Home
Australian veteran pacer Mitchell Starc, recently expressed his keenness to make a much-anticipated comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) before the T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off. Fans will remember that Starc's last stint with the IPL was back in 2015. Since then, he chose a self-imposed hiatus from the league, giving precedence to his national commitments and valuable moments with his family.
In a twist during the 2018 auction, Starc made headlines when Kolkata Knight Riders snagged him for a whopping Rs 9.40 crore. However, destiny played its card, and a back injury sidelined him from participating in the coveted tournament.
Shedding light on his probable return, Starc, while interacting with the Willow Talk cricket podcast, stated, “I'm definitely going back in (next) year.” Apart from personal interests, Starc sees the IPL as a "great lead up to the T20 World Cup."
"Amongst other things, it's a great lead up to the T20 World Cup. So a good opportunity to see if anyone's interested in the IPL, then lead into the T20 World Cup. And it's somewhat of a quiet winter next year ... in comparison to this winter, so I think a perfect opportunity to put my name in," Starc further added.
For years, this ace fast bowler has devoutly focused on serving the Australian cricket team. Alongside this, Starc has always held his family close, prioritizing them at every juncture. His commitment to the game was evident when he clinched pivotal wickets during the World Test Championship 2023 final, driving Australia to their inaugural title win. Expressing his passion for test cricket, Starc remarked, "It took me a long time to feel like I was good enough Test cricket," emphasizing his aim to not just play but be "good enough to be picked for 100 Tests."
"So I want to really give that the biggest crack I've got. I've thoroughly enjoyed white-ball cricket and that's probably where I got my main opportunities in as well. I'd like to be good enough to get to 100 Tests. Not just get to 100, I'd like to be good enough to be picked for 100 Tests," he added.
Australia boasts a remarkable pool of fast bowlers, many of whom haven't had their fair share in the limelight, shadowed by giants like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, and Starc himself. Talking about the future post the ODI World Cup 2023, Starc seemed unsure.
The pacer said that he has not planned about his future after the ODI World Cup 2023.
"And then you look at the one-day format, it's sort of four years in between World Cups, so where do I see myself in that mix? But I've got to get to the end of this World Cup first. But we've got some superstars coming through. You've got your Jhye Richardsons, your Sean Abbotts, your Spencer Johnsons. You've got plenty of young guys coming through. (Lance) Morris is going to be a gun. I try not to look too far ahead with anything," he concluded.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Watch: Nicholas Pooran's six-laden carnage-filled 53-ball 102 helps Knight Riders seal commanding win over Royals
Muttiah Muralitharan drops truth bombs on India's ODI World Cup squad, says 'Only for the sake of...'
Asia Cup: 'India will make a huge blunder if...' — Gautam Gambhir warns Rohit Sharma ahead of Pakistan clash
Asia Cup: Babar Azam shatters Virat Kohli's World Record after scoring just 17 runs vs Bangladesh in Super Four clash
Asia Cup: Babar Azam issues big statement on India vs Pakistan's Super 4 after dominant win against Bangladesh
Dhawan reacts after exclusion from India's ODI World Cup squad, wins heart with emotional message for fellow teammates
'Don't get fooled by overall averages': Srikkanth doesn't feel Thakur is an all-rounder, questions selection in World Cup squad
Asia Cup 2023: Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah's pace troubles Bangladesh batters, Pakistan start Super Fours with easy 7-wicket win in Lahore
Former Sri Lanka and KKR spinner arrested over match-fixing charges
Harbhajan Singh shocked to see India’s ‘Pure Match Winner’s’ exclusion from World Cup squad
