IPL 2024: KKR Mentor Defends Mitchell Starc, Says Four Matches Not Enough to Judge

Mitchell Starc, the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has had a rather lukewarm start to his campaign with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite being the subject of a record-breaking bid of INR 24.75 crore, the Australian speedster has only managed to secure two wickets from four matches, with an average of 77 and an economy rate of 11.

Gambhir Stands by Starc

However, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir remains unfazed by Starc’s modest statistics, asserting that T20 cricket often sees bowlers being punished by aggressive batsmen. Gambhir stressed the importance of prioritizing team success over individual performances, noting that KKR has secured three wins out of four matches. “In a team sport, it’s the wins that matter. We have got three wins out of four. Why should I not be happy with anyone’s performance?” Gambhir emphasized. He believes that Starc’s potential impact extends beyond his current performance, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cricket where individual brilliance does not always translate to team success.

Future Prospects

Despite Starc’s slow start, Gambhir remains optimistic about the bowler’s potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming matches. He acknowledges that cricket is a game of fluctuations, where individual performances can vary from match to match. Gambhir is confident that Starc will rise to the occasion and contribute effectively to KKR’s campaign in the IPL.