Glenn McGrath addresses price-tag pressure on Mitchell Starc ahead of KKR opener: ‘He chose not to come to IPL but…’

Glenn McGrath, a renowned pacer, discussed Mitchell Starc’s remarkable comeback to the Indian Premier League after the Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for a record INR 24.75 lakh. The left-arm paceman became the most expensive player in the tournament history despite missing the last eight seasons of IPL. Starc initiated a bidding war in the IPL auction between several franchises including Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir was adamant about signing the Aussie paceman and sealed the move with a historic bid.

Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in the IPL history.
Mitchell Starc has become the most expensive player in IPL history.
Starc picked for 34 wickets in 27 matches as he played only two seasons in IPL – 2014 and 2015 where he led the RCB bowling attack.

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McGrath predicted that if Starc manages to get movement from the surface there will be no stopping for him on his IPL return.

“For Starc, he chose not to come to the IPL due to personal reasons. He comes back and receives a record price. He will be eagerly anticipating it. On his day, if he is moving the ball around, he will be as good as any other fast bowler,” McGrath said in a media interaction at MRF Pace Foundation.

Apart from Starc, another Australian Pat Cummins hit the pay dirt as Sunrisers Hyderabad splashed INR 20.5 crore in the auction to acquire his services and later named him their skipper for IPL 2024.

However, McGrath feels that the heft price tag won’t put any pressure on the Aussie pace duo in the cash-rich league.

“The money that they’ve gotten is incredible. However they’re both extremely seasoned players and understand the game well. They will continue their tradition of playing well out and about. I don’t think it (price tag) will impact them even one percent,” added McGrath.

The Aussie great further gave his take on how long will Starc continue to play at the highest level as he still plays all three departments regularly at the age of 34.

“It depends on what he wants (Starc). At 33, I retired and at 41 Jimmy Anderson is still kicking the ball. It is about just how much game time he gets and how he and his body are enjoying it,” said McGrath.