Mitchell Starc, the Australian speedster, is poised to make a resounding comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024. Having missed the previous eight editions due to injuries and workload management, Starc expressed his eagerness to participate in IPL 2024 during a recent appearance on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast. His aim is not only to showcase his skills but also to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA, which follows the IPL.
Starc’s illustrious career has seen him as a pivotal figure in the Australian cricket setup. He recently clinched the Player of the Series award in the Ashes and boasts an impressive record in white-ball cricket, with 219 wickets in 110 ODIs at an average of 22.09. In T20s, he has taken 170 wickets at an average of 19.54 and an economy rate of 7.45. Starc has made 27 IPL appearances, all for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he has secured 34 wickets at an economy rate of 7.17.
Now, let’s explore three IPL teams that could be eyeing Mitchell Starc for IPL 2024:
- Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals had a roller-coaster journey in IPL 2023, starting strong but ultimately missing the playoffs and finishing fifth. Their fast-bowling department lacked a reliable death bowler, making Starc an attractive prospect for IPL 2024. If acquired, Starc could reshape the Royals’ strategy, offering a potent left-arm swing bowler at the top and a death overs specialist. A combination of Starc, Trent Boult, and Prasidh Krishna would headline RR’s pace attack, bolstering their chances in the tournament.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders might consider a reunion with Starc for IPL 2024. They had acquired him in 2018, but an injury ruled him out that season. KKR’s recent seasons suffered from the absence of a consistent lead pacer. Starc’s return could address this issue, with the Eden Gardens pitch favoring fast bowlers. With a young Indian seam attack, Starc could provide the experience and leadership KKR needs.
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
As reigning champions, CSK has been formidable, but they might eye Starc to further fortify their bowling arsenal in IPL 2024. Despite the emergence of young talents like Matheesha Pathirana, Starc’s inclusion would add world-class firepower. His partnership with Deepak Chahar at the new ball, followed by a death overs role alongside Pathirana, could make CSK’s bowling attack formidable. With the potential departure of key players like Ambati Rayudu and Ben Stokes, CSK might have the resources to pursue Starc aggressively in the auction.
The question now remains: Which IPL team will make the bold move to secure Mitchell Starc’s services at the IPL 2024 auction? The answer awaits as the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the return of the speedster to the IPL stage.
Tags: IPL, players, six6s