(Credit Sportzpics)
Mitchell Starc has suggested the possibility of his return next season, reaffirming his commitment to the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise. Additionally, he hinted at a potential retirement from the ODI format in the near future.
After an absence of eight years, Starc made a comeback to the Indian Premier League. His last appearance was in IPL 2015 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite being selected by Kolkata Knight Riders in a subsequent auction, he was sidelined due to injury.
For the past eight years, fans have consistently yearned for Starc’s comeback to the IPL. Nevertheless, Starc remained resolute in his choice to forgo the tournament in favor of concentrating on international cricket.
Mitchell Starc said: I look forward to being back next year in IPL.
During an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Starc expressed his fondness for the IPL and hinted at a potential return next season. He also affirmed his intention to represent the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this season. It’s been great, it leads into the World Cup, that’s the other side of the benefit of being here against some amazing players in an amazing tournament. It’s a great lead-up to a World Cup.
“Next year – I don’t know the schedule exactly – but I’ve enjoyed it, I look forward to being back next year and hopefully be seen in purple and gold (KKR’s colours) again.”
Starc has been a pivotal figure for the Australian team in ICC tournaments since the 2015 ICC ODI World Cup, where Australia clinched the title on home soil. His contributions continued in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, where he played a significant role in leading the team to victory.
In the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup held in India, Starc, alongside Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, played a crucial role in securing the championship. Their efforts were instrumental in defeating the Indian team on their home turf, securing the prestigious trophy for Australia.
Mitchell Starc suggests the possibility of bidding farewell to the ODI format.
Mitchell Starc has hinted at a gradual withdrawal from international cricket, potentially stepping away from one of the formats. He emphasized his participation in the IPL as a means to hone his skills for T20 cricket, aiming to stay ahead of the batsmen.
“I’ve played a lot of cricket, so I know how to manage myself. I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket in the last few years, so for me, it was trying to find that rhythm of T20 format, and trying to stay ahead of batters.”
“The last nine years, I’ve prioritised Australian cricket. I have given myself a chance to give my body a break and spend some time away from cricket with my wife as well, so that’s certainly been where my head’s been for the last nine years,” he further said.
“Moving forward… look, I am certainly closer to the end of my career than the start. One format may drop off. There is long time before the next one-day World Cup and whether that format continues for me or not… it may open doors for more franchise cricket,” he signed off.
Throughout the IPL 2024 playoffs, Starc showcased his prowess by claiming pivotal wickets. In the final, he made an impact early on, securing two wickets in his first two overs. His dismissal of the formidable Travis Head in the Qualifier 1 match played a significant role in thwarting the SRH Army’s attempt to set a formidable total in the first innings.
