Bought for a jaw-dropping amount of Rs. 24.75 crores at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auctions, Mitchell Starc was always under the watchful eyes of all in the cricketing fraternity.
Usually, a bowler does not fetch this big an amount but the nature of the dynamics of IPL in the present-day scenario has allowed that to happen. Plus, IPL 2024 had a mini-auction, therefore, Mitchell Starc could go for such a big amount.
Mitchell Starc didn’t get off to the best start in IPL 2024. He was struggling with form and failed to deliver the goods with expertise for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). But the KKR team management kept on backing him and he finally delivered the goods with the white-cherry against Mumbai Indians (MI), bagging 4 wickets in the game.
Speaking after the completion of MI vs KKR at the post-match press conference, Mitchell Starc criticised the Impact Player Rule and highlighted it to be the reason behind bowlers getting belted for runs.
“The Impact Player rule changes things a fair bit. Everyone gets to bat a lot deeper having a batting and a bowling XI. There’s a lot made of that rule throughout the tournament and there’s been a lot of high scores, which is the nature of the wickets and the grounds we play on here. When you have batters and batting allrounders come in at Nos. 8 or 9, it’s a long batting line-up,” said Mitchell Starc.
Notwithstanding the dubious Impact Player Rule, Mitchell Starc lavished praise on the batters and the special batting performances that we have witnessed in IPL 2024.
“There’s no fear in the powerplay when all you have to do is to clear the infield and score runs. Certainly, there has been some really good batting, don’t get me wrong, it’s not just the rules that play a part there. There’s been some fantastic scoring, some fantastic partnerships and some individual brilliance with the bat,” he added.
KKR are presently in the 2nd position in the IPL 2024 points table
Kolkata Knight Riders have been extremely comprehensive with the bat and the ball and are sitting in a comfortable position in the IPL 2024 points table. Shreyas Iyer and co. have registered 7 wins in 10 games and already have 14 points in their kitty.
They are knocking at the qualification doors of IPL 2024 and unless there is a miracle, they are sure to qualify for the playoffs.
Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been a revelation for KKR as an opening pair. The 2-time IPL champions changed 8 opening pairs in IPL 2023 and the opening combination has been perfect for the 2-time winners in this season.
They have an aggregate of 492 runs in 10 innings in IPL 2024 and is the best opening pair in the ongoing tournament. Both the batters complement each other and KKR get off to resounding starts in almost every single game.
Also read: ISL 2023-24 Highlights: Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Most Valuable Player, Know All
