Watch: Mitchell Starc snubbed as Venkatesh Iyer names his favorite Australian player in front of pacer

Venkatesh Iyer was on top of his happiness after winning the IPL 2024 title with Kolkata Knight Riders. During the post-match celebrations, he hailed Mitchell Starc for his contribution to the side. 

However, Venkatesh Iyer also said that Starc’s wife Alyssa Healy is his favourite Aussie player. Alyssa Healy and Mitchell Starc are married and both of them play cricket for Australia. 

Great to play with legends like him: Venkatesh Iyer 

IPL shared a video in which Venkatesh Iyer and Mitchell Starc showed their happiness about winning the title. During the chat, the left-handed batter also said it was great to share the stage with legends like Starc. 

“Also this is a platform where youngsters like us grab the opportunity to play with international legends like him and it is great to play a tournament like IPL and to win make it more special," he said. 

Venkatesh Iyer and Mitchell Starc showed their happiness in winning the title. Notably, Starc grabbed crucial wickets at the start in both the Qualifier 1 and final match. He helped KKR to display a strong bowling attack at the start. 

He was expensive in the initial few games but moved to the top later. Starc finished with 17 wickets in 17 games at an average of 26.12. In the final, he also won the Player of the Match award. 

Also Read: Mitchell Starc drops shocking retirement confirmation from a format to focus on IPL career

Alyssa Healy is my favourite Aussie player

During the chat, he also added that Alyssa Healy is his favorite Aussie player. He also added that it is good to have family and friends around on the big occasion. Healy was in India with Starc but had to go back ahead of the final. 

“Alyssa [Healy] is my most favourite Aussie right now. Not Mitchell Starc, he is the number two. It is good to have your family around especially on such a big occasion. Unfortunately, Alyssa had to leave but we actually spoke with her before the game and she sent across her wishes," he further said. 

KKR defeated SRH like a walk in the park 

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders bagged an easy win in the IPL 2024 final. They crushed SRH by 8 wickets after bowling them out for just 113 in the first innings. Later, they chased it down by big margins. 

Notably, Venkatesh Iyer and Mitchell Starc were the top two performers in the playoffs. While Starc got the early rhythm for the team while bowling, Iyer slammed half-centuries in both games in playoffs to help the side in batting. 

Interestingly, Phil Salt was a dominating opener for KKR in the league stage and he also left the side before playoffs.

With his breaking of Sunil Narine-Phil Salt as the opening pair, there was little doubt if KKR would get similar starts with new pairs.  However, Venky ensured to get a good start to the team in both games. 

Watch: Venkatesh Iyer terms Mitchell Starc legend but calls Alyssa Healy his favourite Australia player