The Indian Premier League auction saw sparks fly, but none brighter than the one that ignited when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) shattered all previous records by acquiring the services of Australian pace sensation Mitchell Starc for a staggering ₹24.75 crore. This astronomical sum not only makes Starc the most expensive buy in IPL history, but also surpasses the recently set record of Pat Cummins by a significant margin.
The excitement wasn’t confined to the auction room. KKR took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate their historic acquisition with a superhero twist. An edited picture of Starc as Iron Man, the symbol of strength and resilience, not only paid homage to the pacer’s prowess but also subtly referenced their owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has often been associated with the superhero persona.
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Further amplifying the nostalgia, KKR’s post recreated a scene from one of Khan’s iconic films, superimposing Starc’s face onto Khan’s, symbolically welcoming the prodigal son back to his former team. Starc’s IPL career, though brief, witnessed him tearing through the opposition in 2014 and 2015, claiming 34 wickets in just 27 matches.
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However, with a price tag that weighs heavily at ₹24.75 crore, expectations are sky-high for Starc in his 2024 return. After an eight-year hiatus, the left-arm speedster will be eager to prove his worth and deliver performances that justify the faith placed in him.
KKR’s shopping spree didn’t stop with Starc. They also added talented wicket-keeper KS Bharat and rising pacer Chetan Sakariya to their ranks, bolstering their squad for the upcoming season. The franchise, determined to erase the disappointment of their 2023 campaign, has its sights set on claiming the coveted IPL trophy.
We won, Mr. Starc! 💜 pic.twitter.com/twJ3VmCPDl
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 19, 2023
Under Nitish Rana’s leadership in 2023, KKR fell short of reaching the playoffs, finishing a dismal seventh in the group stages. Their season was marred by inconsistency, with only six wins in 14 matches. However, the return of their regular captain, Shreyas Iyer, who missed the previous season due to injury, promises to inject renewed energy and leadership into the team.
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With a formidable bowling attack spearheaded by Starc and a more balanced batting line-up, KKR looks poised to make a strong statement in the 2024 IPL. Whether they can translate their potential into a championship run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Kolkata Knight Riders have unleashed their inner Iron Man, and they’re ready to take on the league with a vengeance.
