World Cup hero Mitchell Starc will reportedly miss the first three weeks of the Indian Premier League due to injury.

The Australian quick, who tops the ICC’s one-day bowling rankings, has sustained a minor knee strain, according to News Corp Australia.

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The setback means Starc will be sidelined for a handful of matches with his IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, as Cricket Australia refuse to take chances on their spearhead bowlers months out from the start of an Ashes series.

It follows a glittering World Cup for Starc, who took out man of the tournament honours on Sunday after Australia saw off New Zealand in the final at the MCG.

The left-armer shared the leading wicket-taker mantle with New Zealand’s Trent Boult, claiming 22 scalps at an average of just 10.18.

Starc will join the Royal Challengers midway through the IPL season, before joining Australia’s upcoming tour of the West Indies in June and the five-Test Ashes series in England starting in July.