KKR pacer Mitchell Starc in action during IPL 2024© AFP
Mitchell Starc has failed to live up to his astronomical price tag so far in the IPL, but Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Bharat Arun on Tuesday backed the Australian left-arm pacer and said it is only a “matter of time” before he gets on the right track. Starc’s combined numbers from the first two games read a disappointing 8-0-100-0. “He is probably one of the most experienced bowlers in the world and also someone who understands the conditions and adapts to them very well. I think you will see a different version of him in the future matches,” Arun said ahead of their match . against Delhi Capitals here.
Starc returned to the IPL after nine years and was bought at auction for a record sum of Rs 24.75 crore.
When asked what conversations they are having with Starc, Arun replied cheekily: “Certainly nothing about the price tag.
“We talked about his strengths. I’m sure he understands what it is and what it takes to succeed. The kind of experience he brings, having played in all conditions, is only a matter of time before you see it Starc returns to his elements,” he said.
KKR have won both their matches (Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore) so far, relying on their spin bowling and explosive batting.
With a slow wicket on offer here, KKR spinners will look to exploit the conditions.
“The biggest challenge for us would be to understand the conditions and adapt to them. We are up for anything. It is the same surface for both teams,” he added. PTI TAP BS BS
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