Starc hails India's cricketing depth, cites IPL's influence
What's the story
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has praised the vast talent pool in Indian cricket.
He said India is the only country that can have competitive teams in all formats simultaneously.
"They are probably the only nation that can have a Test team, a one-day team and a T20 team play on the same day against Australia in the Test, England in the one-dayer and South Africa in the T20I; and India will be competitive," Starc said on FanaticsTV.
Here's more.
IPL perspective
Starc reflects on IPL's growing influence
Responding to a question on IPL and how it affects India's performance in white-ball tournaments, Starc shared his thoughts.
He acknowledged the growth of IPL but clarified it doesn't give India an advantage per se.
"As cricketers we have got these opportunities to play all franchise (cricket) around the world (but) the Indian guys can only play in the IPL," he explained.
Global recognition
Starc acknowledges IPL's global status
Starc recognized the IPL's global stature, calling it "the number one product" with all Indian players playing and a huge influx of international talent.
"Obviously, it's the number one product, has got all the Indians playing, so much influx of international talent. It's at the top. There's no doubt that it's a huge tournament," he stated.
He stressed that while the IPL helps India's cricketing depth, it's important to have the required talent to capitalize on such opportunities.
Upcoming season
Starc gears up for IPL 2025 with Delhi Capitals
The 2025 IPL season will start on March 22 and Starc will be playing for the Delhi Capitals.
The franchise bought him for ₹11.75 crore in last year's mega players' auction.
However, he had to pull out of the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury.
Notably, he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024.
Numbers
Starc's 2024 and overall IPL stats
Starc was part of the IPL-winning KKR team during the 2024 edition.
In 14 matches, he picked up 17 scalps at an average of 26.12. He also managed one two-wicket haul and the best figures of 4/33.
Overall, across three IPL seasons and 41 matches, he owns 51 scalps at 22.29 (ER: 8.21), including two four-wicket hauls.
His best IPL figures are 4/15, which he managed in 2015.