Mitchell Starc Excited for IPL Comeback with Kolkata Knight Riders

As he prepares for his IPL return with the purple-and-gold Kolkata Knight Riders, Australian star Mitchell Starc has two things on his wish list: impressive performances for the team and the city's cuisine.

Starc, the most expensive purchase in the history of the competition, couldn't have asked for a nicer welcome as the Knight Riders prepare to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens on Saturday.

The Australia left-arm speedster was "shocked and surprised" by the Rs 24.75 crore he brought in at the December auction, but given his background and future, the price tag doesn't put any more strain on him.

"You're never quite sure if you still create that interest and if teams still want you after a big break from the IPL." That being said, I was somewhat aback by what happened at the auction table.

However, I have played professional cricket for 14–15 years, so I have grown as a player and acquired knowledge from my experiences. At the team hotel on Wednesday, Starc stated, "I do like to think I have developed as a person and player since I was here at the IPL the last time."

Starc last participated in the Indian Premier League for the Royal Challengers Bangalore team in 2015.

"At 34, I've played enough international cricket to understand that the pressure that comes with a price tag is inherent in that figure. However, there is additional pressure to perform well because you are expected to win games as an international player in the IPL.

"Prize tag or not, you are expected to do those things as foreigners."

Starc admitted that his decision to participate in the IPL this year was influenced by his readiness for the T20 World Cup. He is "keen to explore the city and try out the biryani here and other local food items."

"Throughout the winter, the Australian stuff has had a somewhat lighter schedule. That made it a great chance to play some cricket, he remarked. In addition, there is, of course, the T20 World Cup. Thus, the possibility to participate in the world's top T20 cricket league was an excellent opportunity for me to get ready.

Honorable mention for Rinku

Tuesday was Starc's first training session. In the intrasquad match, Rinku Singh defeated him in the second half. Starc found the young batter's approach particularly noteworthy.

It was the first I had seen of Rinku until yesterday, Tuesday. He is a gifted batter who knocks the ball far and with a fairly direct swing. learning more about him as a person and a player.

Impressive young quicks

India's chances of winning another series in Australia later this year will be greatly impacted by the performance of their comparatively young pace attack. Starc has taken notice of KKR's 19-year-old Sakib Hussain from Bihar, who has only played two Twenty20 matches for his state team, and has pointed out the "depth" in the present Indian fast bowling resources.

"In terms of velocity, there is a lot of skill in India. I saw a lot of raw potential with some swing, bounce, and carry in the practice game last night.

Sakib, who has good slower balls, bowled with me. Andre (Russell) was freed by him. I'm interested to watch how that talent develops over the course of the season. I'm pleased to share my knowledge with them if they have any queries," he continued.

Rival Pat

This season's opening matchup between KKR and Sunrisers will pit Starc against his Australian captain Pat Cummins, a former Knight as well. The speed combo will be playing on different sides for the first time on Saturday, according to Starc, so it makes sense that he is excited about the thrilling times that lie ahead.

"I've never before played against Pat. Regarding the Sunrisers captain, Starc remarked, "For both of us, it will be fresh. "He's so composed and exact in how he wants to approach both his leadership and his cricket as a captain in Tests and ODIs. That has undoubtedly seen in the way the squad has performed and our achievements. I can't wait to watch him perform in Twenty20 cricket.

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