Australia pacer Mitchell Starc is all set to make his Indian Premier League (IPL) comeback after an eight-year hiatus from the tournament. During the IPL 2024, Starc became the most expensive player in the history of the players auction after KKR spent a mind-boggling Rs 24.75 crores to get. The bidding war for Starc was, however, started by Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals but both the teams backed off when the price for the lanky pacer was inching close to the Rs 10 crore mark.
Interestingly, Starc was also sold to KKR ahead of IPL 2018, but the Australian pacer decided to pull out of the tournament to an injury. He last played in the tournament for RCB during IPL 2015.
Speaking on his IPL comeback, Starc said that he can’t wait to don the KKR jersey.
“It’s been 8 years, I think. Back to KKR where I was supposed to be in 2018. So I’ll be back there for the chance to pull on the gold and purple. I guess my memories are a few and far between of back in 2014 and 2015 with RCB but yeah, really excited to get stuck in. Obviously, a new group of players. A bunch of guys I certainly haven’t met or been able to work with before,” Starc said in a video post by cricket.com.au.
The one we all are waiting for!
Come home soon, Mitchpic.twitter.com/li0cTZg3Om
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 16, 2024
The 34-year-old feels that the IPL can get a bit chaotic at times due to the competitiveness, admitting that the cash-rich league is the best franchise based tournament.
“A couple of guys that I’ve, international guys that I’ve played against and come across. Yeah, it’s gonna be exciting. It’s definitely a new challenge. But yeah, it’ll be exciting. It’s always a bit of a circus when it is the best T20 league in the world. So, yeah I look forward to it,” he added.
Starc, 34, has usually prioritised international duty over IPL but decided to enter the auction with one eye on the T20 World Cup that follows the IPL.
He has only played only two seasons of the IPL, taking 34 wickets in 27 games at an average of 20.38.
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