Sunil Gavaskar, a former India captain, has questioned the Kolkata Knight Riders' choice to pay Rs 24.75 crore on Mitchell Starc for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. Starc returned to the IPL auction after a five-year absence, becoming the most expensive player in the event's history. KKR engaged in a bidding war with Gujarat Titans before acquiring the Australian pacer's services for Rs 24.75 crore.
Gavaskar commented on Starc's move to KKR, saying no player is worth that much money.
"Over the top, to be absolutely frank. I don't think anybody is worth that kind of money. If Starc can make an impact and win maybe four out of the 14 matches that he plays, then you can say money's worth. Then if he makes contributions in the other games - absolutely fantastic,"
~Gavaskar told Star Sports
The renowned batsman went on to remark that Starc will need to bowl match-winning spells against top teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
He has got to bowl match-winning spells in at least four out of the 14 matches, and maybe the crucial matches against the Mumbai Indians, the Chennai Super Kings, and RCB, because these three have top-class batting lineups. Bowl those teams out and you could even then say - money's worth
~he added
Starc last competed in the IPL with RCB in 2014 and 2015. In 2018, KKR signed him for INR 9.40 crore, but he was unable to play due to an injury. Last year, Starc grabbed 16 wickets in ten matches as Australia won the 2023 ODI World Cup by defeating India in the final.
Starc became the second player to surpass the 20-crore mark after teammate Pat Cummins was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.5 crore on the same day in the IPL 2024 auction held in Dubai on Tuesday.
He will fully return to the IPL after an eight-year absence. In the 2014 season, he demonstrated his bowling prowess by taking 14 wickets in 14 matches, at an average of 28.71.
The following year, Starc improved his performance, taking 20 wickets in 13 matches with an impressive average of 14.55. Notably, he posted his best statistics of 4/15 in the 2015 season.
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