IPL 2027 auction: 3 overseas players whose places could be at risk

1. Mitchell Starc

Delhi Capitals retained Mitchell Starc at INR 11.75 crore, a considerable outlay for a bowler whose IPL 2026 campaign was disrupted by injury during the early weeks of the season. Australia's packed Test schedule through 2027 raises questions about whether Starc can commit to a full IPL campaign, and Delhi may prefer to part ways before the retention deadline rather than carry that uncertainty into the auction cycle.

Should Delhi release Starc ahead of the deadline, he would not be entered into the auction pool, meaning no withdrawal penalty would apply. The stakes are higher if Delhi hold on to him: any post-retention withdrawal could result in a ban running through to 2029.