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'Over-Dependence On Starc In IPL 2024...' - Ex-KKR Star On Gambhir & Co.'s Concerns

Mitchell Starc joined the KKR camp on Sunday (Twitter)Mitchell Starc joined the KKR camp on Sunday (Twitter)

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns over Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) strategy for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, particularly pointing out the team's heavy reliance on Mitchell Starc in the seam-bowling department as a potential vulnerability. 

The Kolkata-based franchise secured Starc for an impressive sum of ₹ 24.75 crore during the IPL 2024 auction, making him the most expensive buy of the all-time in IPL history.

Aakash Chopra questions KKR's heavy reliance on Mitchell Starc for IPL 2024

Chopra, sharing his insights on his YouTube channel, highlighted KKR's likely over-dependence on Mitchell Starc, considering the significant investment in the Australian pacer. He pointed out that given Starc's price tag and stature, KKR would almost certainly feature him in their starting XI, which might limit their options in the seam-bowling department.


The departure of Gus Atkinson from the squad along with his replacement by Dushmantha Chameera, further complicates the team's dynamics. Although Chameera is a competent bowler, the former Kolkata Knight Riders opener believes that Starc's presence and price tag inevitably overshadow him, leading to a situation where KKR might rely too heavily on Starc's performance.

"You will not play Dushmantha Chameera there. You are going to play Mitchell Starc for sure. Why else would you have paid him close to 25 crores? However, there could be an over-dependence on Mitchell Starc," added the cricketer-turned-commentator.

Additionally, Chopra raised concerns about the depth of KKR's seam attack beyond Starc. He remarked that other options like Harshit Rana and Andre Russell present certain limitations. While Rana is seen as a promising talent, he is yet to fully prove himself at the IPL level. Russell, on the other hand, although a formidable all-rounder, has shown inconsistency in his bowling, making the team's seam-bowling resources appear somewhat uncertain.

"He will have Harshit Rana alongside him. I like him, he has a lot of upside, but he is not a finished product yet. Andre Russell's bowling is 50-50, as you know already. So their potential over-dependence on Mitchell Starc in fast bowling bothers me a little, that will it become a weakness?"  Chopra concluded.

The statistics from the previous season underline the challenge, with Russell being the highest wicket-taker among the seamers retained by KKR, although with an economy rate of 11.34. The KKR team management will need to carefully balance their reliance on Starc with the development and integration of other seamers in their attack to avoid potential vulnerabilities in their bowling lineup.