Gautam Gambhir explains reasons for spilling 24.75 crore for Mitchell Starc

Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has explained why the team went berserk for Australia pacer Mitchell Starc. The latter became the costliest player in the history of the IPL. A few hours back, his Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins became the costliest player with 20.5 crores INR. He was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Apart from this, the 2016 winners signed Travis Head.

Two hours later, Starc broke its record of Cummins as to nab his services, teams such as Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders battled with each other. The first two teams to battle for Starc were 2020 finalists, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. However, when the bid went to 9.8 crores, the Titans and Knight Riders entered the bid.

After battling for 24.75 crores, the two-time winners managed to nab his services. Notably, six years back, the left-arm pacer was signed by the Purple Brigade but he pulled out due to injury. For the first time since 2015, Starc will play in the cash-rich league with T20 World Cup 2024 in sight.

Mitchell Starc is an X-Factor: Gautam Gambhir

Meanwhile, talking about Starc’s signing, Gambhir said that the Aussie is an X-Factor who can do well in all phases of the game.

“He is an X-factor, there is no doubt about that. Someone who can bowl with the new ball, bowl in the death overs and more importantly, someone who can lead the attack,” Gambhir said in a conversation in Jio Cinema.

“He is going to be of massive help to our two domestic bowlers because both of them are very talented and you need someone to help them out in the middle and Starc covers those bases. It is not only about his bowling but also about leading the attack and helping all guys around him. So, somebody will have to pay for it,” the former KKR captain added.