Delhi Capitals’ Mitchell Starc (PTI Photo)

Mitchell Starc has responded strongly to criticism surrounding his absence from the early phase of Indian Premier League 2026, confirming that an elbow injury has delayed his arrival in India.The left-arm quick is set to miss the opening games for Delhi Capitals, triggering debate around the commitment of overseas players. Among those raising concerns were former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and former India batter Aakash Chopra.However, Starc clarified that the decision was injury-driven, with Cricket Australia already confirming that he, along with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, would miss the initial phase of the tournament due to workload management.His absence also sparked discussion among fans, with questions raised about his availability. Alyssa Healy, Starc’s wife, addressed the issue via Instagram, indicating that he is currently recovering from injury.Breaking his silence, Starc pushed back against the narrative around his absence, revealing that the extent of his injury became clear only after the Australian summer.

Starc insta story

“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 stated.He also criticised what he described as inaccurate commentary around his situation.“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 added.

Starc reaffirms commitment to Delhi Capitals

Despite the setback, Starc reiterated his commitment to the franchise and apologised for missing the early part of the season.“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, are in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap,” he concluded.

Jos Buttler (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

Jos Buttler says the Indian Premier League has been the biggest influence on his career, with lessons and interactions from the tournament helping him deliver for England cricket team across formats. Now with the Gujarat Titans, Buttler highlighted how access to elite players and coaches has sharpened his game, pointing to interactions with Rahul Dravid and Matthew Hayden as key influences, especially against spin.“Absolutely. As I said, the IPL has been the biggest influence on my career. The lessons I’ve learned during IPL seasons, the interactions I’ve had, and the people I’ve worked with as coaches and players have all been invaluable,” he said during a media interaction. “Some of those conversations have helped me while playing for England in Test cricket, T20 cricket, and 50-over cricket. It’s had a huge impact. “As Kevin (Pietersen) was saying in his interview on my podcast, the opportunity to build a relationship with Rahul Dravid and work on playing spin creates chances that would otherwise be very limited. “Even now, after just a few days here, getting to talk to Matthew Hayden about batting — I probably wouldn’t get that opportunity otherwise. So it’s had the same impact on me as it did for KP,” Buttler said. Buttler has scored 4,120 runs in 121 IPL matches at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 149.38, including seven centuries. He was in superb touch in IPL 2025, making 538 runs in 13 innings at 59.8 and a strike rate of 163, forming a strong top order with Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan. GT, champions in 2022, open IPL 2026 against Punjab Kings on March 31 in New Chandigarh. Despite a lean ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, where he scored 87 runs in eight innings, Buttler said his mindset remains unchanged. “It’s no more or less important than any other IPL. No matter what’s happened before, I turn up looking forward to the season, wanting to contribute and play well. “The challenge is the same — prepare well, get into a good headspace, and give yourself the best chance to perform. Whether you’re in form or out of form, you need the energy to keep trying, keep preparing, and put yourself out there. “I come into every IPL excited, wanting to do well for the team. I just try to assess the situation and do what’s required on the day,” he said. On his World Cup struggles, Buttler admitted there was no single reason and said time away from the game helped him reset. “There’s a small circle of people I turn to for advice on what they’re seeing. I tried hard during the World Cup, but for a number of reasons, it just didn’t work out. “You have to accept that. It’s a game with elements you can’t control, and everyone is trying to perform. “At 35, I’ve had 15 years of highs and lows. You reflect and analyse, but there’s no one secret. If there was, everyone would score runs every time. “I’ve enjoyed some time away, reflected a bit, and the challenge remains the same — bring energy to practice, prepare well, and then start from zero on match day,” he explained. Buttler also praised uncapped pacer Ashok Sharma, whom he faced in the nets during his time with Rajasthan Royals. “He’s not just about pace. He has accuracy, a very good slower ball, and a big heart — qualities every fast bowler needs. He has all the attributes to be an exciting prospect.”

Virat Kohli and Ishan Kishan (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: The stage is set. IPL 2026 is here, and the tournament kicks off with a mouth-watering clash between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.SRH will be without their regular skipper Pat Cummins for the initial phase, with Ishan Kishan stepping in as stand-in captain.