In a stunning turn of events during the IPL 2024 auctions, the Kolkata Knight Riders secured the services of Mitchell Starc, the formidable Australian left-arm fast bowler, for an eye-watering sum of 24.75 crores. This high-profile acquisition has set the stage for an exciting season as Starc joins the Knight Riders’ ranks, adding his lethal bowling skills to their arsenal.
Mitchell Starc: A Fast Bowling Maestro
International Prowess
Mitchell Aaron Starc, born on 30th January 1990, has established himself as a linchpin in the Australian national team and a force to be reckoned with in the fast-bowling department. A left-arm fast bowler and a handy lower-order left-handed batsman, Starc’s ability to swing the ball, generate pace, and consistently trouble batsmen makes him one of the most revered bowlers in white-ball cricket.
Dominance Across Formats
Starc’s cricketing prowess extends across all three formats of the game, representing Australia in Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODI), and Twenty20 Internationals. In 2015, he reached the pinnacle of ODI cricket, being the highest-rated bowler, a testament to his skill and effectiveness in the limited-overs format.
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Rollercoaster IPL Journey
Royal Challengers Bangalore Stint
Starc’s IPL journey began in 2014 when he was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. His debut season showcased not only his lethal bowling but also his exceptional fielding, highlighted by two diving catches near the boundary to dismiss Glen Maxwell and Wriddhiman Saha. An on-field altercation with Mumbai Indians’ Kieron Pollard added a dramatic chapter to Starc’s IPL journey, resulting in fines for both players.
Impactful 2015 Season
The 2015 season saw Starc making a delayed start due to a knee injury. However, upon his return, he played a pivotal role in turning around Royal Challengers Bangalore’s fortunes. Starc led the team’s bowling attack, propelling them to a strong finish. He concluded the season with an impressive tally of 20 wickets.
Injury Woes and Change of Allegiance
Injuries plagued Starc’s subsequent IPL seasons, causing him to miss the 2016 edition due to a foot fracture. In February 2017, he parted ways with Royal Challengers Bangalore to focus on fitness and reduce his workload ahead of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Bid and Unfulfilled Promise
In January 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders secured Starc for a hefty A$1.8 million, making him the second-highest-paid Australian player in the auction. Unfortunately, Starc’s journey with Kolkata was marred by injuries, ruling him out of the entire 2018 season due to tibial bone stress. Despite being bought for the 2019 season, Cricket Australia’s decision not to grant no-objection certificates led to Starc’s release in November 2018.
Legal Battle for Compensation
Starc’s misfortune continued off the field as the insurance company deemed him ineligible for compensation despite taking out insurance for his Kolkata contract. In 2019, Starc initiated legal proceedings to recoup his losses.
Bubble Fatigue Forces 2022 Withdrawal
The 2022 IPL season witnessed Starc pulling out, citing “bubble fatigue” as the reason, highlighting the challenges faced by players in prolonged bio-secure environments.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Bold Move
Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to acquire Mitchell Starc for a whopping 24.75 crores in the IPL 2024 auctions showcases their determination to bolster their bowling lineup with a proven match-winner. Starc’s inclusion adds a new dimension to the team, and fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his impactful performances in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Mitchell Starc’s IPL journey has been a tale of brilliance, setbacks, and unfulfilled promises. As he dons the purple and gold for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the cricketing world awaits to see if Starc can overcome the challenges and deliver the match-winning performances that have defined his illustrious career.
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