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The excitement is building up as the IPL 2024 Auction is just around the corner, and cricket enthusiasts are eager to see which teams will go all out to secure the services of their favourite players. Among the star-studded list of 333 players registered for the auction, Australian seamer Mitchell Starc has emerged as a focal point of discussion, especially after setting his base price at a hefty INR 2 crore.
Mitchell Starc’s return to IPL after a long gap
Renowned for his express pace and swing, Starc has been a notable absentee from the IPL since 2015, having voluntarily opted out of the league. However, fresh off the glory of the ODI World Cup 2023, the seasoned pacer is making a comeback, and teams are expected to vie for his valuable skills and international experience.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s expert analysis: Two teams in the spotlight to acquire Starc
Popular commentator and former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has weighed in on the potential landing spots for Starc, pointing out the two teams that could engage in a fierce battle for his signature during IPL 2024 Auction.
Also READ: Top 5 wicketkeepers that franchises could target in IPL 2024 auction
Manjrekar’s first pick and praise for Starc
Manjrekar began his analysis by emphasizing the unique qualities that Starc brings to the table before naming Mumbai Indians (MI) as the first team that might go all the way for Starc.
Highlighting the advantage of playing on home turf with conditions that favour fast bowlers, Manjrekar suggests that MI, boasting the lethal combination of Jason Behrendorff and Jasprit Bumrah, could be keen on acquiring Starc’s services, especially after parting ways with Jofra Archer.
“Teams that have to play half their home games on absolutely flat pitches may go for him. He is one bowler in the world who will maybe take the pitch out of the equation, do all the magic in the air, get swing and the hurl in yorkers with the new ball and at the death. So, teams like Mumbai Indians, who have got (Jason) Behrendorff along with Jasprit Bumrah, could show interest in him after letting go Jofra Archer,” explained Manjrekar on Star Sports.
Manjrekar’s second choice and flat pitch reference
Manjrekar further identified the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as the second team ready to go head-to-head with Mumbai for Starc. Underlining the flat pitches in Bengaluru, the veteran batter believes that Starc could prove to be lethal in challenging conditions where most bowlers struggle.
“RCB has got Reece Topley, who is a pretty good bowler, but on flat pitches where most bowlers struggle, Starc and Bumrah are the kind of bowlers who will bring the team back into the game with their bowling because they don’t rely on the pitch as much as some of the other bowlers,” asserted Manjrekar.
