Mitchell Starc's IPL Struggles Continue, Draws Criticism from Experts

Mitchell Starc, the star pacer of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has endured a disappointing start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Despite KKR shelling out a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore to acquire his services, Starc has failed to justify his hefty price tag.

In the first six matches of IPL 2024, Starc has managed a meager five wickets at an economy rate of 10.54. In four of those games, he has remained wicketless. His performance has drawn criticism from former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop, who believes Starc has not lived up to expectations.

"I would assume that Mitchell Starc, especially at that price, hasn't really hit the nail on its head," Bishop said on ESPNcricinfo. "He got three wickets last game but tonight (Tuesday) again he would have been hoping to step up."

Bishop pointed out specific instances where Starc's bowling lacked precision and strategy. "There was this one over, where he was going wide, wide, wide. When you need sixes, I think it's a good plan. Then you talk about backing yourself - of course there was that five wides, and the short ball which he got hooked for when there was nobody at square, instead of sticking with the wides and make Buttler hit the ball over that side."

Former New Zealand star Mitchell McClenaghan, who has played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, believes Starc is struggling to adapt to the defensive style of bowling required on Indian tracks.

"Two overs in a row, we are talking about the first ball. He has tried to bowl the slower ball, and I think he was trying to bowl a wide slower ball. When you are bowling on these pressure situations, that first ball goes out of the park. And that is a good momentum-starter for the batter," McClenaghan said.

"He is also learning because the game is changing. IPL is a different beast as compared to international cricket. The grounds are so much smaller. Even mishits go for six. I think he is learning to bowl a lot more defensively on Indian grounds."

Starc's poor form has raised concerns for KKR, who are desperate for a turnaround in their fortunes. The team has lost four of their first six matches and is currently languishing near the bottom of the points table.

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