‘Might see him playing’: Irfan Pathan suggests top bowler could make comeback to RCB during IPL 2024 auction

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan suggests the likelihood of Mitchell Starc returning to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the upcoming IPL 2024 auction. The auction, set for December 19 in Dubai, marks the first time it has occurred outside India and involves 1166 players, including prominent names.

Starc is anticipated to command a high price during the auctions. He has previously represented the RCB franchise, having played for them in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. During his stint with RCB, the left-arm pacer impressed, capturing a total of 34 wickets in two seasons.

The Bengaluru team is on the lookout for a foreign pacer, considering the release of Josh Hazlewood and Reece Topley's injury issues.

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Pathan, in conversation with Star Sports, expressed his belief in Starc joining RCB next season due to his prior experience with the team. The former cricketer also thinks that Starc's skillset will be valuable for RCB, especially when playing at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"I really think you might see Mitchell Starc playing for RCB because he was there before. They would want him there as well because being a left-armer, bowling 140-plus, having that extra pace in those types of pitches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be of utmost importance for RCB," said Pathan.

Pathan also feels that RCB might have let go of Harshal Patel, considering they have Vyshak Vijaykumar as a potential replacement in their squad.

"They have a very underrated bowler right now, which people might not be talking about, that's Vyshak Vijaykumar, who came as a replacement. I thought there were quite a few things to like about him. His slower one was very impressive and that is why I think RCB have taken the decision to leave out Harshal Patel," said Pathan.

RCB released a total of 11 players, with bowlers dominating the list. The franchise decided to part ways with Avinash Singh, David Willey, Finn Allen, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Kedar Jadhav, Michael Bracewell, Siddharth Kaul, Sonu Yadav, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Wayne Parnell on November 26.

(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)

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