Sunil Gavaskar questions KKR spending Rs 24.75 crore for Mitchell Starc: No one is worth that kind of money

Sunil Gavaskar questions KKR spending Rs 24.75 crore for Mitchell Starc: No one is worth that kind of money

Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar has questioned Kolkata Knight Riders’ call to splash Rs 24.75 crore on Mitchell Starc for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, saying no one is worth that kind of money.

Starc made a thunderous comeback to the IPL by becoming the most expensive player in the history of the tournament. KKR were involved in a major tug of war with Gujarat Titans for the signature of the Aussie pacer and they held on till the end to get their man.

Speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar said no one is worth that kind of money while talking about Starc’s move to KKR. Starc surpassed the record set by Australia captain Pat Cummins (Rs 20.50 crore) to become the most-expensive player in IPL history.

“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.

He went on to say that Starc will have to bowl match-winning spells in at least four of KKR’s 14 matches in IPL 2024. Starc finished with 16 wickets in 10 matches as Australia lifted the 2023 ODI World Cup, beating hosts India in the final in Ahmedabad on November 20, 2023.

“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.

CAN’T WAIT TO EXPERIENCE EDEN GARDENS: STARC

This won’t be the first time that Starc would play in the IPL, having turned up for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2014 and 2015. In 2018, the KKR roped Starc at a price of INR 9.40 crore, but he could not take part after sustaining an injury.

Speaking after being picked by KKR for the upcoming IPL season, Starc said he can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at Eden Gardens. Starc picked 34 wickets in the 27 matches that he played for RCB in 2014 and 2015.

“Hey, KKR fans. I’m thrilled to be joining the team for this year’s IPL. And I can’t wait to get to Eden Gardens to experience the home fans, the home crowd and the atmosphere. I look forward to seeing you then. Ami KKR,” Starc was quoted as saying in a video uploaded by KKR.

The 2024 season of the IPL will kick-start on March 23 and will go on till May 28.

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