The buzz and anticipation that surrounds the Indian Premier League (IPL) each year can be intoxicating, and with it comes the pressure of high expectations, especially for those who come at a premium. One such cricketer feeling the heat is Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) hefty investment, Mitchell Starc, who, after being away from the IPL carnival for nearly a decade, has made a return that’s been less than ideal.
Since donning the KKR jersey for the 2024 season, the fiery Australian left-arm pacer has been subjected to the wrath of skilled opposition batsmen. With two games under his belt, Starc has collectively conceded 100 runs to batsman from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). While these figures might raise eyebrows, KKR’s strategic victory in both these initial matchups has shielded Starc from immediate scrutiny, allowing the seasoned bowler some reprieve.
In the face-off against RCB, Starc became the go-to bowler for batsman looking to up the run rate, as his deliveries, intended to disrupt, were instead dispatched to the boundary at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In this instance, his four overs cost KKR 47 runs. Fortunately for Starc and KKR, the collective efforts of the bowling unit were sufficient to contain RCB to a total of 182, a target which the Men in Purple comfortably chased down.
The victories have thus far allowed KKR to continue backing their superstar bowler, despite his less than stellar performance. Starc’s hiccup, however, has not gone unnoticed by the cricket community. Known for their tongue-in-cheek commentary, Iceland Cricket quipped that the Australian was proving more costly than an Icelandic beer – and when considering the hefty price tag of INR 24.75 crore KKR paid for his services, their playful jab lands on solid ground.
Such a price tag inevitably brings with it considerable pressure, a sentiment echoed by former England pacer Stuart Broad during a Star Sports segment. Broad suggested that the victories have bought Starc some time; the team’s success has cushioned his underwhelming performance, and with the investment made, there’s a window of 5-6 games for Starc to find his rhythm and validate his worth.
Broad remarked on the palpable pressure that a big-money signing carries and pondered the impact it may have on Starc’s mental game. However, confidence in Starc’s inherent talent remains high, with Broad stressing that the bowler just needs to regain his match sharpness to start delivering results. The underlying belief is that once Starc rediscovers his groove, his lethal bowling attributes will come to the fore, tilting the scales in KKR’s favor during crucial moments.
Starc’s predicament is a common tale in the high-stakes world of the IPL, where fortunes fluctuate with each game. The underlying expectation from an expensive player like Starc is to deliver match-winning performances, a feat he has been unable to achieve thus far. For now, the team’s management and fans alike will be keenly observing his progress in the hope that he transforms his expensive overs into priceless wickets.
As Starc gears up for the upcoming matches, the spotlight will inevitably remain on him. Will he justify his staggering price and reinforce KKR’s faith in him, or will the initial trend continue, calling his place in the glamorous T20 franchise into question? Only time, and the upcoming contests, will tell if the Australian pacer can turn his IPL 2024 campaign around, or if KKR’s gamble will prove to be an extravagant misstep.
