Mitchell Starc, the most expensive player in IPL history, has finally found his rhythm in the tournament, delivering a match-winning performance against Lucknow Super Giants. After a slow start, Starc turned the tide with a three-wicket haul for 28 runs, helping Kolkata Knight Riders secure an eight-wicket victory.
Despite the initial struggles, Starc remained unfazed by the expectations and criticism. “I don’t read anything, so that doesn’t bother me,” he said after the match.
Returning to the IPL for the first time since 2015, Starc admitted to adjusting to the tactical nuances of the shortest format. “It’s more [about] getting used to the tactical side of it,” he explained. “I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket in the last couple of years, so it has probably taken me a little bit longer than I would have liked to get back into the rhythm of things.”
Against LSG, Starc’s powerplay spell yielded 23 runs but included eight dots and the wicket of Deepak Hooda. In the final over, he conceded only six runs and struck twice, dismissing Nicholas Pooran and Arshad Khan.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Starc emphasized the importance of managing his workload. “I’m 34, so I’m pretty good with my workloads,” he said. “I’ve been doing this [for] a long time. We play again on Tuesday, and I think that’s a feature of T20 cricket. Whether you have a good day or a bad day, games come around so quickly that you can’t really think about what’s been; you quickly focus on the next game.”
Starc’s resurgence is a timely boost for Kolkata Knight Riders, who are aiming to qualify for the playoffs. His experience and skill will be crucial as the tournament enters its final stages.
