Mitchell Starc has unleashed a scathing attack on former Indian players and pundits after the legitimacy of his injuries were questioned.
In a statement on Instagram on Saturday night (AEDT), the Aussie quick accused Indian media and pundits of spreading misinformation about the shoulder and elbow injury that will see him miss the opening matches of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The Delhi Capitals star has come under fire for his commitment to the franchise, with some questioning the severity of his injuries, something that rubbed Starc the wrong way.
“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,” Starc 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.”
While taking aim at those who have criticised him Starc acknowledged the inconvenient timing of the setback and apologised to fans for missing the start of the season.
“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 stated.
One of the main culprits has been former India opener Aakash Chopra who in a recent episode on his YouTube channel, accused Starc of being “absolutely fit” and not at all injured.
“If Mitchell Starc is also not going to come at the start, what is Cricket Australia doing? … even though he is absolutely fit. He has already said goodbye to T20Is. So, what has he done in the last two months or so?” Chopra said.
Indian cricket fans have also continuously dragged Starc’s name, blasting him for missing the start of the season.
It even got to a point where his wife and former Australian cricket captain, Alyssa Healy, bit back on Instagram.
One fan compared him to other Australian pacers and had a go at him for not playing.
“Probably because he’s injured, mate … if he can’t bowl, how’s he supposed to play? If he was fully fit, he’d be there,” she replied.
