Xtra Time Web Desk: Venky Mysore’s support for Mitchell Starc amid scrutiny over his performance in the IPL season is clear. Despite Starc’s struggles, Mysore emphasized that their decision to acquire him wasn’t solely based on his auction price but on the value and dynamics he adds to the team. Starc’s presence, according to Mysore, brings a different dimension to the team, fulfilling specific skills that the support staff sought.
Acknowledging Starc’s recent challenges in the T20 format, Mysore maintained a positive outlook, stating that every player faces ups and downs in their performance. Despite Starc’s difficulties, Mysore expressed satisfaction with having him in the team, highlighting his potential to contribute to the team’s success.
“He’s a superstar and he’s a quality player,” Mysore said on the sideline of Knight Golf event at RCGC here.
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“We don’t think of it from an investment standpoint, because you go to the auction and things happen in the auction, which is not in the hands of the player, nor is it in the hands of anybody else.
“We just felt that an addition to the team like Mitchell Starc would add a lot of value, which it has. I mean, his presence itself in the lineup adds a different dynamic to the team, and there were specific skills that the support staff were looking for. So, we think we had that.”
KKR had bought Starc for a record ₹24.75 crore but it always came with a caveat as the Aussie left-arm quick had limited experience in the shortest format and was making a comeback to IPL after nine years.
Starc’s rustiness in the T20 format came to fore as he conceded 100 runs without taking any wicket from his eight overs in the first two matches.
It turned from bad to worse on Sunday when he leaked 54 runs from 16 balls at Eden Gardens, and in the final over, RCB No 9 Karn Sharma with little batting pedigree smashed him for three sixes in four balls.
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Starc, however, managed to salvage some pride taking a low return catch to dismiss Karn that eventually sealed a dramatic one-run victory.
“There are times when games are up and down. Everybody gets taken to the cleaners at times, and there are other times they come and just do their thing and win games for the team. So we’re super happy having him in the setup,” Mysore said.