Delhi Capitals’ Mitchell Starc to miss early part of IPL due to injury

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc clarified on Saturday that he won’t be available for Delhi Capitals for the early part of IPL-19 due to a shoulder and elbow injury, but remains committed to joining the franchise as soon as possible.

Starc’s remarks came after some former Indian cricketers and commentators criticised the left-armer in recent days for not linking up with the Capitals squad despite ostensibly being fully fit. The 36-year-old hasn’t played any competitive cricket since January, when he was the chief architect of Australia’s Ashes triumph and then featured in five games for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. Having retired from T20Is last year, he was able to rest during the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

In a statement on Instagram, the speedster stated that he was currently undergoing rehab after not realising the extent of his shoulder and elbow injury during the home summer.

“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 during the Australian summer,” Starc posted.

“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, am in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC as soon as possible,” he added.