‘These individuals claim to know my body better than me’ - Mitchell Starc blasts critics, reveals reason for late arrival in IPL

Australia’s spearhead Mitchell Starc has reacted strongly to the criticism over his non-arrival at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The left-arm pacer is yet to report at the Delhi Capitals camp ahead of the upcoming season. 

Starc, who generally is not much active on social media, took to Instagram and responded to some ‘heavily misinformed opinions’ of a few experts who claimed that he is not reporting to the IPL duty despite being fully fit. The 36-year-old has clarified things in a very strong manner.

“Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow, of which I didn’t know the extent of during the Australian summer,” Starc wrote on his Instagram.

“These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me,” he continued.

While expressing his anger, the Delhi Capitals pacer also had few words to say to his IPL side as well, while apologising for the delay in his arrival. He is one of the vital cogs in DC’s bowling line-up this year.

“With that said, I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, I am in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap,” he concluded.

Starc had a pretty decent season for the Delhi-based franchise in the IPL 2025, where he picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches for them including a five-wicket haul. It will be a big boost for Axar Patel’s side if Starc arrives in time for the IPL.