There is very little time left for the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to start. Fans are ready to watch one of the biggest T20 league tournaments in world cricket. Before the start of the season, the auction was organized for IPL 2024 which took place in Dubai this year. In that auction, Kolkata Knight Riders spent Rs 24.75 crore to add the Australian seamer.
Former Team India batsman Sunil Gavaskar believes that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) went ahead while buying Mitchell Starc for a huge amount in the IPL 2024 auction. It is noteworthy that, KKR had spent a total of Rs 31.35 crore to buy 10 players in the auction in December last year.
Mitchell Starc will have to bowl match-winning bowling in at least four out of 14 matches – Sunil Gavaskar
Speaking on Star Sports about Kolkata Knight Riders buying Starc, Sunil Gavaskar said, “To be quite frank, from the front. I don’t think anyone is worth that kind of money. If Starc can make an impact and win four of the 14 matches he has played, you can say the money has been worth it. Then if he contributes in other sports, absolutely fantastic.”
The former India captain said that KKR will get value for their money only if the left-arm fast bowler delivers match-winning performances. Gavaskar said, “He will have to bowl match-winning bowling in at least four of the 14 matches, probably in the important matches against Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and RCB, because all three of them have top-class batting lineups. Get those teams out and then you can say money is valuable.”
Starc had previously represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2014 and 2015 IPL, where he played 27 matches and took 34 wickets at an economy rate of 7.17. However, since then, he is yet to be a part of the marquee tournament. In such a situation, the fans Hopefully he makes an impact with his return.