Sunil Gavaskar's brutal take on KKR spending Rs 24.75 crore on Mitchell Starc

Sunil Gavaskar has questioned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spending Rs Rs 24.75 crore on Mitchell Starc during the IPL 2024 auction. The former Indian captain said that no player is “worth that kind of money”.

“Over the top, to be absolutely frank. I don’t think anybody is worth that kind of money. If Starc can make an impact and win maybe four out of the 14 matches that he plays, then you can say money’s worth. Then if he makes contributions in the other games – absolutely fantastic,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Gavaskar added that Starc will have to bowl match-winning spells in at least four matches for KKR in IPL 2024 to deserve the money.

“He has got to bowl match-winning spells in at least four out of the 14 matches, and maybe the crucial matches against the Mumbai Indians, the Chennai Super Kings and RCB, because these three have top-class batting lineups. Bowl those teams out and you could even then say – money’s worth,” Gavaskar said.

Starc will be returning to IPL after a nine-year gap, having last played in 2015. In 27 matches so far, he has taken 34 wickets at 20.38 and with an economy rate of 7.17.

The Australian was in great form in 2023 ODI World Cup ahead of the player auction. He took 16 wickets in 10 matches as Australia won the trophy after beating India in the final at Ahmedabad.