Chennai: After playing a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders‘ (KKR) triumphant IPL 2024 campaign, Mitchell Starc has expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the tournament next year. The Australian pacer, who was named Player of the Match in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), played a significant part in securing KKR’s third IPL title.
star’s Impactful Season
Starc, the most expensive player in IPL history with a price tag of INR 24.75 crore, faced initial criticism for some inconsistent performances. However, he turned his season around with key spells, including a final performance where he took 2/14, dismantling SRH’s top order. This effort helped KKR win the final by eight wickets.
Looking Ahead
In the post-match press conference, Starc shared his thoughts on the season and his future in the IPL. He acknowledged prioritizing Australian cricket over the past nine years but indicated a shift in focus as he nears the end of his career.
“The last nine years, I have prioritized Australian Cricket. April and May have been my time off to give my body a break and spend time with my wife. Moving forward, I’m at the end of my career rather than the start, and one format might drop off. This could open doors for more franchise cricket,” Starc said.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this season, and it’s been great preparation for the World Cup. The success has been fantastic, and I look forward to being back next year, hopefully with KKR.”
Praise for KKR Management and Leadership
Starc credited KKR’s management and leadership for their successful campaign. He praised captain Shreyas Iyer for his calm demeanor and strategic instincts and highlighted the tactical acumen of mentor Gautam Gambhir.
“Shreyas has been fantastic, calm, and level-headed, making gut-instinct decisions that have paid off. GG has been great tactically, providing insights during training and meetings, contributing significantly to our success,” Starc said.
The Road to the Title
KKR’s journey to their third title was marked by consistent performances across the team. Starc’s early breakthrough in the final, dismissing Abhishek Sharma with a delivery that swung away to hit the top of off-stump, set the tone for the match. SRH struggled to recover, eventually being bowled out for 113 in 18.3 overs.
KKR’s chase was anchored by an electrifying partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer, who scored an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls, leading KKR to victory with 57 balls to spare.
Future Plans
Starc will now shift focus to the T20 World Cup, starting in the US and West Indies from June 1, where Australia will kick off their campaign against Oman on June 5 in Barbados. Starc’s participation in the World Cup is seen as crucial for Australia’s chances, given his current form and confidence.
As the IPL season wraps up, KKR and their fans will eagerly await the decision on Starc’s retention for the next season, hoping to see the Australian spearhead don the purple and gold once again.
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