IPL 2024: Mitchell Starc justifies ‘costliest player’ tag with match-winning performance in final

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’sspell in the final helped KKR become three-time champions.

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.

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"There have been plenty of jokes. A lot hasbeen madeof the money,"Starc said after match-winning performance."I am older and more experienced now,so thathas helped with managing the expectations and leading the attack.

"It'sbeen a lot of fun,it'sbeen great to learn and see how these guys go about itbutfull credit to the whole players and staff,it'smade my life pretty easy,”he continued.

Starc lauds Shreyas, KKRforthird title

Kolkata Knight Riders was perhaps the most balanced and sortedteam 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 theside’scaptain, 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 allthe skills they have, the quicks and the spinners, andtheir ability to adapt to find wicket-taking balls.that'swhat 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.