Mitchell Starc has joined KKR for IPL 2024. The Kolkata Knight Riders went all out for the Australian fast bowler and acquired his services for a whopping INR 24.75 crore. With this bid, Starc has become the most expensive player of all time in the Indian Premier League history.
It is pertinent to note that when the IPL started in 2008, the auction purse for an entire squad was just INR 20 crore, and now in 2024, a player is making INR 24.75 crore alone. Some fans were baffled to see the bidding war between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders, but here are three reasons why KKR made the right move by signing Mitchell Starc for INR 24.75 crore.
1. KKR are focused on building a strong playing XI instead of a strong squad
If one observes KKR’s squad for the IPL 2024 season so far, they are very much focused on forming a strong playing XI. Last year, Kolkata had two-three average players for one position, and they were confused for almost entire season about whom to pick.
This season, they have invested so much in one player, and that player is of supreme quality. He can deliver the goods consistently for the side.
2. Mitchell Starc will enjoy bowling at the home venue of KKR
The track at Eden Gardens has changed. Instead of a spin-friendly surface, Kolkata’s wicket now offers help to the fast bowlers as well. Hence, going all out for a fast bowler made sense for KKR, especially when they had released all other premiere pacers of the team.
3. Starc ups his game when it matters the most
It has been 9 years since Kolkata last won an IPL trophy. The franchise made a smart decision by spending big on a player, who is famous for not crumbling under pressure when he has to perform the best. Starc has won so many tournaments, but he has never won IPL. Perhaps, that hunger can lead KKR to the title in 2024.
