Why Did Mitchell Starc Miss IPL For Eight Long Years? The Pacer Reveals Himself
Mitchell Starc (X.com)
Australian superstar fast bowler Mitchell Starc has etched his name into the history books of IPL after fetching a groundbreaking contract at the recently concluded IPL 2024 auction.
While the bid for Starc initially kicked off at the base price of INR 2 crores, an intense war between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders escalated and made the pacer an overnight millionaire.
KKR won Starc's bid at INR 24.75 crores, thus making him the most costliest auction pick. While KKR thinks he is worth the risk, the Australian's track record in IPL suggests otherwise.
For context, Mitchell Starc last featured in IPL in 2015, wherein he represented RCB. While he left a profound impact, the bowler opted out for the next eight consecutive seasons to prioritise national duties for Australia.
Why Did Starc Skip IPL?
Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc recently opened up on events that prompted him to opt for a long overhaul. Starc said on the LiSTNR Sports podcast that he made choices that he thought were in his best interest.
The basic idea was to prolong his test career, and the layoff in IPL helped in that cause. Having said that, Starc reiterated he doesn't regret his decisions at all. The choices he made bore the results he hoped for.
"I made some choices, which I don't regret at all. I think it's probably helped my Test career, so I'm very happy with how it's all gone. Very grateful to have some interest in the auction and excited, thrilled, surprised. There's plenty of words you can describe the night," Starc expressed.
Further weighing thoughts on the auction, Mitchell Starc said he is grateful, excited, thrilled, and surprised at the same time. A lot of emotions were running through him, which he struggled to put into words.
Nonetheless, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir is elated with Starc's signing. He believes the Australian is the X factor they perhaps needed. He is someone who could make an impact with a new ball, hit the deck in death, and, most importantly, lead the attack.
"Starc is an X-factor, there is no doubt about that. Someone who can bowl with the new ball, bowl in the death overs and more importantly, someone who can lead the attack," Gambhir stated.
Starc previously featured in a mere two IPL seasons from 2014 to 2015. While he clipped 14 wickets in the inaugural season, the pacer finished IPL 2015 with 20 wickets.
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