Not Shreyas Iyer! Gautam Gambhir names X-factor for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024
Published - 15 Mar 2024, 01:55 PM
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Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir expressed confidence in Mitchell Starc’s potential ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Gautam Gambhir stated that Mitchell Starc will be an X-factor for the Kolkata franchise in the upcoming IPL season.
Kolkata Knight Riders acquired the services of Mitchell Starc for a record Rs 24.75 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL auction history. Starc’s last appearance in the IPL was during the 2015 season, representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
The veteran Australian pacer is set to return to the tournament after a long nine-year gap. The two-time IPL champions previously signed Starc for Rs 9.40 crore ahead of the 2018 season. However, the left-arm pacer opted out of the event due to a right leg injury.
Mitchell Starc Is An X-Factor – Gautam Gambhir
Speaking after reaching Kolkata on Thursday ahead of the new season, Gautam Gambhir stated that the hefty price tag wouldn’t burden Mitchell Starc. Gambhir expressed hope that Starc would replicate his international success for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
“I had already said on the auction table that he [Starc] is an X-factor and I am sure he is going to deliver. And there’s no such pressure of a price tag,” the former KKR skipper said.
“I hope that what he has done in international cricket, he can do the same for KKR,” Gambhir added.
Starc played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in 2014 and 2015. The 34-year-old bowler has played 27 IPL matches, securing 34 wickets with an average of 20.38 and an economy rate of 7.17. The fast bowler will be hoping to leave a mark upon his return.
Hope To Live Up To It And Make The Fans Happy – Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir expressed his emotional connection with KKR, emphasizing the team’s significance beyond just a franchise. He acknowledged the expectations and expressed his determination to meet them, aiming to bring joy to the fans.
“I have always mentioned that KKR to me is not a franchise, but an emotion. I am thus happy to be back. I know there will be expectations and I hope to live up to it and make the fans happy,” said Gambhir.
Gambhir shares a special bond with the KKR team, leading them to victory in two IPL seasons, 2012 and 2014. The southpaw is the team’s top run scorer, scoring 3,345 runs in 122 matches at an average of 31.26 and a strike rate of 124.72, including 30 half-centuries.
The 42-year-old served as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the last two seasons. However, he chose to switch to the Knight Riders for the upcoming season. KKR failed to reach the playoffs in the last two seasons following their 2021 final appearance.
The Shreyas Iyer-led team will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign with a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Eden Gardens on March 23. They will only play three matches in the initial phase of the highly anticipated season.
Also read: IND vs AUS: Gautam Gambhir Gets Much Less Credit Than He Deserves- Ravichandran Ashwin
