Australian icon Glenn McGrath foresees Mitchell Starc performing exceptionally well in the upcoming IPL 2024, unaffected by his hefty price tag. Starc, 34, secured the title of the most expensive player in IPL history during the 2024 auction, as the Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for a staggering ₹24.75 crore.
Despite being one of the most skilled white-ball bowlers, Starc has been absent from the IPL since the 2015 season. During a media session held at the MRF Pace Foundation, McGrath commented:
“For Starc, he chose not to come to the IPL due to personal reasons. But he comes back and gets a record price. He will be looking forward to it. On his day, if he is moving the ball around, he will be as good as any other fast bowler.”
Starc’s Australian fast-bowling companion Pat Cummins became the second highest-priced player in IPL history, joining the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹20 crore. However, McGrath believes that the seasoned duo will not be negatively affected by their hefty price tags.
“The money that they have received is incredible. But they are both very experienced players and know the game well. They are going to go out and play well as they have done in the past. I don’t think it (price tag) will impact them even one percent,” added McGrath.
Although Cummins was appointed as the captain of the SRH franchise, Starc aims to assist KKR in overcoming their struggles with death bowling from the previous season. Ironically, the duo will face each other when SRH clashes with KKR in both teams’ season opener at Eden Gardens on March 23.
“I hung up my boots at 33, whereas Jimmy Anderson is still swinging the ball at 41”- Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath suggested that Mitchell Starc’s longevity in competitive cricket would depend on his determination to continue playing. Despite being 34, Starc remains active in all three formats for Australia and recently surpassed 350 Test wickets, accumulating a total of 668 dismissals across formats for his country.
“It all depends on what he (Starc) wants. I retired when I was 33 and Jimmy Anderson is still moving the ball at 41. It’s about how much game time he gets and how he and his body are enjoying it,” said McGrath.
McGrath conceded that India remains the most challenging destination for Australia to conquer, primarily because of their struggle to adapt to spinning conditions.
“It’s just the attitude of the Australian sports people – they are very competitive and back themselves to perform on the big stage. They used to adapt better before.”
”India is always the toughest place for the Australians to adapt. They haven’t been able to adapt to the spin conditions here as better as other countries do,” stated McGrath.
Despite their defeat to Australia in the World Test Championship final last year, India has emerged victorious in the last four Test series against them, including two in Australia. The two cricketing powerhouses are scheduled to engage in a thrilling five-match Test series later this year in Australia.
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