The Indian Premier League (IPL) stands as the grandest cricketing platform on the global stage, attracting the sport’s biggest stars year after year. The latest entrant in this spotlight is none other than Mitchell Starc, the spearhead of Australia‘s fast-bowling arsenal. Starc has officially declared his intentions to participate in the IPL 2024 auction, with a clear goal in mind – gearing up for the T20 World Cup scheduled for the same year, to be hosted in the West Indies and the USA. This development promises to elevate the next IPL season to new heights, with multiple franchises vying for the prized signature of this left-arm pace sensation.
Here are the five IPL teams that could potentially engage in a bidding war to secure Starc’s services in the IPL 2024 auction:
1) Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):
Starc boasts prior experience with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), featuring in consecutive seasons as a devastating weapon in Virat Kohli‘s arsenal. Impressively, Starc maintained a frugal economy rate of just 7.17 across 27 IPL matches, even in the challenging environs of the Chinnaswamy Stadium. IPL 2023 witnessed RCB grappling with bowling inconsistencies and a deficiency of quality options. With Starc’s proven abilities and past association with the franchise, a reunion with RCB could be on the cards, offering them the firepower they crave in their bowling department.
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2) Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) endured a woeful IPL 2023 campaign, languishing at the bottom of the group-stage standings. Their pace department struggled, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar nearing the twilight of his career. Emerging talents like Fazalhaq Farooqi, Marco Jansen and Umran Malik are still in the process of honing their skills. The introduction of Starc, with his wealth of experience and formidable bowling prowess, could revitalize SRH’s quest for resurgence.
3) Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), one of the IPL’s freshest entrants in 2022, instantly captured hearts with impactful performances. However, their journeys both seasons ended at the top four, partly owing to an inadequacy in their bowling arsenal. Although Mark Wood displayed sparks of brilliance, injuries hampered his full potential. Young Indian bowlers such as Yudhveer Singh and Mohsin Khan, though promising, lack the seasoned touch. Starc’s acquisition could provide the missing piece to LSG’s puzzle.
4) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had initially secured Starc’s services back in 2018, although his injury woes led to his withdrawal. Recent IPL seasons have exposed KKR’s vulnerability due to the absence of a reliable frontline pacer. Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson have faced challenges in terms of consistency and control. While Pat Cummins contributed with the bat, his bowling often proved expensive. Starc’s addition could instill the much-needed stability and depth to KKR’s pace attack.
5) Punjab Kings (PKBS):
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have consistently defied expectations in the IPL, given their substantial financial resources and formidable squad. However, clinching the coveted title have remained elusive. Starc, renowned for his expertise as an experienced left-arm pacer, excelling in high-pressure situations, could be the catalyst to propel a team notorious for snatching defeat from victory’s grasp.