In a post-match press conference following Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024, Mitchell Starc delved into the Impact Player rule’s influence on the surge in high scores. The left-arm pacer attributed KKR’s success to outstanding performances by Venkatesh Iyer and himself, marking KKR’s first win against MI at Wankhede Stadium in nearly a decade.

Starc emphasized that the Impact Player rule has altered the dynamics, emboldening batters to push for deeper innings with less fear, especially during the Powerplay overs. He noted that the long batting lineups, including all-rounders batting as low as number 8 or 9, contribute to the batters’ confidence, accentuated by the rule’s implementation.

“The Impact Player rule changes things a fair bit. There’s no fear in the powerplay when all you have to do is to clear the infield and score runs,” remarked Mitchell Starc.

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Regarding international cricket, Mitchell Starc anticipated a return to a focus on team balance and the strategic use of all-rounders within the limited 11-player format, emphasizing the tactical challenges faced by captains in such scenarios.

Batters have no fear due to the Impact Player rule, reckons Mitchell Starc.

The KKR pacer came good against Mumbai on May 3 (Friday), finishing with figures of 4/33.

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Reflecting on his bowling performance against MI, Starc underscored the importance of adaptability to prevailing conditions. Despite a recent rough patch, he reclaimed form with a 4/33 spell, emphasizing the significance of assessing conditions and adjusting lengths accordingly.

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Looking ahead, Mitchell Starc expressed his intent to contribute to KKR’s success in crucial upcoming matches, viewing his IPL stint as valuable preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024. While acknowledging the tournament’s significance, he maintained focus on immediate objectives, prioritizing his role in KKR’s campaign.

“My main focus is to play in Lucknow in two days’ time. The World Cup is next month – at this moment, it’s [about] trying to help KKR win the tournament,” concluded Mitchell Starc.