Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has questioned Kolkata Knight Riders‘ decision to spend Rs 24.75 crore on Mitchell Starc for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Starc returned to the IPL auction after a gap of five years, becoming the most expensive player in the history of the IPL auctions. KKR were involved in a bidding war with Gujarat Titans before eventually securing the Australian pacers services for Rs 24.75 crore.
Speaking on Starc’s move to KKR, Gavaskar said no player is worth that kind of 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 legendary batter went on to say that Starc will have 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 played in the IPL for RCB in 2014 and 2015. In 2018, he was roped in at a price of INR 9.40 crore by KKR, but he could not take part after sustaining an injury.
Last year, Starc took 16 wickets in 10 matches as Australia lifted the 2023 ODI World Cup after beating India in the final.
Starc became the second player to breach the 20-cocre mark after team-mate 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 return to the IPL after an hiatus of eight years. In the 2014 edition, he showcased his bowling prowess by claiming 14 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 28.71.
The following year, Starc elevated his performance, amassing 20 wickets in 13 matches with an outstanding average of just 14.55. Notably, he achieved his best figures of 4/15 during the 2015 season.
