Royal Challengers Bangalore's Mitchell Starc to miss start of IPL

BENGALURU: Royal Challengers Bangalore will be missing the services of Mitchell Starc for the start of the IPL with the Australia pacer recuperating from a knee niggle after a hectic World Cup campaign for which he was adjudged Man of the Tournament.

The Australian quick, who tops the ICC's one-day bowling rankings, has sustained a minor knee strain and will be out of action for close to three weeks, according to News Corp Australia.

Starc, who led the Australian attack with responsibility by picking up 22 wickets from eight ODIs, was the star as Australia lifted their record fifth 50-over World Cup trophy.

The left-arm pacer picked up 14 wickets from as many matches and conceded 7.49 per over for RCB in his debut IPL season last year.

Starc's injury adds to RCB's bowling woes with another new recruit Adam Milne also in doubt after the New Zealand pacer was ruled out of the World Cup with an injury.

The Virat Kohli-led side will be banking on Varun Aaron, Ashoke Dinda and Sydney Sixers pacer Sean Abbott.

The recipient of the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award, Abbott, who was brought by the Vijay Mallya-owned unit in the February auctions is set to make his debut this season.

The eighth edition of the T20 league kickstarts April 8 as RCB are slated to play their opening game on April 11 against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.