When the Kolkata Knight Riders secured Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, with a whopping bid of INR 24.75 crore, little did they know about the tough start he would have in the 2024 Indian Premier League season. In KKR’s initial match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Starc struggled, conceding 0/53 in four overs. This trend continued in the subsequent game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he gave away six fewer runs but remained wicketless. Despite Starc’s underperformance, KKR managed to win both matches, positioning themselves second on the league table. While this may provide some relief to Starc, it is evident that he needs to step up his game soon to make a more significant impact. Steve Smith, Starc’s Australian teammate and an experienced IPL player, offered some advice to the struggling bowler. Smith emphasized the importance of swinging the ball back into right-handed batsmen, highlighting it as a formidable strategy given Starc’s skill set as a left-arm fast bowler who can bowl over 145 KMPH. Smith’s insights were shared during a conversation with host broadcasters. Another cricket expert, former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan, echoed Smith’s sentiments by suggesting that Starc might still be adjusting to the Indian playing conditions and needs to focus on generating inswing, a lethal weapon in his bowling arsenal. As the Knight Riders gear up to face the Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam, Rishabh Pant’s potential return to the Capitals lineup adds intrigue to the upcoming clash. Despite Pant’s anticipated comeback, the Delhi Capitals have struggled in their initial games, suffering defeats against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
Mitchell Starc Urged to Revive ‘Toughest’ Delivery While Steve Smith Offers Essential Advice Following Disappointing IPL 2024 Performance
