Mitchell Starc set to return to IPL with KKR, as he anticipates a thrilling season ahead.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell expressed his excitement to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying he was ready for a "bit of circus" in the upcoming IPL 2024, starting on March 22.
Starc is set to don the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) jersey in the upcoming IPL 2024, marking his comeback to the league after nearly nine years. Starc was signed by KKR in 2018, but the star pacer pulled out of the IPL to focus on his national commitments.
Well, the Australian pacer grabbed headlines during the IPL 2024 auction when he was signed by KKR for a staggering 24.75 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
He is thrilled to embark on this new journey with KKR and has shared his excitement about the prospect of reuniting with the team. Reflecting on his IPL journey, Starc also recalled his previous stints in the league with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2014 and 2015.
Mitchell Starc said in an interview with cricket.com.au: “It's been eight years, I think. Back to KKR where I was supposed to be in 2018. So, I'll be back there for the chance to pull on the gold and purple. I guess my memories are a few and far between of back in 2014 and 2015 with RCB.”
Starc continued, “But, yeah, really excited to get stuck in. Obviously, a new group of players. A bunch of guys I certainly haven't met or been able to work with before.”
The Australian pacer admitted vibrant atmosphere and widespread popularity of the IPL, and said that he is looking forward to an exciting season ahead. He also described the IPL as a thrilling “circus” that shows the essence of T20 cricket at its peak.
Starc signed off by saying, “A couple of guys that I've, international guys that I've played against and come across. Yeah, it's gonna be exciting. It's definitely a new challenge. But yeah, it'll be exciting. It's always a bit of a circus when it is the best T20 league in the world. So, yeah, I look forward to it.”
Notably, KKR will open their IPL 2024 campaign against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
(With IANS Inputs)