Over the course of several years, Mitchell Starc, the prominent Australian fast bowler, has notably been absent from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Starc had placed a strong emphasis on Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket, becoming a formidable force with the red and white ball. His contributions played a pivotal role in Australia’s numerous victories, including the 2015 World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup, and multiple Ashes series, among other achievements.
However, it appears that the Australian cricket star is now considering a return to the IPL, marking a shift from his previous hiatus. Starc views the IPL as a valuable opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA in June.
Should a franchise decide to select him, it would signify Starc’s comeback to the IPL after his last appearance in 2015. Previously, he had participated in 27 matches over two seasons with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In 2018, he was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders but was forced to withdraw due to injury. At various points, he had contemplated rejoining the IPL but opted to prioritize spending time at home due to Australia’s demanding cricket schedule, which featured matches across different formats.
However, the upcoming year presents a lighter workload for Australia, with only the T20 World Cup on the horizon, sandwiched between a tour of New Zealand in March and white-ball series against Afghanistan, Ireland, and England commencing in late August.
Starc expressed his intentions regarding the IPL on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, stating, “It’s been eight years, and I’m definitely planning to participate next year. Among other reasons, it serves as an excellent build-up to the T20 World Cup. It provides a great opportunity to gauge interest in the IPL and transition into the T20 World Cup. Additionally, next year’s schedule is relatively less demanding compared to this year, making it a perfect occasion to throw my name into the mix.”
Starc’s potential return to the IPL could inject excitement into the auction proceedings. With his exceptional pace and cricketing skills, the Australian fast bowler possesses the potential to become one of the most highly sought-after assets for IPL franchises. His presence could lead to intense bidding wars, as teams seek to bolster their fast-bowling arsenals for the tournament, recognizing his proven track record in T20 cricket.
