Mitchell Starc in the IPL: Where Has He Been and Where Is He Now?

 

If you’ve been following IPL over the years, one name has always been missing from the headlines — Mitchell Starc. Every season, fans on Twitter and in stadiums would ask: “Is Starc playing ipl this year?” or “Why doesn’t starc come back?”

 

You can’t blame them. Watching Starc bowl live is a whole different experience. The left-arm angle, the speed, the swing, and the fire — it’s something rare in modern T20 cricket. But for a long time, IPL fans were left wondering where he was. Thankfully, that long wait ended recently.

 

Let me take you through what really happened, why Starc was away, and where exactly he is now.

 

 

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The Missing Years: Why starc Wasn’t in IPL

 

Let go back a bit Starc did play in the IPL but only briefly He was with Royal Challengers Bangalore during the 2014 and 2015 seasons And honestly he was brilliant There was something special about watching him charge in with the new ball and knock over stumps even on flat Indian wickets.

 

But after 2015, he suddenly disappeared from the IPL scene. Every year, his name would come up, fans would hope, and then — nothing.

 

Why?

 

The real answer isn’t anything dramatic. It’s just that Starc always prioritized Australian cricket. That’s where his heart was. Being a fast bowler in all three formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20s — is no joke. It’s physically exhausting, and Starc has had his share of injuries.

 

There were times he signed up for the auction but pulled out later due to injuries. In 2018, he was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders, but again, a leg injury ruled him out before the season even started. After that, he stayed away completely — not because he didn’t like the IPL, but because his body just couldn’t take any more cricket without proper rest.

 

For a guy who’s played in Ashes, World Cups, and Test tours all over the world, it made sense to take care of himself.

 

 

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2024: The Big Return And What a Return It Was

 

Fast forward to 2023 IPL auction Nobody expected what was about to happen.

 

Mitchell Starc was bought by KKR for ₹24.75 crore the highest price ever paid in IPL history. It was shocking in the best way possible KKR went all in and they clearly believed that Starc was still a match winner.

 

Many fans were nervous. After almost a decade away from IPL, could he still deliver? Would he be worth the hype?

 

Well, he answered all those doubts the best way possible — with the ball in hand.

 

Right from the start of the 2024 season, Starc looked sharp. He wasn’t just bowling fast — he was bowling smart. He knew how to read the batters, when to go full, when to pull his length back, and when to unleash the lethal yorker.

 

He picked up big wickets the kind that change games And most importantly he did it in pressure situations Whether it was bowling in the power play or defending a total at the death Starc stepped up.

 

And yes KKR went on to win the IPL 2024 title It was like a script written for a movie.

 

 

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So Where Is starc Now?

 

As of the 2025 IPL season Mitchell Starc is still playing for Kolkata Knight Riders and he’s doing just fine. He is not playing every single game which makes sense he is 35 now and managing his workload is important But when he does play he still brings that fear factor.

 

He is not just a bowler anymore he is almost like a mentor in the squad. Younger Indian pacers are learning from him every day and Starc seems to genuinely enjoy guiding them You will often see him talking to bowlers between overs giving them small tips.

 

And as for his pace? He’s still hitting 140+ kph regularly. Maybe not every ball is a thunderbolt like before, but his control has improved. He doesn’t need to bowl at 150 every time — he outsmarts batters now.

 

 

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The Crowd Still Loves starc

 

You should hear the noise in Eden Gardens when Starc runs in to bowl.

 

Even after all these years, the fans haven’t forgotten him. There’s this sense of respect — not just for his skills, but for his commitment. Starc could’ve chased money years ago, but he waited until he was ready. And when he came, he gave everything.

 

Now, you’ll see kids in KKR jerseys with “STARC” printed on the back. That speaks volumes.

 

 

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Is This starc Last IPL?

 

Thats a tough one. Starc hasn’t said anything officially But the way he is going and how much he is enjoying the environment it would not t be a surprise if he plays one or two more seasons.

 

What is clear though is that this IPL run means something to him. He is not here just for the paycheck he is here to compete to win and to prove a point.

 

And he already has.

 

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