'Red-ball cricket is still top of the tree for me' - Grounded Mitchell Starc remains focussed on Test cricket despite lucrative IPL deal

In a recent turn of events at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, Australian speedster Mitchell Starc emerged as the talk of the town, breaking records and grabbing a whopping $4.42 million (INR 24.75 cr) deal with the Kolkata Knight Riders. This hefty sum not only etched Starc's name in IPL history but also marked his return to the T20 tournament after a long hiatus.

The auction night was nothing short of a rollercoaster, with a three-way bidding war concluding in favour of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Starc's fellow teammate and Australian captain Pat Cummins had earlier clinched a $3.67 million (INR 20.50 cr) deal, setting the stage for an intense battle that ultimately saw Starc claiming the record for the highest bid for an Australian cricketer.

Starc, known for his lethal pace on the field, couldn't escape the playful banter that ensued in the lead-up to the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. Last year, it was Starc who teased Cameron Green for his IPL earnings, and now the tables have turned. Green, having earned $3.15 million (INR 17.5 cr) in the previous auction, didn't miss the chance to get back at Starc. 

“It’s probably somewhat fair ... the bowlers have been giving Greeny stick for the past 12 months for his IPL stuff, and he didn’t miss a chance yesterday or today,” Starc said on Sunday as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Reflecting on the unexpected windfall, Starc shared, "I didn't plan on watching it, but the storms blew up in Sydney, so I couldn't take the dogs for a walk like I had planned to." With his wife, Australian women's captain Alyssa Healy, updating him on the auction from India and Australian assistant coach Dan Vettori in the loop, Starc described the experience as a "pleasant surprise."

Red-ball cricket is still top of the tree for me: Starc

Starc's return to the IPL after a hiatus since 2015 was influenced by the gap in the Test schedule and the upcoming T20 World Cup. Choosing IPL over bowling in the nets for a couple of months, Starc emphasized his commitment to international and Test cricket. 

“Red-ball cricket is still top of the tree for me, my body will probably let me know about Test cricket [being over for me] before I want it to. It’s a nice lead into the T20 World Cup next year with the IPL and quality of cricket that tournament presents," he affirmed, pointing out that the IPL stint aligns well with the T20 World Cup next year.

As for the upcoming Test series, Starc expressed excitement about the MCG wicket, anticipating a more bowler-friendly pitch. "It's much more friendly to us guys [bowlers] the last few years," he remarked, emphasising the need for an even contest between bat and ball.

Despite the lucrative IPL deal, Starc remains grounded, redirecting his focus to the Test matches ahead. "The auction has happened, but it's not April, so I've got five or six Test matches to focus on," he stated, highlighting the significance of the Boxing Day Test and his eagerness to contribute to a series win.