Australian cricket star Mitchell Starc has exciting news for cricket fans around the world. After a hiatus of nine years, the legendary fast bowler has confirmed that he will be making a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024. Starc’s last appearance in the IPL was back in 2015 when he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. This eagerly awaited comeback is not just for the love of the game but also as part of his preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Starc, who is known for his devastating pace and swing, believes that participating in the IPL next year will serve as an ideal warm-up for the T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2024, which will be hosted in the West Indies and the United States. This decision marks a significant step in his cricketing journey as he has focused on representing Australia in the international arena over the past eight IPL seasons. His return to the IPL is a strategic move to fine-tune his T20 skills and get in top form for the global T20 extravaganza.
During his previous IPL stints, Mitchell Starc showcased his bowling prowess in 27 matches, capturing a total of 34 wickets. These performances earned him the recognition of being the Player of the Tournament in the 2015 ODI World Cup. Now, as he looks forward to rejoining the IPL, Starc is eager to put his skills to the test once again.
In a recent interview on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, Starc expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming IPL season, saying, “Look, it’s been eight years. I’m definitely going back next year. Amongst other things, it’s a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup. So it’s 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 it’s a perfect opportunity to put my name in.”
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With Starc’s incredible track record, he is sure to be in high demand when he enters the IPL auction. His experience and talent make him a valuable asset to any team, and franchises will likely be vying for the opportunity to secure his services.
Beyond his IPL return, Mitchell Starc also has ambitious goals in the Test format. He aspires to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Glenn McGrath and become only the second Australian pacer to reach the milestone of playing in 100 or more Test matches for the Baggy Greens. This is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.
As Starc looks ahead to his cricketing journey, fans around the world can anticipate thrilling performances in the IPL and beyond. The cricketing world eagerly awaits his return to the T20 arena, with the hope that he will play a crucial role in Australia’s pursuit of T20 glory in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.