Australia’s seasoned pacer, Mitchell Starc, is gearing up for a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a hiatus of nine years. Starc, who previously represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 and 2015, is set to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, aiming to bolster their pace bowling department.
Mitchell Starc, the Australian speedster, is poised to mark his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) arena after an absence of nearly a decade. Starc, who last featured in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2015, is now set to don the purple and gold of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the forthcoming IPL 2024 season.
During his previous IPL stints, Starc showcased his prowess with the ball, amassing 34 wickets in 27 matches for RCB at an impressive average of 20.38. However, his focus primarily remained on representing the Australian national team, leading him to abstain from franchise cricket for several years.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled for later in the year, Starc has opted to return to the IPL, viewing it as a crucial opportunity to fine-tune his skills and adapt to the T20 format. KKR, recognizing the significance of a seasoned campaigner like Starc, secured his services for a staggering INR 24.75 crore, placing significant expectations on him to spearhead their pace attack.
Expressing his anticipation for the IPL challenge, Starc acknowledged the league’s stature as the premier T20 competition worldwide. Reflecting on his return to KKR, Starc conveyed his excitement to reunite with the franchise and work alongside a new set of players, including international counterparts whom he has faced on the field.
As KKR gears up for their IPL 2024 campaign, commencing on March 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Starc’s return adds a potent dimension to their bowling arsenal. With his experience, skill, and determination, Starc is poised to make a significant impact as KKR aims for success in the upcoming season.