Kolkata Knight Riders made headlines by securing the services of Australia’s pace sensation, Mitchell Starc, with a groundbreaking bid of INR 24.75 crore. However, the team didn’t foresee the tough beginning he would encounter in the 2024 Indian Premier League season. Despite the high hopes invested in him, Starc faced initial hurdles and difficulties. His struggles in the early stages of the tournament came as a surprise to both the team management and the fans.
Mitchell Starc’s Performance:
In KKR’s season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Starc endured a tough outing, conceding 53 runs in four overs without claiming any wickets. This trend persisted in the subsequent match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he conceded slightly fewer runs but remained wicketless. Despite Starc’s underperformance, KKR secured victories in both games.
Currently, they occupy the second spot in the league standings. Despite the challenges posed by their star bowler’s lack of form, KKR showcased resilience and determination. Moving forward, they’ll likely look for improvements from Starc to maintain their momentum in the tournament, while also relying on other players to step up and contribute to their success on the field.
While this may provide Starc with some comfort, it’s evident that he must elevate his performance sooner rather than later. He must showcase his best form and deliver strong performances to contribute effectively to the team’s success. With the competition heating up in the IPL, KKR will rely on Starc to step up and make significant contributions with his bowling prowess in the upcoming matches.
Steve Smith on Mitchell Starc:
Steve Smith, Starc’s Australian compatriot, seasoned in numerous IPL campaigns, comprehends the fierce competition within the league. He offered counsel to the Aussie speedster, who is grappling with the challenges of returning to the tournament after a nine-year hiatus. Addressing the host broadcasters, Smith proposed strategies for Starc to turn his fortunes around in the league. With Smith’s guidance, Starc aims to adapt and excel in the demanding environment of the IPL, leveraging his experience and skills effectively.
Smith said, “I think today (against Royal Challengers Bengaluru) he was looking to wobble the ball across the right-handed batter, which is a good option, but I feel like he’s got to swing it back down the line. He is a left-hand fast bowler who can bowl at 145+ KMPH. There’s nothing like a ball swinging back into a right-handed batsman. It’s one of the hardest balls to face. So I’d like to see that first and use that one as a variation to trying to nick off from them.”
Irfan Pathan’s Advice to Starc:
Irfan Pathan, the former Indian fast bowler, echoed Smith’s sentiments and shared advice for Starc. He opined that Starc might still be adjusting to the Indian playing conditions. Pathan highlighted the importance of adapting to the unique challenges posed by Indian pitches and climate. With his understanding of the intricacies of Indian cricket, Pathan encouraged Starc to focus on acclimatizing quickly to maximize his performance potential in the IPL, emphasizing the need for patience and perseverance.
He said, “ Starc is at his best when he is swinging the ball in. When that looping swing starts to the right-hand batter, it can be lethal. And I haven’t seen that in the last two games. The head could just be staying on the ball a bit more, or it could just be the pitches, or it could just be getting used to Indian conditions. Once he starts getting that inswing, he will be a bowler to watch out for throughout the IPL.”
KKR’s Upcoming Match:
On Sunday, the Knight Riders will journey to Visakhapatnam to face the struggling Delhi Capitals, who have yet to secure a victory this season. Although Rishabh Pant may make a comeback for the franchise, his presence didn’t suffice in the initial two matches. The wicketkeeper-batter’s return failed to alter the fortunes of the team, which suffered disappointing losses against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. As they gear up to confront Delhi Capitals, the Knight Riders are poised to capitalize on their opponents’ struggles and secure another triumph in the ongoing IPL season.
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