In a high-stakes Mumbai Indians versus Rajasthan Royals match at Eden Gardens, it was English player Jos Buttler that ultimately stole the show with his stunning performance. Despite the formidable target set by KKR, Buttler managed to guide his team to victory with his explosive innings of 107 runs off just 60 balls. However, the same cannot be said for Mitchell Starc, who struggled immensely on the field, leading to intense trolling by fans on social media for his expensive price tag and weak performance.
Kolkata Knight Riders' Mitchell Starc Faces Backlash After Poor Performance Against Rajasthan Royals
Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) Mitchell Starc endured a torrid outing in the recent clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Australian pacer, who was acquired by KKR for a hefty sum of ₹10.75 crores, failed to live up to expectations, conceding 53 runs in his four overs without picking up a wicket.
Starc's struggles were compounded by the fact that KKR had set a formidable target of 190 runs for RR. However, English opener Jos Buttler produced a match-winning innings of 107 runs, guiding RR to a comfortable victory.
The subpar performance from Starc drew widespread criticism on social media, with fans questioning his high price tag and ineffective bowling. The backlash intensified as Starc had previously struggled in the IPL, having picked up just three wickets in four matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2022.
Background: Starc's Previous IPL Stints
Starc had been a highly sought-after player in the IPL before his disappointing spell with KKR. In his previous stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2015, he had picked up 20 wickets in 13 matches, earning him the 'Purple Cap' as the tournament's leading wicket-taker.
However, Starc's form has declined since then, and he has struggled to recapture his former glory in the IPL. In the 2022 edition of the league, he managed a mere two wickets in four matches for RCB.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Mitchell Starc bowl so poorly against RR? A1: Starc struggled with his line and length, often bowling too short and wide. He also failed to extract any swing from the Eden Gardens pitch, making it easier for RR batsmen to score runs.
Q2: Is Mitchell Starc worth the ₹10.75 crores KKR paid for him? A2: Starc's high price tag and poor performance have raised questions about his value. While he is a world-class bowler, his recent struggles in the IPL have cast doubt on whether he is still worth such a high investment.
Q3: What can KKR do to improve their bowling? A3: KKR may consider bringing in a replacement overseas pacer or exploring alternative bowling options within their squad. They could also work with Starc to improve his line and length and develop variations in his bowling.
Q4: What are the implications of Starc's poor form for his international career? A4: Starc is a key member of the Australian national cricket team, and his poor IPL form could potentially raise concerns about his place in the side. However, the Australian selectors have generally shown faith in Starc's ability to bounce back.
Q5: What are the other areas of concern for KKR? A5: KKR have struggled in several other areas, including their batting and fielding. They have been overly reliant on Andre Russell and Nitish Rana, while their middle order has failed to contribute consistently. Their fielding has also been sloppy, leading to costly errors.
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