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Indian cricket has long been a powerhouse in the global arena, but recent praise from Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has reignited discussions about the unparalleled depth of talent in the country. Starc, a veteran of international cricket and one of the most feared fast bowlers, recently remarked that India is probably the only nation capable of fielding three separate teams—one each for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—on the same day and still being competitive against top-tier opponents. This statement underscores not just the talent pool but also the structural strength of Indian cricket.
Mitchell Starc praises India’s bench strength
During an interview on the YouTube channel FanaticsTV, Starc highlighted India’s unique position in world cricket. He stated that India could simultaneously play a Test match against Australia, an ODI against England, and a T20I against South Africa—and still hold their own in all three formats.
“I think they (India) 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,” he said, acknowledging the depth and versatility in India’s cricketing ranks.
This observation comes on the heels of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory under Rohit Sharma‘s leadership, a feat that further cemented their dominance in white-ball cricket. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been credited as a significant contributor to this success, providing young players with exposure to high-pressure situations and opportunities to learn from international stars.
The IPL effect: Building depth and confidence
Starc pointed out that while franchise cricket is a global phenomenon, the IPL stands out as the premier competition. With its mix of domestic and international talent, the league has become a breeding ground for future stars. Indian players, restricted to IPL participation due to BCCI policies, benefit immensely from competing alongside and against some of the world’s best cricketers.
Former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik echoed Starc’s sentiments, stating that the IPL has become an integral part of Indian cricket’s development. According to Karthik, young players entering international cricket are no longer overawed by big occasions because they have already faced world-class talent in the IPL. This exposure has created a pipeline of cricketers who are ready to step up whenever called upon.
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A unique cricketing ecosystem
India’s ability to field multiple competitive teams stems from its robust domestic structure. The Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy serve as platforms for identifying and nurturing talent across formats. Additionally, India’s A-team tours provide emerging players with international exposure before they make their senior team debuts.
The results are evident: players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, and Arshdeep Singh have seamlessly transitioned into international cricket. This system ensures that even when senior players are unavailable due to injuries or workload management, there is no significant drop in performance levels.
Starc’s perspective: A balanced view
While praising India’s depth, Starc also offered a balanced perspective on whether this gives India an advantage in white-ball tournaments. He noted that while IPL provides invaluable experience, other countries’ players gain similar exposure by participating in multiple franchise leagues worldwide.
“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 himself is set to join the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025 after opting out of Australia’s Champions Trophy squad due to personal reasons. His return to the IPL highlights his recognition of its importance as a competitive platform.
India: A model for cricketing excellence
Starc’s comments are not just high praise but also a reflection of how far Indian cricket has come. From being a team reliant on a few superstars to becoming a nation with an enviable bench strength across formats, India has set a benchmark for other cricketing nations.
The combination of grassroots development, domestic competitions, and the IPL has created a self-sustaining ecosystem that produces world-class cricketers year after year. As Starc rightly pointed out, no other country can currently match this depth—a testament to India’s dominance in modern-day cricket.
