Cricket

IPL 2024: Steve Smith predicts the number of wickets Mitchell Starc will take for KKR

March 23, 2024

Australian batter and prominent figure on the commentary panel for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Steve Smith, has ventured a bold prediction regarding the wicket-taking capabilities of his fellow countryman, Mitchell Starc, who recently joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad.

Mitchell Starc’s record-breaking signing: A historic moment for KKR

Starc’s signing with the KKR marked a historic moment in IPL auctions as he fetched a record-breaking sum of INR 24.75 crore, making him the most expensive buy ever. This acquisition came after an intense bidding war involving several franchises keen on acquiring the services of the renowned pace bowler.

Starc’s previous IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Renowned for his precision yorkers, Starc, the Australian bowling maestro, is poised to re-enter the cash-rich league after an absence spanning eight years. His previous stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2015 solidified his reputation as a formidable force with his lethal pace and unwavering accuracy.

During his two-year tenure, Starc left an indelible mark, amassing 14 wickets in the 2014 edition at an average of 28.71, displaying a commendable strike rate of 23. The subsequent year witnessed a meteoric rise in his performance, as he clinched 20 wickets at an impressive average of 14.55, accompanied by a remarkable strike rate of 12.90.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar predicts the player to watch out for in IPL 2024

Steve Smith’s bold prediction

In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Smith offered a bold prediction regarding Starc’s performance in the 2024 IPL season. Smith confidently predicted that Starc would claim a whopping 30 wickets throughout the tournament. He expressed his belief that Starc would be pivotal for KKR, especially in seizing wicket-taking opportunities during the power play and death overs.

“I think he will take quite a few, he is going to be taking the new ball I guess and bowling at the death, where he gets good opportunities for wickets. So, I am going to say 30 wickets,” Smith said.

Upcoming battle against Pat Cummins

Interestingly, alongside Starc, his Australian teammate and captain, Pat Cummins, also made headlines by becoming the second most expensive player in IPL history after being acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a hefty sum of INR 20.50 crores. It’s worth noting that both teams, KKR and SRH, will face each other in their opening encounter on Saturday (March 23) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.