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Mitchell Starc, who played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) title triumph in IPL 2024, hinted at a potential retirement from ODI cricket after the summit clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Chennai on May 26. During the post-match press conference after winning the IPL 2024 title, Mitchell Starc expressed his desire to return to the tournament next year. Stating that he had prioritised playing for Australia for the past nine years, Starc suggested this focus might shift slightly as he nears the end of his career. This hint at retirement from ODIs could free up his schedule for more participation in franchise cricket like the IPL.
Notably, Starc was the most expensive player in the history of the IPL auction in 2024, being bought by KKR for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore. This hefty price tag raised questions, especially after Starc's initial struggles in the first half of the IPL. However, he silenced his critics with a strong performance in the playoffs, and then in the final, proving his bowling prowess.
Discussing his future plans, Mitchell Starc expressed his enthusiasm for his experience in the IPL this season. He solidified his commitment to the league by confirming his availability for the upcoming year. Ideally, he hopes to return and play for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) again in 2025.
"Last 9 years I have prioritised Australian cricket and IPL has been my time off and give my body a break and spend some time with my wife also. That's certainly been what the outlook has been for the last 9 years. Moving forward, look, certainly I am closer to the end of my career than the start, so, one format may drop off. It is a long time away, the next ODI World Cup and whether that format continues for me or not, it may open doors for more franchise cricket, so, I have thoroughly enjoyed this season, it leads into the World Cup, so that's the other side of it, the benefit of being here. It is an amazing tournament with amazing players and the success has been fantastic," Mitchell Starc said in the post match press conference.
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"Next year, I don't know the schedule exactly, but as I said, I enjoyed it and I look forward to being back next and hopefully it is purple and gold next year once again," he further added.
Starc ended the season with 17 wickets in 15 matches, including two scalps, which he took in the IPL 2024 final against SRH.
While Mitchell Starc's availability for IPL 2025 is good news, it presents a selection headache for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). As the now defending champions, KKR already faces a tough decision on player retentions. Starc's availability adds another name to the mix, forcing them to choose between him and established players like Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and others.
Meanwhile, Starc will be now seen in action in the upcoming T20 World Cup as he will soon be departing for the USA to join the Australian team for the showpiece tournament.
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