'Not quite there yet': Mitchell Starc laughs off retirement buzz after comeback spell
Mitchell Starc made a dominant return after a three-month injury layoff, taking three crucial wickets for 40 runs. He dismissed key batsmen, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Riyan Parag, showcasing his fitness and impact. Starc expressed relief and confidence in his performance, dismissing retirement speculation despite visible strapping.
Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc made an emphatic return to professional cricket after nearly three months on the sidelines, delivering a performance that instantly silenced any doubts surrounding his fitness and future. Coming back from shoulder and elbow injuries, Starc wasted no time making an impact. In his very first over, the left-arm quick struck gold, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and pushing the Rajasthan Royals onto the back foot early.
As the match progressed, the Australian quick continued to assert his authority. In the 17th over, he removed both Ravindra Jadeja and Riyan Parag, effectively shutting down any late surge. He finished with impressive figures of 3/40, underlining his value and experience in high-pressure situations.
Speaking after the match, Starc reflected on his return with a sense of relief and quiet confidence. “It's nice to get some cobwebs out, get back to the speed of the game. I think I was good to get some running in the legs, but nice to be back around the guys, get some training in, and then obviously get the win tonight.
So, yeah, nice to return. I've been bowling a little bit for a period of weeks, just trying to position my elbow so I can manage the movement," Starc said during post match presentation. "I hadn't bowled to a batter for three months until tonight.