Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Harshit Rana has expressed unwavering confidence in star fast bowler Mitchell Starc, despite his recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Starc conceded 55 runs in three overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday, but Rana believes the 34-year-old speedster will bounce back.
“It’s his own plan. Every bowler takes the field with a plan. He is a top bowler and someday, he will win us games. We are not worried about him. We have full faith in him,” Rana said in the post-match press conference.
Rana identified the 12th over of RCB’s run-chase as the turning point in the match. Andre Russell dismissed Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar in quick succession, while Sunil Narine removed Cameron Green and Mahipal Lomror in the following over.
“The over from Andre Russell was the turning point in the game where he took two wickets. In the last five overs, our bowlers did exceptionally, did not give away enough runs. That was the phase we played really well,” Rana added.
KKR’s victory over RCB propelled them to second place in the IPL standings with five wins and two losses. RCB, on the other hand, remained at the bottom of the table with just one win and seven losses.
Rana praised Starc’s composure in the final over, when Karn Sharma blasted three huge sixes off the Australian. Starc held his nerve and helped KKR secure a thrilling one-run victory.
“He is a bowler who can help the Knights win games,” Rana said of Starc. “We have full faith in him.”
