Mitchell Starc, the Australian and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pace spearhead, discussed the jokes made about the money spent out on him by the team in IPL 2024 following his match-winning performance in the tournament final. The experienced fast bowler credited his expertise in managing the high expectations on the pitch.
The 34-year-old had a terrible opening few games of the season, as wickets were difficult to come by and he allowed runs at an alarming pace. Despite receiving a ₹24.75 crore contract from KKR, he was criticized for underperforming. Nonetheless, Mitchell Starc provided match-winning efforts in both knockout matches, leading the Knight Riders to their third IPL triumph.
After winning the Player of the Match award in the final, Starc commented on how experience had made him a wiser and better bowler. He stated during the post-match presentation:
“Yeah, there’s been plenty of jokes and what not made about the money. But it’s been a long time since I have played the IPL. I am older and an experienced player now, that’s helped with managing all the expectations. I am certainly glad I am a bit more experienced and older to deal with all of that.”
Mitchell Starc
In Qualifier 1, the left-arm pacer defeated Travis Head with a peach and finished with 4-0-34-3. He dismissed Abhishek Sharma with another unplayable delivery in the final, taking his tally to 3-0-14-2.
“Not really sure what the wicket was going to do” – Mitchell Starc
The New South Wales speedster also thanked Shreyas Iyer for rotating his bowlers properly and maintaining appropriate fields, adding:
“Probably the two most exciting teams in the final, it was a great night. We lost the toss and got to use the ball first. Having watched the game a few nights ago here, not really sure what the wicket was going to do. We spoke about adapting to the conditions. Shreyas was fantastic with the way he used his bowlers and his fields, has been all season, so credit to him there.”
Mitchell Starc
Every KKR bowler took at least one wicket as Sunrisers Hyderabad were bowled out for 113 on a tough track. Venkatesh Iyer’s unbeaten 52 helped the Knight Riders reach their goal with eight wickets to spare in less than 11 overs.
