Mitchell Starc’s Price in IPL: A Comeback That Broke the Bank
I still remember sitting in front of the screen during the 2024 IPL auction, just watching names and numbers fly. Some picks were expected, some surprising — but nothing, and I mean nothing, could top the moment when Mitchell Starc’s name came up.
It was like the entire auction room paused for a second — and then all hell broke loose.
Now here’s the thing — Starc hadn’t played in the IPL for years. We’re talking almost a decade. Injuries, international duty, personal decisions — he always had some reason to skip it. Fans had sort of stopped expecting to see him in the league. But 2024? That changed everything.
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So, What Was Mitchell Price Tag?
Let’s not keep you hanging.
Mitchell Starc was sold for ₹24.75 crore to Kolkata Knight Riders. That not just a big amount —
that made him the most expensive player in IPL history. More than any batter any all rounder any superstar That figure alone says a lot.
It was a massive moment and even the auctioneer had to take a deep breath after the hammer dropped
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Why Did Mitchell Go for So Much?
Look, it’s easy to say “oh, IPL teams throw money around” — but it wasn’t just about hype.
Even though Starc had been away, people hadn’t forgotten the kind of bowler he is. Fast. Left-arm. Swings it at speed. Nails those yorkers. You can’t just find bowlers like him on every street.
Teams know that in T20 cricket, especially the IPL, having someone like Starc in your lineup gives you an edge — not just in skill, but also in confidence.
Also, he had just come off a brilliant World Cup campaign. He was sharp, accurate, and still terrifying in the death overs. That timing couldn’t have been better. He reminded everyone why he’s one of the best fast bowlers of this generation.
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KKR’s Move: Risk or Masterstroke?
A few people raised eyebrows when KKR went that high for Starc. I mean, ₹24.75 crore is a LOT of money. You can literally build half a squad with that.
But here’s the thing — KKR wasn’t just buying a player. They were investing in experience, pressure-handling, and star power. Starc isn’t just someone who bowls four overs — he’s someone who changes the way the opposition plans their innings.
And let be honest just his name on the team sheet can make batters nervous.
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Did Mitchell Starc Live Up to the Hype?
That is the million-dollar (or should I say 24 crore rupee) question right?
Well in the first couple of matches he was a bit rusty. Expected considering he had not played IPL for so long But once he settled in he started doing what he does best clean bowling top-order batters and closing out matches at the death.
No he did not take a five wicket haul every game But that not the only way to measure a bowlers value Sometimes it is about how batters play you And with Starc, most teams just looked to survive him and attack the others which helped KKR massively.
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A Moment That Changed IPL Auctions Forever
Let’s be real — Starc’s price tag was more than just a number. It was symbolic.
It showed that IPL teams are finally valuing bowlers as much as big-hitting batters. For years, auctions were all about who can score 30 off 10 balls. But slowly, teams are realizing that defending a total, or breaking a partnership, needs bowlers like Starc.
Also, it’s a sign of how much the IPL has grown. A ₹10 crore player used to be a huge deal. Now we’re almost touching ₹25 crore for one player. The stakes are higher, the wallets are bigger, and the pressure? Off the charts.
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