A Disappointing Start for Mitchell Starc in IPL 2026
Mitchell Starc, one of the most feared fast bowlers in T20 cricket, experienced one of the worst starts of his career during Delhi Capitals’ clash against Punjab Kings in their IPL 2026 match in Dharamsala. Known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball, Starc faced a challenging moment as he conceded 22 runs in his first over — the most expensive T20 over of his career.
Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first in match 55 of the IPL 2026, held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. Starc was given the responsibility of bowling the first over against Punjab Kings’ aggressive opening pair, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh.
The opening over began with a huge six from Priyansh Arya, who hit the ball over cover point off the very first delivery. Although Starc managed to bowl a few dot balls, the over quickly spiraled out of control. He conceded five wide balls and was hit for a six and a boundary by Prabhsimran Singh, resulting in a total of 22 runs in that over.
Punjab Kings Openers Continue Their Dominance
The Punjab Kings’ opening pair has been one of the most destructive in the IPL 2026 season so far. They have consistently scored at a rate of 14 runs per over in the matches they have played. This trend continued against Starc, one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket.
Starc’s reputation in international cricket and the IPL is well-established, especially when it comes to the new ball. His ability to strike early and control the tempo during the powerplay has made him a key player for his team. However, in this particular match, the Punjab Kings batsmen took full advantage of the batting-friendly pitch and attacked the bowlers right from the first ball.
Mitchell Starc Sets Unwanted T20 Record
This 22-run over marks the most expensive Starc has ever conceded in a T20 innings during his professional career. Here is a breakdown of the most expensive first overs he has conceded:
- 22 vs Punjab Kings, Dharamsala, 2026
- 15 vs Delhi Capitals, Kolkata, 2024
- 14 vs Punjab Kings, Mohali, 2015
- 14 vs New Zealand, Sydney, 2022
- 14 vs West Indies, Carrara, 2022
It’s interesting to note that two of Starc’s previous most expensive first-over spells also came in IPL games, highlighting how strong batting partnerships can challenge even the best bowlers in the league.
Starc’s Form and Impact on Delhi Capitals
Mitchell Starc missed the early part of the 2026 IPL season but joined Delhi Capitals towards the end of the tournament. His form during this short period has been inconsistent. While he did manage to take three wickets in his first three games, Delhi Capitals have struggled to find their rhythm and are now facing the threat of elimination from the playoff race.
Despite this recent performance, Starc remains one of the most formidable match-winners in T20 cricket. He will be looking to bounce back and make a significant impact in the remaining matches of the season.
Conclusion
While this particular over may not have gone as planned for Mitchell Starc, it serves as a reminder that even the best bowlers can face challenges in the high-pressure environment of T20 cricket. With his experience and talent, Starc is expected to regain his form and continue being a crucial asset for Delhi Capitals in the rest of the IPL 2026 season.
