Mitchell Starc Retires From T20I Cricket: Focus on Tests & 2027 ODI World Cup Dream
Another star of the cricket, Mitchell Starc finally said goodbye to T20Is but with his eyes fixed on the upcoming 2027 World Cup. He is the Australian fast-bowling superstar and on September 2, 2025, he marked the end of his (T20I) career. Not only he has a very fearsome pace, toe-crushing yorkers, but also his contributions, with the ball played an essential role in guiding the team to victory.
In this blog we will be taking a good overview over his past career and his dream of the ODI World Cup of 2027.
The End of a T20I Era
Since making his T20I debut in 2012, Starc has been Australia’s shining & striking bowler in situations which needed a change the most. Be it swinging the new ball in the powerplay or closing games with his fast shootings at the death overs.
His pride moment in T20Is came when the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup was held in the UAE, where Australia went all the way to win their crown title.
By stepping away from T20Is now, he gives himself the chance to extend his career in formats that he values more deeply such as the Tests and ODIs.
Test Cricket: Starc’s True Calling
Since his debut against New Zealand in December 2011, the left-arm quick has built a reputation as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in red-ball cricket. Over the years, he has accumulated more than 350 Test wickets, joining the famous company of Australia’s greatest pacers. His unique angle as a left-armer, combined with the ability to swing the ball at a high pace, has made him a danger for right-handed batters worldwide.
Some of his standout Test moments include:
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2015 Series in England: Here fans saw his aggressive bowling against the England’s top order.
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2017-18 Series in Australia: A new kind of fire pace by Starc helped Australia in reclaiming their dominance in the match.
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2021-23 World Test Championship cycle: He remained a consistent wicket-taker, contributing to Australia’s victory in the 2023 WTC Final against our India.
Starc has always been vocal about his love for Test cricket. Unlike many modern-day cricketers who lean towards the glitz of franchise leagues, he has consistently chosen to prioritize representing Australia in the longest format. With T20I retirement, he can now manage his workload better and prolong his Test career well into his late 30s.
The 2027 World Cup Dream
If there’s one stage where Mitchell Starc transforms into a different beast altogether, it is the ODI World Cup. His record in the tournament is nothing short of phenomenal:
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2015 World Cup (Australia) – He was the joint highest wicket-taker (22 wickets) and played a starring role in Australia’s victorious campaign on home soil.
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2019 World Cup (England) – He broke records with 27 wickets, and this was the first time a bowler has done that.
Starc’s ability to rise on the big stage, particularly in knockout matches, makes him a priceless asset. Even as he retires from T20Is, his hunger for World Cup glory burns bright. Looking ahead, the 2027 World Cup has become his goal. At 37, Starc will be one of the senior-most players, but his wealth of experience and proven track record in ICC tournaments could be invaluable for Australia. As he himself admitted in a recent interview:
“I have always cherished the big tournaments. If the body allows, I would love to be there in 2027 and hopefully help Australia lift another trophy.”
Managing Workload and Longevity
Fast bowling is among the most physically demanding roles in cricket. Between injuries, recovery, and workload management, longevity often comes at a cost. By retiring from T20Is, Starc is making a strategic decision that includes:
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Better fitness management- With fewer matches mean he will be able to do more recovery before the beginning of Tests and ODIs.
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Extended Test career- His presence alongside Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland keeps Australia’s pace attack unbreakable.
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Peak performance in ODIs- By allowing him to be fresh and in top shape for major tournaments such as the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2027 World Cup, country’s winning chances can be increased.
This calculated move demonstrates Starc’s clarity of thought and his focus on quality over quantity.
Related Article: Cheteshwar Pujara Retires From All Formats of Cricket: Tribute to India’s Test Rock
A Legacy in the Making
Mitchell Starc’s decision to retire from T20Is is not the end of his international story. Instead, it is the start of a new chapter where he can continue to dominate in the formats that define his cricketing legacy.
Fans will fondly remember the thunderbolts he unleashed in T20Is and the raw emotion he carried every time he wore the Australian jersey. But his greatest contributions may still be ahead, in Test cricket and possibly one last shot at World Cup glory.
Conclusion
Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20Is is both an emotional as well as practical decision. While it marks the end of an era in one format, it also secures his longevity in the formats he holds dearest. His Test career still promises plenty of fire, and his eyes are firmly set on the 2027 ODI World Cup, where he hopes to script one final golden chapter.
