After helping KKR to their third IPL title, Mitchell Starc proved why he is the most expensive player of the glitzy league's history. Starc, who was acquired by Knight Riders for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore in the auction, saved best for the last and produced a match-winning spell to steer KKR to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024 at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on May 26. It was his spell which helped KKR bundle out SRH to a paltry total of 113. Later, KKR chased down the target in just 10.3 overs.
Starc's redemption story fuels KKR's title triumph
Starc's IPL 2024 season was nothing short of a rollercoaster. He started off the season poorly but got his mojo back later in the tournament. He became a powerplay specialist, grabbing over 10 wickets in those early overs. There was much hype around Starc's clash with the in-form Head in the IPL 2024 final. True to form, Starc dismissed Head cheaply, mirroring a similar dismissal in the previous match. This was a huge setback for SRH. KKR, on the other hand, showed unwavering faith in Starc, keeping the same team for the final. Their belief paid off as Starc picked up two early wickets again. This was crucial, especially after KKR lost the toss and wanted to bowl first. Starc's early strikes put them in control of the high-pressure final.
Starc finished the season with a strong 17 wickets, including a stellar performance in the final where he took 2/14 in just 3 overs, all bowled within the powerplay.
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Starc was adjudged the Player of the Match for his stunning spell. At the post-match presentation, Starc said that there's been jokes about his price tag.
“Great night for KKR. What a game, what a season. Probably the two most exciting teams in the final, it was a great final. We have had a fantastic squad of bowlers and batters, our staff have been fantastic to get everyone peaking. We've been such a consistent side, contributions from everyone. We lost the toss and got to use the ball first. Having watched the match a few nights ago here, not really what the wicket was going to do. It was about adapting. Shreyas was fantastic with the way he used the bowlers and fields. Credits to him. The bowling unit showed all the skills. There's been jokes about the money. It's been a long time since I have played the IPL. I am experienced, that's helped with all the expectations. Glad that I am experienced and older. It's been a lot of fun. Full credit to the whole players and staff,” Starc said after the match.
Despite SRH taking an early wicket with the dangerous Sunil Narine, a blazing partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer quickly put KKR in control. The pitch, initially thought to be tricky, was quickly mastered by the openers who denied SRH any chance to restrict the flow of runs. Fittingly, it was Venkatesh Iyer who finished the match unbeaten on a well-crafted 52, sealing KKR's historic victory.
This win marked a double celebration for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Not only did they secure their third IPL title, but they also achieved a second championship win in Chennai. This victory mirrored their 2012 triumph, where they defeated the Chennai Super Kings on their home ground.
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