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):
Royal Challengers Bangalore (Image Source: Twitter)
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.
Also READ: Mitchell Starc reveals his plans regarding the IPL comeback in 2024
2) Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):
Sunrisers Hyderabad (Image Source: Twitter)
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 (Image Source: Twitter)
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):
Kolkata Knight Riders (Image Source: Twitter)
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):
Punjab Kings (Image Source: Twitter)
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.
Also READ: SA vs AUS 2023: Marnus Labuschagne hugs his mother after propelling Australia to a thrilling win over South Africa
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.