According to former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) overpaid for Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc during the IPL 2024 auction.
The Kolkata-based franchise bought Starc for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore auction, outbidding a number of other IPL teams to acquire the services of the Aussie pacer. The price made Starc the most expensive signing of all time in IPL.
Speaking on a show in Star Sports, Gavaskar said Starc would have to assume a match winning role in at least 4 of the 14 group stage games of IPL to be considered a value-for-money signing.
“Over the top, to be absolutely frank. I don’t think anybody is worth that kind of money. If Starc can make an impact and win maybe four out of the 14 matches that he plays, then you can say money’s worth. Then if he makes contributions in the other games – absolutely fantastic,” said Gavaskar.
Starc had meaningful role in Australia’s victorious 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. The left-arm pacer took 16 wickets in 10 matches as Australia lifted the trophy.
“He has got to bowl match-winning spells in at least four out of the 14 matches, and maybe the crucial matches against the Mumbai Indians, the Chennai Super Kings and RCB, because these three have top-class batting lineups. Bowl those teams out and you could even then say – money’s worth,” Gavaskar added.
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