Starc Awaits KKR Decision After Non-Retention: A Look at the Australian Pacer's Future
The recent IPL auction saw a flurry of big-money deals and unexpected departures, and among the notable names released by their franchises was Australian pacer Mitchell Starc. The left-arm quick, known for his fiery spells and ability to swing the ball both ways, was surprisingly not retained by his long-time team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Starc's Time With KKR: A Mixed Bag
Starc has been a part of the KKR roster since 2014, featuring in 54 matches and picking up 71 wickets at an impressive average of 25.87. While his performances have been inconsistent over the years, he has shown glimpses of his world-class potential in the IPL, particularly in the 2015 season where he bagged 20 wickets.
However, his recent form with KKR has been a cause for concern, with him managing only 12 wickets in the last two seasons. This decline in performance, coupled with the team's need to rebuild and focus on younger talent, might have prompted KKR to let him go.
What's Next for the Left-Arm Ace?
Now that Starc is officially a free agent, he has become a hot topic in the IPL circles. Several franchises are reportedly interested in acquiring his services, with teams looking for an experienced and proven pace attack leader. The auction saw him attract interest from multiple bidders, with the Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad being among the frontrunners.
While KKR has chosen not to retain him, they still hold the right of first refusal, meaning they can match any offer that comes for Starc during the auction. This makes the Australian's future somewhat uncertain, as he awaits the decision of his former team.
A Potential Return to KKR?
A return to KKR isn't entirely out of the question, but it hinges on their willingness to match any bid for him. If they choose not to exercise their right of first refusal, Starc is likely to be snapped up by another team, potentially for a hefty sum.
The decision from KKR is expected soon, and the cricketing world will be watching closely to see where the Australian pace sensation ends up. Regardless of his final destination, Starc's presence in the IPL will continue to add excitement and intensity to the tournament.