IPL 2026 Injury Updates: Starc out, Connolly Available for DC vs PBKS

about 2 months agoUS
IPL 2026 Injury Updates: Starc out, Connolly Available for DC vs PBKSSource: sports.ndtv.com
Stay updated on the latest injury news for the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of their IPL 2026 clash. This article covers the availability of key players such as Mitchell Starc and Cooper Connolly.

Key Insights

Mitchell Starc (DC) is out due to elbow and shoulder injuries, expected to return on May 1 against Rajasthan Royals.

Cooper Connolly (PBKS) is available for selection after returning from Australia where he underwent precautionary scans for a minor back issue.

Rehan Ahmed (DC) is not expected to play in the DC vs PBKS match.

In-Depth Analysis

The Delhi Capitals will miss Mitchell Starc, their key pace bowler, who is still recovering from injuries sustained during the Australian summer. His expected return is slated for May 1 against the Rajasthan Royals. This absence impacts DC's bowling attack significantly as they aim to climb up the IPL standings.

On the other hand, the Punjab Kings receive a boost with the availability of Cooper Connolly. The young all-rounder, who has been crucial to their middle-order stability, scoring 223 runs this season, had a minor scare when he returned to Australia for scans. However, he has been cleared to play, reinforcing PBKS's batting lineup as they seek to maintain their undefeated streak.

Rehan Ahmed, signed by Delhi Capitals as a replacement for Ben Duckett, is not expected to feature in the game, leaving DC with limited options in their spin department for this match.

Predicted Playing XIs:

Delhi Capitals: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel (c), Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak

FAQs

Q: When is Mitchell Starc expected to return?

Mitchell Starc is expected to return on May 1 against Rajasthan Royals.

Q: Is Cooper Connolly playing today?

Yes, Cooper Connolly is available for selection for the Punjab Kings.

Q: Why is Rehan Ahmed not playing?

Rehan Ahmed, although signed by DC, is not expected to play in today's match.

Key Takeaways

Mitchell Starc's absence is a significant blow to the Delhi Capitals' bowling strength.

Cooper Connolly's availability bolsters the Punjab Kings' batting lineup and their chances of maintaining their undefeated run.

Keep an eye on team updates closer to the match for any last-minute changes to the playing XIs.

Discussion

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