Mitchell Starc could retire from ODIs [X]

Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata Knight Riders scripted history on Sunday night as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the all-important final to lift the IPL 2024 title. Ace Australian speedster Mitchell Starc emerged as their hero with the ball, rattling the Sunrisers’ top-order with a sensational opening spell. 

Opening the bowling for KKR, Starc castled Abhishek Sharma with a pearler before getting rid of Rahul Tripathi, finishing the game with magical figures of two for 14. 

After getting the player of the match award for his incredible show in the final, Starc revealed that he might retire from ODIs to focus more on franchise cricket. 

As quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, Starc admitted to being at the twilight of his career and doesn’t see himself playing the 2027 ODI World Cup. 

“The last nine years, I’ve prioritised Australian cricket. I have given myself 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’s been for the last nine years,” Starc said. 

“Moving forward… look, I am certainly closer to the end of my career than the start. One format may drop off. There is long time before the next one-day World Cup and whether that format continues for me or not… it may open doors for more franchise cricket,” he added. 

Thus, as the left-arm pacer put it, he might hang up his boots from the 50-over format to explore more opportunities in franchise cricket. 

Starc has been an absolute legend for Australia in ODIs, scalping 236 wickets in 121 matches at an impressive average of 22.97. However, given he is almost 35, it won’t be surprising if he bids adieu to ODIs.