Mitchell Starc hits back at 'misinformed suggestions' amid confirmation he'll miss the start of the IPL

Mitchell Starc has hit back at suggestions he is "absolutely fit" despite him being set to miss out on the opening matches of the IPL.

The Delhi Capitals fast bowler is currently managing a shoulder and elbow injury which emerged during the Australian summer.

Former Indian batter turned commentator Aakash Chopra had taken to his YouTube channel to make the "absolutely fit" claim about Starc and questioned Cricket Australia's management of the injury.

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Respected Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle had also taken to X to criticise the process behind Delhi waiting on Starc's availability.

"I see the coach of Delhi Capitals saying they are waiting to hear about Starc's availability," he wrote.

"That is disappointing because this is a very high profile league with huge budgets and teams have a right to plan, to know what they are buying.

"The international calendar is known in advance and players and boards should be able to give guarantees unless there are unforeseen injuries or political developments.

"I foresee amounts deducted from contracts being greater than a per match value assigned."

Starc has since taken to Instagram to clear the air.

"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," he wrote.

"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.

"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."

Starc was retained by Delhi in the 2026 IPL auction for a $1.6m (117.5 crore) deal after the club finished fifth last season. The left-hander took 14 wickets in 11 matches last season.

Australia's fast bowlers have all battled injuries over the summer, with Josh Hazlewood missing the full Ashes series while Pat Cummins only played one match.

Both Hazlewood and Cummins will miss the start of the IPL too.