LSG vs KKR: Mitchell Starc bizarrely blames Impact Player Rule for his expensive bowling in IPL 2024

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Mitchell Starc recently shared his thoughts on the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Mitchell Starc highlighted that the batters have no fear following the implementation of the Impact Player rule, contributing to high-scoring performances.

The impact player rule, which was introduced at last year's IPL tournament, has led to a more aggressive batting style this season. The teams have frequently crossed the 200-run mark in the ongoing marquee tournament. There have been eight instances of totals exceeding 250 runs in the IPL 2024.

Mitchell Starc, the most expensive pick in IPL history at Rs 24.75 crore, struggled with the ball in this year's tournament. The left-arm pacer had taken only seven wickets before facing the Mumbai Indians (MI). However, the pacer managed to pick up four wickets against MI in Mumbai on Friday, May 3.

Impact Player Rule Changes Things A Fair Bit - Mitchell Starc

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mitchell Starc noted that the Impact Player rule alters team strategies. Starc suggested that the rule contributes to high scores with deeper batting lineups. 

"The Impact Player rule changes things a fair bit. Everyone gets to bat a lot deeper having a batting and a bowling XI. There's a lot made of that rule throughout the tournament and there's been a lot of high scores, which is the nature of the wickets and the grounds we play on here," Starc said.

"There's no fear in the powerplay when all you have to do is to clear the infield and score runs. Certainly, there has been some really good batting, don't get me wrong, it's not just the rules that play a part there. There's been some fantastic scoring, some fantastic partnerships, and some individual brilliance with the bat," Starc added.

The Australian fast bowler commenced his spell with a boundary and a six against Ishan Kishan. Nonetheless, Starc bounced back by dismissing Kishan. He clinched three wickets in the 19th over. He picked up the wickets of Tim David, Piyush Chawla, and Gerald Coetzee to bowl out the opposition for 145 runs.

I Haven't Changed Too Much - Mitchell Starc

The 34-year-old bowler mentioned that he hasn't changed his approach much. Starc emphasized the importance of assessing conditions after the first innings. Starc stated that he adjusted his length after taking feedback from batters who faced difficulties during the first innings.