Mitchell Starc, the left-arm pace sensation, was swept by disbelief as he sat back in Sydney, tracking the IPL 2024 auction unfold on Tuesday. A routine day had led to a surprising turn when his IPL journey took an unforeseen and record-breaking twist.
Expectations were high as the bidding commenced, and to the astonishment of many, Starc's value soared beyond the extraordinary. The Kolkata Knight Riders, after a riveting bidding tussle with Gujarat Titans, sealed the deal at an astronomical INR 24.75 crore, making Starc the costliest buy in IPL history, a distinction previously held by his comrade Pat Cummins.
Amid the buzz, Starc's reaction mirrored the incredulity felt by his wife, Alyssa Healy, relaying updates from Mumbai while on the Australia women's tour. In a conversation with Star Sports, Starc expressed his sheer surprise and thrill at joining KKR, returning to the IPL arena after his earlier stints with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The Knight Riders, holding the largest auction purse, made significant moves, securing ten new signings alongside Starc, whose purchase consumed a substantial portion of their funds. However, Starc's experience, a match-winning potential recognized by the Knight Riders, and their investment in him instigated varied discussions about the team's auction strategy.
Despite the staggering price tag, Starc acknowledged the pressure it entailed, considering his wealth of experience in high-stakes games, including victorious World Cup campaigns for Australia. His anticipation of a new IPL challenge comes after dedicating himself to international cricket while occasionally tasting the IPL and Australia's Big Bash League.
Starc reminisced about his fruitful outings in India, including the Eden Gardens, holding cherished memories of triumphs that he now looks forward to recreating wearing KKR colors. His promise to the passionate Knight Riders fan base echoed his intent to deliver his trademark—swinging the new ball, reversing the old, and causing mayhem on the wickets.
While Starc anticipates his IPL return, he remains focused on his immediate cricketing duties, preparing for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan with the Australian squad. Amidst the thrill of his IPL auction success, Starc and Healy are set for a cricket-filled holiday season across different continents, eager to share the joyous moment with their Australian teammates.
The staggering bid and the Knight Riders' bet on Starc have set the stage for an enthralling IPL chapter, amplifying the anticipation and expectations surrounding Starc's return to the Indian cricketing carnival.
