Kolkata Knight Riders’ star fast-bowler Mitchell Starc has endured a tough start to IPL 2024, having failed to take a single wicket in the first two matches of the season. Notably, Starc became the most expensive player ever in IPL history after KKR spent INR 24.75 Cr in an auction last December.

Not only has Starc failed to take wickets but has gone for runs as well. His returns in two matches have been 0/53 against SRH and 0/47 against RCB.

Former England pacer Stuart Broad backed the Australian to come good for his new team, saying he is currently lacking match awareness in the league. Broad said Starc’s spot in the team is safe since Kolkata have won both their matches this season.

“He's 2 for 2 in the win category, which I think is what you judge yourself on. Generally, if you're in a winning team, you remain in the team. He'll be delighted that his team is getting over the line. If he'd bowled 0 for 100 and his team had lost both the matches then his spot would've come under the scanner. But that fact that they've won those games buys him time because they've spent so much money on him, they're going to give him 5-7 matches to find some form and rhythm,” said Broad on Star Sports.

He went on to suggest that Starc will be a devastating bowler in the IPL if he gets his game together, insisting that he simply lacks match awareness. Starc has conceded 100 runs in two IPL 2024 matches, failing to record a single wicket since moving to Kolkata.

“There's no doubt that when he gets it right, he's lethal with the ball. But he is just lacking a bit of match awareness in the IPL. The more that he gets to know his captain and his fielding group, the better he’ll get. He’ll be feeling a bit of pressure because when you come with that price tag, you want to pick wickets,” said Broad.

KKR will aim to continue its winning run in IPL 2024 when they face Delhi Capitals in Vizag on April 3.