On Tuesday, December 19, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction in Dubai, ace Australian speedster Mitchell Starc made waves by winning an astronomical bid of INR 24.75 from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). When KKR signed Starc in 2018 for a sum of INR 9.4 crore, it was notable that he returned to the two-time IPL champions.
After learning that he had been acquired for an incredible sum, Starc voiced his bewilderment, saying he was literally astonished. Additionally, he disclosed that his spouse, Alyssa Healy, an Australian wicketkeeper-batter, is presently in India and was informed of the information prior to him.
Of course, it was shocking. Due to her affiliation with the women’s squad in India, my wife, Alyssa, received updates more quickly than I did on the screen. Happy but surprised,” Starc said to Star Sports.
“We’ve been shouting out in our WhatsApp group for the Test Squad that it’s time for us to have dinner. Something to do before the test on Boxing Day. A special evening for us both,” he continued.
Talking about his time away from the IPL, Starc stated that he was concentrating on playing Test and international cricket for his nation. Additionally, he stressed that, with the ICC T20 World Cup coming up, playing in the IPL offers a great chance to play intensely competitive T20 cricket.
Indeed, it has been a while. I had an injury after playing for the RCB from 2014 to 2015 and signing with KKR in 2018. But for Australia, I’ve been giving Test and international cricket top priority. As we approach the conclusion of the year and the beginning of the following one, Australia as a whole is much more eager to participate. It is an excellent opportunity to participate in intensely competitive Twenty20 cricket in the top Twenty20 league, with the T20 World Cup quickly approaching,” he stated.
“Humbling to still feel like I’m wanted or needed, I guess,” he stated in response to a question regarding the validity of the price tag. Other than a few little tweaks here and there, my gameplay hasn’t altered much across mediums. Hopefully, some success will result from the experience. Not a lot more needs to be stated.”
Following his introduction by KKR, Mitchell Starc responds. View the video here.
Welcome back, record-breaker! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/KwSZui8GBj
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 19, 2023
It goes without saying that there will be some pressure. Mitchell Starc
Starc said that the sum of money was more than he could have ever anticipated when asked whether he had any inkling about its size. He expressed hope that the additional experience from his previous IPL stint would be helpful, but he understood the increased pressure that comes with such a high bid.
“Not a thing I could have imagined. A number of teams want to strengthen their bowling assaults, yet that list contains several excellent bowlers. I hope to fill Pat’s shoes at Sunrisers, as that’s where he was at KKR. Pat has moved on. A few texts were pouring in on the phones. Several men from KKR made contact. We will receive input on expectations and my contributions, not just in terms of technical expertise.
“Coming with the territory, there will undoubtedly be some pressure. However, I think it helps since I have more experience from my previous IPL. I haven’t had many ups and downs before, but this is part of the journey. The 33-year-old continued, “Aim to succeed and make as big of an effect as you can.
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