Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc is setting his sights on a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) next year as he aims to fine-tune his skills ahead of the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA in June. Starc’s potential IPL comeback would mark his return to the tournament after an absence since 2015 when he last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In recent years, Starc had considered returning to the IPL but often prioritized his availability for Test cricket. His primary concern was to ensure he could fully commit to representing Australia in Test matches.
Starc’s IPL Ambitions
However, the upcoming season of the IPL aligns favorably with Australia’s cricket calendar, featuring only the T20 World Cup, a tour of New Zealand in March, and multiple white-ball series against Afghanistan, Ireland, and England from late August.
“Look, it’s been eight years. I’m definitely going back in [next] year,” Starc affirmed during the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast. “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, and 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’s Test Cricket Aspirations
One of the major reasons Starc had previously decided against participating in the IPL was his desire to ensure he was fully available for Test cricket. Starc expressed his goal of reaching a century of Test appearances, a milestone achieved by only one other Australian fast bowler, Glenn McGrath
Starc, who currently has 82 Test caps, aims not only to reach 100 Test matches but also to maintain a high level of performance to be consistently selected for the Australian Test squad.
Looking ahead, Starc is focused on the immediate challenges, including the upcoming T20 World Cup. He is also mindful of Australia’s packed cricket schedule, which includes five Test matches at home and a potential Test series in New Zealand. Starc is keen to continue contributing to Australia’s cricketing success and sees promising young talents emerging in the national team.
“I try not to look too far ahead with anything. Obviously, we want to do well in the World Cup. Then we’ve got five Test matches here in Australia, and then I haven’t actually played a Test in New Zealand, so hopefully, I’m on that tour and look forward to that challenge as well.”
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