Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Mitchell Starc has had a challenging beginning to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season as he hasn't taken any wickets in his first two matches. However, former England fast bowler Stuart Broad believes Starc will soon live up to expectations for his team. Broad said that he just needs a bit more time to get aware of the league’s style of play.
In the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Starc conceded 47 runs. Despite his expensive numbers, KKR still won the match by seven wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Notably, Starc became the most expensive player in IPL history when KKR paid a whopping Rs 24.75 crore for him at a mini-auction in Dubai last year.
In a post-match conversation with Star Sports, Broad mentioned that Starc is still in a solid position in the team because Kolkata has won both of their matches so far. Earlier, they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by four runs in a last-ball thriller at the Eden Gardens.
‘Give him 5-7 matches to find some form and rhythm’
"He's 2 for 2 in the win category, which I think what you judge yourself on. Generally, if you're in a winning team, you remain in the team. He'll be delighted that his team is getting over the line. If he'd bowled 0 for 100 and his team had lost both the matches then his spot would've come under the scanner," said Broad.
"But that fact that they've won those games buys him time because they've spent so much money on him, they're going to give him 5-7 matches to find some form and rhythm," Broad added.
Broad added that Starc has the potential to become a lethal bowler in the IPL. He just needs to adjust a little more to the match conditions. Although, Starc has let 100 runs slip through without taking any wickets in both matches.
He's lethal with the ball: Broad
"There's no doubt that when he gets it right, he's lethal with the ball. But he is just lacking a bit of match awareness in the IPL. The more that he gets to know his captain and his fielding group, the better he'll get. He'll be feeling a bit of pressure because when you come with that price tag, you want to pick wickets," said Broad.
After their triumph against Faf du Plessis-led RCB, KKR will go up against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 3 in Vizag.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
