Mitchell Starc : Born on January 30, 1990, in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Mitchell Aaron Starc grew up with a passion for cricket. A left-arm fast bowler with a knack for swinging the ball at searing pace, Starc’s talent was evident early on. He debuted for New South Wales in 2009 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning his international cap in 2010 during an ODI against India. His ability to deliver lethal yorkers and generate reverse swing made him a standout, cementing his place as one of Australia’s most formidable bowlers.
International Career: A Dominant Force
Starc’s international career spans all three formats, with 96 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 65 T20Is under his belt as of June 2025. He has claimed 382 Test wickets, just 18 shy of the coveted 400-wicket milestone, and is four Tests away from his 100th cap. His contributions have been pivotal in Australia’s triumphs, including the 2015 and 2023 Cricket World Cups, the 2021 T20 World Cup, and the 2023 World Test Championship. Known for his fiery spells and clutch performances, Starc has consistently dismantled batting lineups, earning a reputation as a big-match player.
IPL Journey: From KKR to Delhi Capitals
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Starc has been a game-changer. He played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ 2024 title win before joining Delhi Capitals for the 2025 season. In IPL 2025, he emerged as Delhi’s leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets in 11 matches, including a historic five-wicket haul (5/35) against Sunrisers Hyderabad—the first by a pace bowler in IPL history. His composure in a Super Over victory against Rajasthan Royals, where he induced two run-outs, showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. However, his IPL 2025 stint was cut short due to security concerns, a decision that sparked widespread discussion.
The Dharamsala Incident and IPL Exit
In May 2025, during a Delhi Capitals match against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, Starc and his teammates faced a terrifying ordeal. The game was abandoned mid-match due to air-raid warnings and nearby missile strikes, 60 km away, following heightened India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack. Starc, alongside his wife Alyssa Healy and teammate Jake Fraser-McGurk, endured a chaotic evacuation. This experience led Starc to opt out of the IPL’s resumption, prioritizing his safety and preparation for Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, scheduled for June 11-15, 2025, at Lord’s. His absence was a blow to Delhi Capitals, who struggled in subsequent matches, but Starc stood firm, saying, “I’m comfortable with my decision.”
Personal Life: A Cricketing Power Couple
Starc’s personal life is intertwined with cricket through his marriage to Alyssa Healy, captain of the Australian women’s cricket team. Married since 2016, the couple has often shared the spotlight, with Healy’s presence during Starc’s IPL campaigns adding a personal touch to his journey. Her humorous reaction to his five-wicket haul in IPL 2025 went viral, showcasing their bond. The Dharamsala incident, where Healy was also present, highlighted their shared resilience in the face of adversity.
