Xtra Time Web Desk: West Indies legend Brian Lara eyes no worry with Mitchell Starc's bad form with the ball in Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 in Kolkata. Lara believes Starc is a world-class bowler, and can definitely bounce back into form, gradually into the tournament. Starc was under immense analysis after conceding big runs during the death overs of the match, which almost cost his side the game.

All eyes were fixed on Starc as he made his KKR debut at Eden. As he was the biggest signing in IPL history with Rs 24.75 crore during IPL 2024 auction. However, the beholders didn’t get what they expected as the Australian pacer gave away 53 runs in his four overs without grabbing any wicket. While SRH was chasing the 208-run target set by KKR, Starc conceded 26 runs in the 18th over of the match, leaving his side under pressure with only 13 runs left in the final over.

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Lara stated, ‘I think the strength of Mitchell Starc, we all know around the world, is that ability to use that new ball to get wickets. He didn't get any wickets with the new ball. And when you play him at the back end, that's not his forte, his forte is up front. But it's only the first game, so it's alright’.

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