Starc’s T20I Retirement: Aakash Chopra Weighs In

Mitchell Starc, with 79 wickets in 65 matches, holds the second position on Australia’s list of all-time T20I wicket-takers.

Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, shared his perspective on Mitchell Starc’s surprising choice to retire from T20Is. Chopra believes that the Australian fast bowler is focusing on the longer game formats and important tournaments rather than the shorter T20 format.

In his YouTube analysis, Chopra suggested that Starc’s decision likely stems from a desire to maintain peak fitness and ensure availability for significant events such as the Ashes series and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“Each player makes their own choices. I think cricketers from Australia and England hold the Ashes in very high regard. Tradition plays a big part. The Ashes and the ODI World Cup carry immense importance. It’s ingrained in them,” Chopra explained.

The former Indian cricketer admitted to some surprise that Starc chose not to wait for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

“I am a bit surprised. Mitchell Starc could have participated in that World Cup and then retired, but he opted not to wait. To be fair, he hasn’t participated in numerous T20Is,” he observed.

Chopra emphasized that despite being a leading bowler, Starc has not played in as many T20Is as one might expect.

“He is an exceptional bowler, yet occasionally expensive. Starc’s T20 performances often showcase moments of brilliance mixed with costly spells,” Chopra noted.

Starc announced his retirement from T20Is on Tuesday, emphasizing his dedication to achieving new milestones in Test and ODI cricket by concentrating on these longer formats.

Throughout his 65 T20I appearances, Starc secured 79 wickets, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for Australia in this format, only surpassed by Adam Zampa. This highlights Starc’s significant impact on the national team.