Mitchell Starc’s Reaction On Being The Most Expensive Purchase In IPL History

Mitchell Starc, a fast bowler for the Australian cricket team, made history when he was selected by Kolkata Knight Riders for an astounding Rs 24.75 crore, making him the most expensive purchase in IPL history. In the IPL 2024 Auction, Starc set off a fierce bidding battle between KKR and Gujarat Titans, with KKR coach Gautam Gambhir coming out on top. After the historic event, KKR posted a video on social media with the seasoned Australian pacer’s initial response.

“Hey, KKR fans; I’m thrilled to be joining the team for this year’s IPL. And I can’t wait to get to Eden Gardens to experience the home fans, the home crowd and the atmosphere. I look forward to seeing you then. Ami KKR,” Starc said in a video uploaded on X (formerly called Twitter).

Mitchell Starc says, “Yeah, it was a shock…”

Josh Hazlewood, one-third of the dangerous Australian pace trio, went unsold in the first round of the auction at a base price of Rs 2 crore, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the Indian Premier League.

“It’s been a little while since I’ve been involved, but I’m really excited to get my name in the auction and to be joining KKR this upcoming season. So, yeah, thrilled to be joining,” Starc said, opening up on the record-breaking move to the Knight Riders in a chat with Jio Cinema.

“Yeah, it was a shock, if you call it. But, my wife, Alyssa Healy, is actually over in India with the women’s team,” Starc added.

“And I think their coverage was slightly ahead of mine in Australia. So I was getting updates before I could see it on the screen. So, yeah, just as I said, pretty well, surprised, but, thrilled to be back involved in the IPL this coming season. And, yeah, really excited to be joining KKR,” said Starc.

Also Read: Record-Breaking IPL 2024 Auction: Mitchell Starc Shatters Price Records ₹24.75 Crore Sold To KKR, See the Full List Of Sold and Unsold Players Here

The battle between Gujarat Titans and KKR

Gujarat Titans and KKR engaged in a protracted and thrilling bidding war for Starc, with the latter team ultimately selecting him for a record-breaking fee.

Tarc, 33, has typically given international service precedence over the IPL, but he chose to participate in the auction with an eye toward the T20 World Cup, which takes place after the IPL. During his two seasons of IPL participation, he took 34 wickets at an average of 20.38 in 27 games.

While Cummins has been a consistent participant in the IPL, he missed the 2023 tournament in order to concentrate on the Ashes and the ODI World Cup.

The Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad engaged in a fierce bidding war for Cummins, increasing their paddles ferociously to win the fast bowling all-round player’s services.