Which Team Is the Best Fit for Mitchell Starc if He Parts Ways with DC?

Mitchell Starc is unlikely to be retained by the Delhi Capitals for the next season. While the retention list is awaited, a big move is expected for Starc. If he is not retained by Delhi, which team could grab the Australian pacer?

The IPL auction for the 2026 season is coming closer. And this could bring even the best players down to the auction table. One such name which is reported to be there is Mitchell Starc. Some reports claim that Mitchell Starc is expected to be released

While there is no official statement for the same, it has created a lot of buzz on the internet. If Starc is not retained, there will be a number of teams who could eye to get him for big bucks. But which team will be able to create the best pace trio by getting Starc in the next auction?

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, could be the best team for Mitchell Starc. It should be noted that Starc has played two IPL seasons with the Royal Challengers Bangalore back in IPL 2014 and 2015. If RCB is able to get him back, the defending champions would have a stronger bowling line-up.

In their pace line-up, the team already has Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Moreover, Starc and Hazlewood have also played together in the Australian team. Getting the Australian duo to open the innings, with Bhuvneshwar to follow up, will be a lethal bowling attack.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders might have the potential to land Mitchell Starc on their hands again. The player who assisted them in claiming the IPL 2024 title was released just before the Mega Auction. But their releases backfired immediately on KKR, as the team was not able to perform well in the last season.

Looking at the bowling line-up of KKR, it is loaded with youth. The team has been assisted by Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora, who take key wickets. However, the team is not as it was with Mitchell Starc. Should Starc be brought back to the team, he might start off with either Harshit Rana or Vaibhav Arora and show the batsmen the bitter end once again.

3. Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans could also look forward to Mitchell Starc in the auction, if he steps in. The team was able to perform well last season but lost to the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator. Kagiso Rabada was unavailable with the team in the playoffs, but he spearheaded their bowling line-up.

Along with Rabada, the team also has Mohammed Siraj, who has found a new home at the Narendra Modi Stadium. If Starc joins the Gujarat Titans for the next season, he could make a deadly trio with Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.

4. Mumbai Indians

While it is unexpected to happen, the Mumbai Indians are known for pulling the most unexpected moves in the auction. In case Mitchell Starc is released by the Delhi Capitals, the Mumbai Indians will have a chance to strengthen their bowling line-up. But this would also result in the team making an illegal bowling line-up.

Mumbai already has Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah in their line-up. Whether it is powerplay or death overs, both can take wickets with ease. If Starc joins this trio, this will make an illegal bowling trio for the T20 format. The powerplays would go with very less boundaries than usual, giving Mumbai an upper hand.

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad

There is another possible option for Mitchell Starc if the Delhi Capitals do not retain him. And it will be Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team that fell prey to Starc in the IPL 2024 finals. Maybe in this way, Mitchell Starc will be able to repay for the damage he had done in the IPL final too.

As of now, Sunrisers Hyderabad already has Mohammed Shami and Pat Cummins in their line-up. With Cummins in the team, Sunrisers Hyderabad could reunite the Australian duo even in the Indian Premier League. Shami's accuracy with Cummins and Starc’s tactics could make it a lethal bowling attack.