Mitchell Starc, Australia’s star fast bowler, has praised the remarkable depth of talent in Indian cricket, noting that India is the only country capable of fielding three competitive teams across different formats on the same day. According to Starc, India’s cricketing strength is such that it can field a Test team, a one-day team, and a T20 team, all playing on the same day against top-tier opponents.
“I think 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 during an appearance on the YouTube channel ‘FanaticsTV.’
“No other country can do that,” he emphasized.
This comment was in response to a question regarding whether the growing prominence of the Indian Premier League (IPL) gives India an edge in white-ball cricket. Starc shared his perspective on the IPL’s impact, acknowledging its significance but also suggesting that the exposure it provides isn’t necessarily an advantage over players from other countries who have the opportunity to play in multiple franchise leagues globally.
“I am not sure if it’s an advantage per se because 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,” Starc remarked. He recognized the IPL as the world’s premier cricket tournament, attracting top international talent and offering vast exposure, but he didn’t see it as a unique advantage for Indian players alone.
“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…But I don’t think you can just sit on that because you have guys (players around the world) that play 5-6 different franchise leagues a year; so they are still getting the exposure to world cricket,” he explained.
While Starc acknowledged the IPL’s value, he was quick to emphasize that talent and depth remain key. “That (IPL) helps, it’s a great tournament, but obviously you have got to have talent there; and the depth in Indian cricket (is huge),” he added.
Starc, who was recently bought by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 11.75 crore at the 2024 IPL auction, will be seen in action for the team when the 2025 season kicks off on March 22. Despite this, Starc had to miss the ICC Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury, with Australia falling short in the semifinal to eventual champions India.
Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @mstarc56
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
