Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) management has expressed unwavering support for their star acquisition, Mitchell Starc, despite his underwhelming performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. KKR’s managing director and CEO, Venky Mysore, emphasized that the team does not view Starc as an “investment” but rather as a valuable asset.
Starc, who was purchased for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore, has struggled to make an impact in the shortest format. However, Mysore believes that Starc’s presence alone adds a different dynamic to the team. He highlighted the specific skills that the support staff sought in Starc, which they believe he possesses.
Despite conceding 100 runs without taking a wicket in his first two matches, Starc managed to salvage some pride by taking a crucial catch to seal a dramatic one-run victory for KKR. Mysore acknowledged that every player experiences ups and downs, and he remains confident in Starc’s abilities.
KKR’s resurgence this season has been attributed to the return of former captain Gautam Gambhir as a mentor. Mysore praised Gambhir’s intensity and experience, which have added significant weight to the team. He also commended the winning attitude of Gambhir and head coach Chandrakant Pandit, along with the support staff’s contributions.
With five wins from seven matches, KKR is currently placed second in the IPL standings. Mysore expressed satisfaction with the team’s consistency and balance, while acknowledging that several factors have contributed to their success.
