NEW DELHI: Australia pacer
Mitchell Starc
talked about his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and said he's ready for a "bit of circus."
Starc will wear the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) uniform when he rejoins the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024, marking his eagerly awaited comeback to the league after almost nine years.
Starc made headlines when he went to auction for an outrageous 24.70 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history after KKR's heated bidding battle with the Gujarat Titans.
The experienced bowler, who played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the early IPL seasons, is excited to start this new chapter with KKR and has expressed his delight about the possibility of rejoining the team.
When considering his IPL career,
Starc
mentioned his prior time in the league and his choice to not join KKR in 2018, underscoring the excitement surrounding his comeback.
The Australian bowler, who played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2014 and 2015 Indian Premier League, amassed 34 wickets in two seasons.
In an interview with cricket.com.au, Starc shared his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, emphasising his readiness to embrace the dynamic environment of the IPL.
With a fresh roster of teammates and a renewed sense of purpose, Starc is poised to make his mark in the world's premier
T20
competition, relishing the opportunity to compete against the best in the business.
"It's been eight years, I think. Back to KKR where I was supposed to be in 2018. So I'll be back there for the chance to pull on the gold and purple. I guess my memories are a few and far between of back in 2014 and 2015 with RCB but yeah, really excited to get stuck in. Obviously, a new group of players. A bunch of guys I certainly haven't met or been able to work with before," Starc said.
Acknowledging the electrifying atmosphere and global appeal of the IPL, Starc anticipates an exhilarating season ahead, characterizing the tournament as a "circus" that encapsulates the essence of T20 cricket at its finest.
"A couple of guys that I've, international guys that I've played against and come across. Yeah, it's gonna be exciting. It's definitely a new challenge. But yeah, it'll be exciting. It's always a bit of a circus when it is the best T20 league in the world. So, yeah I look forward to it," said Starc.
KKR will play their season opener against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 at the iconic
Eden Gardens
.
(With IANS inputs)
English (US) ·