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Updated 11:45 IST, December 23rd 2023

‘Made Some Choices…’: Mitchell Starc shares insights into his extended absence from the IPL

The most expensive player in the history of the IPL so far, Mitchell Starc, discusses his prolonged eight-season hiatus from the Indian Premier League.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
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Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc | Image: BCCI

This week at the Indian Premier League (IPL) Players Auction in Dubai, records brokered by Australian bowler Mitchell Starc, who signed a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to become the most expensive purchase in the auction's history. This incredible accomplishment broke the previous record set by his colleague Pat Cummins, who the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) purchased for an astounding Rs 20.5 crore at the same auction.

3 things you need to know 

  • Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in the history of the IPL after KKR bought him for ₹24.75 crore
  • Pat Cummins is the second most expensive player in IPL history 
  • This year Gautam Gambhir returned to KKR as their new mentor

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir praises Sanju Samson's stellar 100

Mitchell Starc speaks on his absence from the IPL over the years

Starc said he had no regrets about his choice, even if he missed the last eight IPL seasons. He highlighted the strategic reasoning underlying his career decisions by emphasising how this decision has helped him prolong his Test career. Speaking on the LiSTNR Sport podcast on YouTube, Mitchell Starc said:

"I made some choices, which I don't regret at all. I think it's probably helped my Test career, so I'm very happy with how it's all gone. Very grateful to have some interest in the auction and excited, thrilled, surprised. There's plenty of words you can describe the night,"

 Also Read: British-Indian chess prodigy named Europe's best

Mitchell Starc’s journey in the IPL

The 33-year-old attracted interest from the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals when he entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, which led to a fierce bidding battle. The bidding escalated above Rs 20 crore when Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders entered the race, with the Kolkata-based team eventually obtaining his services for a record amount.

The seasoned Australian bowler had chosen to focus on his national obligations and has not played in the IPL since 2015. In 2018, Starc participated in his last IPL auction, when he was signed for Rs 9.4 crore by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Unfortunately, he missed the entire season due to a fracture in his right tibial bone.

Starc has played in two seasons of the Indian Premier League with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He demonstrated his bowling ability in the 2014 edition, taking 14 wickets at an average of 28.71 in 14 matches. He improved the next year, taking 20 wickets in 13 games at an astounding average of 14.55, with his best figures of 4/15 in the 2015 campaign.

Starc is expected to play in the second Test of the three-match series, which begins in Melbourne on December 26, following an outstanding performance in the first Test against Pakistan, when he grabbed five wickets.

Published 11:45 IST, December 23rd 2023