NEW DELHI: Australian pacer
Mitchell Starc
, who has been loyal to the 'Baggy Green' for nearly ten years, has hinted that he may give up one format to free him more time for franchise cricket.
The 34-year-old did not say which format he would be giving up, but because the next 50-over World Cup is in 2027, it is probably going to be
ODIs
.
Starc, who the Kolkata Knight Riders acquired for a record 24.75 crore, excelled in the competition's business end.
With 17 wickets in total, five of which came in the two knockout games, he helped the Shah Rukh Khan-owned squad win the title with ease.
In response to a question from PTI regarding his next steps following his finest season in franchise cricket, Starc suggested that
T20s
might take center stage in his line-up.
"For the last nine years, I certainly prioritised
Australian cricket
. I have pulled out often to have a chance to give my body a break and spend some time away from cricket with my wife as well, so that's certainly been where my head has been for last nine years," Starc said after his match-winning 2/14 in the IPL final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
"Moving forward, I am certainly close to the end of my career than the start. One format may be dropped off as there is long time till next World Cup and whether that format drops off or not, that will open doors for a lot of franchise cricket," the 'King of Swing' said.
He said that the IPL this year will help him get ready for the June 1-11 T20 World Cup in the West Indies.
"...that's the other side of benefit of being here, some amazing players in an amazing tournament and great lead up to
WT20
and success has been fantastic. It is great that a lot of players are in good position heading into the World Cup," he said.
He is hopeful of turning up for KKR even next year.
"I don't know the schedule exactly but I have thoroughly enjoyed and hope to be back next year and hopefully, seen in purple and gold again."
Pitches in Windies won't resemble IPL tracks
Like many others, Starc felt that the Impact Player rule contributed to the IPL's high scores and that ridiculous totals like 270 won't occur in the World T20. More assistance for spinners from worn-out tracks, he predicted.
"T20 is not as physically demanding as Test cricket and it's been warm, humid, so that plays a part but that's fine. It would be cooler there in the West Indies than here," he said when asked how his body is holding up after two months of IPL.
"There's the Impact Player Rule here and that's not the case in the World Cup and after that you have to put a team that's more balanced and you rely more on all-rounders. You can't have your batting all-rounder coming in at No. 9, like they do in IPL.
"I don't think the runs would be that much, I don't think 270 can be scored... Wickets may play a part as we have seen high-scoring matches here and wickets won't be same in West Indies.
"They might turn and will be a bit more tired, and towards end of tournament, they might pose more of a threat staying low and hope bowlers come into play more than they have come through in IPL," he said.
Don't need extra motivation for price tags
Starc faced a lot of criticism in the early stages of his search for rhythm, so it was understandable that his multi-crore price tag presented a problem. He doesn't give that much thought.
"You don't need extra motivation. I am here as an overseas international. It's not like for that last night (Qualifier 1) or this final that I have been brought over here.
"I am glad to contribute. There are jokes throughout and there is only friendly banter and price tags don't bother me now as I have had plenty of critics throughout my career.
In the end, his one statement summed it up all.
"Tonight was a perfect night."
(With PTI inputs)
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