Delhi Capitals (DC) may face a double blow as uncertainty continues over Mustafizur Rahman’s availability and Mitchell Starc is reportedly ruled out for the rest of IPL 2025. As per a report in The Times of India, Starc returned to Australia amid India-Pakistan tensions and is not expected to make a comeback this season.
There was uncertainty around Mitchell Starc’s status, but he has informed Delhi Capitals of his unavailability. At Thursday’s training, only Dushmantha Chameera was present among overseas players.
The report also stated that South African stars Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs are expected to join the squad shortly. Team mentor Kevin Pietersen, who had returned home during the league’s temporary suspension, is likely to rejoin the setup on Friday.
If Delhi make it to the playoffs, they may have to do without Stubbs for the knockout matches, as he is part of South Africa’s World Test Championship final squad and is scheduled to depart by May 27, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Delhi Capitals to Face Gujarat Titans on May 18; Team to Train at Aerocity Ahead of Clash
Delhi’s next match is against Gujarat Titans on Sunday, May 18, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. However, their training on Friday will take place at their practice facility in Aerocity. The Gujarat Titans squad arrived in Delhi on Thursday evening and are set to train on Friday as well.
Many IPL franchises are currently facing availability issues with overseas players after the tournament was rescheduled earlier this week. Several big names will miss the final leg of the competition due to international duties.
To address the situation, the BCCI has allowed teams to name temporary replacements. Delhi skipper Axar Patel and senior batter KL Rahul were notable attendees at the team’s training session ahead of their 12th and final home game of the season.
The IPL was paused for a week due to rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, and Delhi Capitals resumed their net practice on Thursday.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
