Mitchell Starc returns to IPL ahead of T20 World Cup after a nine-year hiatus

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is making a comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a nine-year hiatus. His decision aligns with his preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States. Starc confirmed his IPL return during an interview on the Willow Talk cricket podcast.

A strategic move for the T20 World Cup

Starc sees his return to the IPL as a strategic move in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. He views the IPL as an excellent opportunity to gauge interest from franchises and hone his T20 skills before the global tournament. The T20 World Cup serves as a pivotal event for cricketers worldwide, and Starc aims to use the IPL to prepare effectively.

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A Break from the rigorous schedule

Starc recognizes the packed cricket calendar and believes it's nearly "impossible" for players to excel in all three formats of the game continuously. However, he identifies next year as a relatively quieter winter compared to the current one, making it an ideal time to return to IPL action.

Starc's IPL journey

If Starc is selected in the IPL auction, it will mark his first appearance in the tournament since 2015. Previously, he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore, making 27 appearances and securing 34 wickets. Unfortunately, an injury kept him out of the 2016 season. In 2017, he chose not to participate in the auction, and in 2018, he was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders but had to withdraw due to injury.

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Balancing test cricket

Starc's commitment to Test cricket has been a significant factor in his IPL decisions. He has played 82 Tests thus far and is determined to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches. The Australian future tours program indicates that he could potentially achieve this feat during the 2025-26 home Ashes series. In conclusion, Mitchell Starc's return to the IPL reflects his strategic approach to prepare for the T20 World Cup while balancing his long-term Test cricket aspirations. His decision showcases the importance of planning and careful scheduling in the demanding world of professional cricket.