Star Player Set to Miss IPL 2025? 3 Replacements Delhi Capitals Must Target Now!

Delhi Capitals have been dealt a massive blow mid-season with reports emerging that Mitchell Starc might not be available for the remainder of IPL 2025.

While DC management hasn’t confirmed anything yet, the team must now prepare for a potential replacement strategy.

Here are three fast bowlers who could fill the void left by the Australian speedster.

1. Alzarri Joseph – The Caribbean Express

Alzarri Joseph, the West Indies pace spearhead, presents a compelling option to replace Mitchell Starc in the Delhi Capitals squad.

Despite having a PSL contract, the uncertain future of the Pakistan Super League could lead Alzarri to prioritize the IPL—especially with a side like DC that needs his services.

With experience in franchises like Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, Alzarri has already featured in 22 IPL games, showcasing raw pace and the ability to extract bounce even on flatter Indian tracks.

Although his economy rate has been on the higher side, his ability to strike at crucial intervals makes him a lethal weapon. Plus, his late-order hitting adds depth to DC’s batting lineup—something the team desperately needs.

If fitness and availability align, Alzarri could bring both firepower and flexibility to the Capitals.

2. Naveen-ul-Haq – The Tactical Afghan Speedster

Naveen-ul-Haq, the clever and underrated Afghan pacer, may be out of an IPL contract at the moment, but Starc’s absence could be his ticket back into the league.

Naveen previously turned heads with Lucknow Super Giants, where he took 11 wickets in 7 games during IPL 2023, maintaining a solid economy of 7.82.

What sets Naveen apart is his ability to bowl in all three phases of an innings—powerplay, middle overs, and death.

He’s especially effective on sluggish wickets, like those at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where pace off the ball and smart variations work best. His cricketing intelligence and knack for changing lengths and pace depending on the surface make him a solid tactical fit for DC.

Despite not being the flashiest name, Naveen brings efficiency, control, and calm under pressure—just what Delhi Capitals might need in Starc’s absence.

3. Jason Behrendorff – The Left-Arm Like-for-Like

If Delhi Capitals are looking for a like-for-like left-arm fast bowler, Jason Behrendorff is the most obvious and realistic replacement for Mitchell Starc.

A tall, experienced pacer who swings the new ball and hits the deck hard, Behrendorff has played for multiple IPL teams including MI and RCB. He has appeared in 17 IPL games, picking up 19 wickets at an average economy of 9.05.

While his economy may raise a few eyebrows, Behrendorff’s ability to provide early breakthroughs and extract bounce due to his height make him a real threat in the powerplay.

Injury concerns have limited his long-term impact in the league, but when fit, he is a reliable and impactful bowler.

His last IPL appearance came in 2023 for Mumbai Indians against Gujarat Titans, but he made his debut way back in 2019 against Chennai Super Kings—a testament to his longevity and experience.