Nitish Rana, a key player and vice-captain for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has expressed confidence that the addition of Mitchell Starc to the team for IPL 2024 has addressed a crucial issue. Rana believes Mitchell Starc‘s presence will effectively plug the gap in KKR’s bowling lineup, particularly in the crucial death overs, which was a weakness in the previous season.
Mitchell Starc made history as the most expensive player in IPL history when the Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for a staggering INR 24.75 crore at the auction last year. Despite being 34 years old, Starc has proven his worth in the IPL, having played 27 matches and taking 34 wickets at an impressive average of 20.38.
I am excited- Nitish Rana
Speaking on KKR Unplugged, Nitish Rana, who led the franchise in IPL 2023 in the absence of Shreyas Iyer, expressed,
“I am excited because our captain is back. GG bhai is also back. Last year, as a captain, I felt that somewhere, we missed a death bowler and that void has been filled by Mitchell Starc,”
In IPL 2023, the Knight Riders struggled with inconsistency, finishing seventh in the points table with six wins and eight losses. They will be eager to improve their performance and put on a better show in the upcoming season.
I’ll be back there for the chance to pull on the gold and purple- Mitchell Starc
In a previous interview with cricket.com.au, the New South Wales cricketer reminisced about his contract with KKR back in 2018 and reflected on his time with RCB in the IPL. He shared,
“It’s been eight years, I think. Back to KKR where I was supposed to be in 2018. So I’ll be back there for the chance to pull on the gold and purple. I guess my memories are a few and far between of back in 2014 and 2015 with RCB but yeah, really excited to get stuck in. Obviously, a new group of players. A bunch of guys I certainly haven’t met or been able to work with before,”
The Knight Riders will kick off their campaign against the SunRisers Hyderabad on March 23 at the Eden Gardens.
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