‘You move on pretty quickly’ – Mitchell Starc reflects on rocky start to IPL 2024

Mitchell Starc. (Source – IPL)

Before the start of the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024, many eyes were set on star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc as the ace pacer was roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping INR 24.75 crore. Many expected Starc to be at the top of his game. However, he was unable to get off to the start that he wanted in the tournament. 

Despite Kolkata staying unbeaten in the tournament, Starc had two forgettable games to begin the tournament as he bowled a combined eight overs for 100 runs, failing to take even a single wicket.

However, Starc took his first wicket of the IPL 2024 in his third match of the season against Delhi Capitals, conceding 25 runs in three overs for two wickets. 

Speaking of his performances so far, Starc admitted that his returns in the first two matches was not what he had hoped for. He did bring up the element of luck, which is essential in T20 cricket. 

“In a game of T20, we all need a little bit of luck, a few edges go by, a dropped catch or two, that’s T20 cricket, you move on pretty quickly, because the games come thick and fast. Yeah, probably not the start I wanted, but we’ve been winning games, so that’s what it’s about. We’re three-nil. And tonight, with bat and ball, we were pretty good, I think,” Starc said after the match.

“It can be brutal at times, particularly on the bowlers [in T20 cricket]. I think we’ve seen on some of the grounds, some of the scores… so yeah, you take a little bit of luck here and there. Yeah, we’re three-nil at the start of the season, and tonight we were pretty clinical with bat and ball. Personal stuff aside, the team’s start has been fantastic,” he added.