrative of extreme highs and lows. While his latest performance against Rajasthan was spectacular, his consistency remains a concern for the Delhi Capitals. Since returning to competitive action, the speedster has blown hot and cold. He began his IPL 2026 campaign on May 1 with a match-winning three-wicket haul against the same Rajasthan Royals side, but followed it up with wicketless outings against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
His struggle for rhythm was most evident in the match against the Punjab Kings, where he leaked a staggering 57 runs in his four-over quota. However, his resurgence on May 17 suggests he is finding his feet just as the tournament reaches its business end. Currently, in five innings, the veteran left-armer has claimed nine wickets at an average of 22, though his economy rate remains high at 10.42.
The Playoff Equation: Delhi Capitals on the Brink
Despite the heroics from Starc, the Delhi Capitals find themselves in a precarious position. As it stands, the franchise occupies the seventh spot on the IPL 2026 points table. With a record of six wins and seven defeats from 13 matches, their margin for error has completely evaporated. The road to the playoffs is narrow and requires a perfect storm of results.
- Must-Win Fixture: The Capitals must win their final league match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 24.
- Net Run Rate: Depending on other results, a massive win against KKR might be necessary to boost their NRR.
- Exterior Results: DC will need other teams in the mid-table pack to lose their remaining fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.
As the Delhi Capitals prepare for their final stand, the debate over Mitchell Starc’s availability continues to shadow their campaign. Whether his late-season brilliance will be enough to propel them into the top four remains to be seen, but the friction between the franchise and Cricket Australia is a story that is far from over.
