When the bidding war for Mitchell Starc crossed the INR 20 crore mark during the December auction last year, with Gautam Gambhir (KKR mentor) and Anant Ambani (MI owner) chasing him, everyone thought the money put in had gone for a toss. However, after KKR picked him for an IPL record fee of INR 24.75 crores, Gautam smiled a bit, as if he knew Starc would eventually help him win the IPL this year. Fast forward five months, Starc’s spell in the final helped KKR become three-time champions.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Aussie legend was far from his best during the first phase of this season, going for 100 runs in total in his first two matches without picking a wicket. He returned to form as the tournament progressed, beginning with his match-winning spell against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede.
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During the playoffs, Starc impressed in Qualifier 1 by picking three wickets, including removing Travis Head, bowled for a duck.
While his spell was instrumental in helping KKR qualify for the final, he kept his best for D-day, the mega finale. Against the same opposition on Sunday, Starc removed Abhishek Sharma off a Jaffa in the first over. He picked up two wickets in the final for 14 runs, restricting SRH to 113 and winning the Player of the Match award.
“There have been plenty of jokes. A lot has been made of the money,” Starc said after match-winning performance. “I am older and more experienced now, so that has helped with managing the expectations and leading the attack.
“It’s been a lot of fun, it’s been great to learn and see how these guys go about it but full credit to the whole players and staff, it’s made my life pretty easy,” he continued.
Starc lauds Shreyas, KKR for third title
Kolkata Knight Riders was perhaps the most balanced and sorted team this season, winning 13 of the 16 contested matches. From the batting unit to the overseas stars to the bowling group, everyone performed and, most importantly, clicked as a team, which resulted in them lifting the title for a third time.
Praising the side’s captain, Shreyas Iyer, Starc said the skipper was on point with his tactical changes and captaincy.
“Shreyas was fantastic with the way he used his bowlers and his fields, has been all season, so credit to him there. The bowling unit showed all the skills they have, the quicks and the spinners, and their ability to adapt to find wicket-taking balls. that’s what you need in finals,” Starc said.
Starc will now head to the Caribbean and the USA for the 2024 T20 World Cup starting June 2.
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