Expressing a mix of surprise and gratitude, Mitchell Starc reflects on his recent status as the IPL’s most expensive purchase. The accomplished cricketer underscores the overwhelming nature of this achievement, underscoring that the reality has surpassed anything he could have imagined. In an exclusive revelation, Starc shares his sentiments regarding this significant milestone, offering fans and cricket enthusiasts insight into the unexpected turn of events that left him astounded.
Mitchell Starc Discloses Response to Record IPL Bid Engrossed in nervous anticipation, Mitchell Starc observed the IPL 2024 auction from his Sydney residence on Tuesday evening.
The day had been eventful for Starc, involving household chores, walking the dogs, running errands, and preparing dinner. His eagerness peaked as the auction’s fourth set, featuring capped fast bowlers, approached, where his name would be called. Earlier in the auction, his friend and Australian captain, Pat Cummins, had secured a deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad, becoming the IPL’s priciest player up to that point.
Unforeseen Bid Battle for Starc in IPL 2024 Auction Contrary to expectations of Mitchell Starc becoming the IPL’s most expensive player, the bidding war unfolded in a surprising manner.
Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals initiated the engagement, with Kolkata Knight Riders entering the fray at INR 9.8 crore. The intense bidding duel between Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans ultimately led to Starc’s record-breaking bid of INR 24.75 crore, shifting the title of the IPL’s most expensive player from Cummins to Starc in less than two hours.
Starc Reflects on Monumental Bid In the company of his wife Alyssa Healy, Starc expressed surprise at the turn of events.
Speaking with Star Sports, he admitted that he hadn’t anticipated making history in such a manner. Despite the pressure and expectations accompanying the hefty price tag, Starc brings extensive experience and the knowledge of winning World Cups in high-pressure scenarios.
“Firstly, it’s exciting to be back involved,” he stated. “Secondly, it’s more of a bit of a shock and a surprise, I guess.”
Kolkata Knight Riders Secure Starc and Execute Strategic Signings With a remaining purse of 32.7 crores and 12 slots to fill, Kolkata Knight Riders strategically secured 10 new signings, including Starc.
However, how does one rationalize a team spending INR 24.75 crore, or 75.69% of the initial purse, on a single player? Starc found the figures amusing.
“They are amazing numbers, aren’t they?” He acknowledges the pressure and expectations that will accompany the hefty price tag once the season kicks off.
The other nine players were signed at their base price, highlighting the Knight Riders’ ability to allocate their budget strategically. Starc finds the figures amusing but acknowledges the pressure that comes with the price tag.
Starc’s IPL Return and Priorities Having played in IPL seasons 2014 and 2015, Starc now feels well-prepared for the IPL. He emphasizes prioritizing international cricket but expresses excitement about being involved in the IPL, citing the tournament’s allure. Fond memories of the Eden Gardens add to Starc’s anticipation of playing as the home team for the Knight Riders.
“I’m 33 now, so I’ve had to deal with a few ups and downs and pressures of certain games,” he stated. “I would like to think that I can keep that in check, but that always comes with the territory when some of those numbers get added to the anticipation of an upcoming season as well.”
Post-Auction Plans and Reunion with Cummins As Starc prepares to rejoin the Australia squad for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, he looks forward to catching up with Cummins. Despite spending the remainder of 2023 on different continents, Starc is eager to share the joy with the Australia squad and looks forward to the challenges and success ahead.
“It’s been a long time since I played in IPL in 2014 and ’15 and have obviously played a fair bit of cricket since then. A lot of it for Australia in different formats. There’s been a lot of white-ball cricket there [in India] across a few World Cup campaigns, and so that experience is there and a little bit of leadership if you like, in terms of the experience side of things in white-ball cricket that hopefully I can bring to bring to KKR as well and play my part there. And being able to bowl at different stages I think is something that’s held firm throughout,”
he added.
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