Australia
's fast-bowling spearhead
Mitchell Starc
, who made history by becoming the most expensive Indian Premier League player at the recently-concluded auction, revealed that he deliberately declined numerous lucrative offers from the IPL in the past to prioritize his international career and as a result improve his skills.
At the IPL auction held on December 19, two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders secured Starc's services for a record Rs 24.75 crore. This marks his return to the tournament after a hiatus since 2015.
Starc explained that the break from the IPL afforded him the opportunity to rejuvenate and maintain fitness for international commitments, contributing to his overall improvement in the game.
"Juggling one cricket schedule is hard enough, let alone when there's two in a relationship. So I've always spent that time away from cricket with Alyssa or time with family and recharging my body for being as fit and as ready as I can for Australian cricket," he was quoted as saying by AAP.
"I don't regret any of it. I think it's certainly helped my Test cricket. The money is always nice and certainly was this year, but I've always prioritised international cricket, and I think that's helped my game."
Starc's last appearance in the IPL was with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the only team he has been associated with in the tournament until now.
Having joined RCB in 2014, he has participated in 27 matches to date, securing 34 wickets with an economy rate of 7.17. His best bowling performance in a match stands at four wickets for 15 runs.
(With PTI inputs)
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