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IPL 2024 | Gambhir Backs 24.75 Cr-Worth Mitchell Starc To Be KKR's 'X-Factor' Player

Starc had been picked at a sum of INR 24.75 crores by KKR [X.com]Starc had been picked at a sum of INR 24.75 crores by KKR [X.com]

A jaw-dropping bid of INR 24.75 crores on him may have attracted criticism and scrutiny on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but the franchise's former skipper and mentor Gautam Gambhir reckons Australian left-arm speedster Mitchell Starc deserves such a vote of confidence and will be an 'X-factor' for the two-time champions during IPL 2024. 

Gambhir backed the experienced match-winner to overcome the pressure of expectations that he is carrying on his shoulder after fetching a remarkable sum at the mini-auction and produce his best for the team as he finally dons the KKR jersey after missing out on a stint with the franchise in 2018 following an injury. 

Starc's return to IPL after eight years is a cause of huge anticipation among KKR's passionate fanbase and Gambhir is looking forward to working with the prominent bowler, on whose lethal new-ball swing and end-overs prowess KKR's fortunes will rest with the ball. 


Gambhir Backs Starc To Come Out Firing 

"I don’t think the price tag will be an added pressure for him. I only hope he can do for KKR what he does for Australia in international cricket," Gambhir told the press as he reached Kolkata on Thursday evening for the start of KKR's preparation and training phase ahead of the tournament.

Not just Starc, KKR will also be under huge pressure because of the prize it deemed fit to hand out to the Aussie maverick at the bidding war. Against expectations, the franchise kept going after the bowler and turned him into the richest-ever pick in the history of the league.

Starc eclipsed his Australian skipper and now the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins in the bidding war. Cummins had become the first ever player in IPL history to fetch a bid worth 20 crores and more when SRH brought him in for INR 20.50 crores. He was soon surpassed by the KKR pacer on the same afternoon. 

KKR will have their first practice session for the IPL 2024 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday (March 15) and start off the campaign on March 23 versus the Sunrisers.