Image Source: X – KKR
[Saba Sports News] At the IPL 2024 Auction, Kolkata Knight Riders made headlines by securing Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc for a record ₹24.75 crore, eclipsing the previous record of ₹20.50 crore paid for Pat Cummins by Sunrisers Hyderabad. This figure is notably higher than the combined price of IPL icons Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid in the league’s inaugural year, marking Starc as the most expensive IPL acquisition to date.
Starc, expressing his sentiments, acknowledged the honor of being highly valued and expressed hope that his experience would contribute to KKR’s success, filling the void left by Cummins’ move to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
KKR’s aggressive bidding strategy became apparent as they entered the fray at ₹8 crore and relentlessly pursued Starc, culminating in a celebratory moment for the team’s management, including co-owner Venky Mysore, mentor Gautam Gambhir, and head coach Chandrakant Pandit, upon securing him for ₹24.75 crore.
Given Starc’s potential earnings of ₹1.76 crore per match, assuming participation in all games and delivery of his full quota of overs, the investment is significant. However, this move comes with substantial risks, including Starc’s availability and fitness. Despite his talent, Starc has been absent from the IPL since 2015, prioritizing international and Test cricket commitments, and his return is clouded by previous injuries and concerns over his form in the T20 format.
Yet, the acquisition brings strategic advantages to KKR. Starc’s inclusion bolsters an already potent bowling lineup, enhancing a strong spin department with names like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. Additionally, KKR’s recruitment strategy has also focused on
complementing Starc’s pace with reliable Indian talents, including wicketkeeper KS Bharat and quick Chetan Sakariya, aiming for a balanced squad capable of leveraging Starc’s unique fast-bowling prowess.
While questions regarding form and availability persist, Starc’s proven track record and distinct bowling style set him apart, potentially transforming KKR’s fast-bowling dynamics. However, with a significant portion of the budget spent on a single player, KKR’s squad depth may be a concern, necessitating a cautious approach to expectations for the season under Gambhir’s guidance.