Despite the Kolkata Knight Riders’ recent win, Mitchell Starc’s struggles continued, prompting former Australian captain Steve Smith to suggest a tactical shift.
Mitchell Starc’s highly anticipated return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a nine-year absence has been underwhelming. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star was brought in for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore to address their death bowling woes but has yet to find his rhythm.
Former Australian captain and current IPL expert commentator Steve Smith commented on Starc’s struggles, suggesting a tactical change.
“I think today (against Royal Challengers Bengaluru) he was looking to wobble the ball across the right-handed batter, which is a good option,” Smith told Star Sports, as quoted by the Hindustan Times. However, he expressed that Starc could be far more effective in his bowling.
“I feel like he’s got to swing it back down the line. He is a left-hand fast bowler who can bowl at 145+ KMPH. There’s nothing like a ball swinging back into a right-handed batter. It’s one of the hardest balls to face. So, I’d like to see that first and use that one as a variation on trying to nick off from them,” he concluded, suggesting swinging the ball back in could be Starc’s primary weapon, with the outswing acting as a complementary tactic.
Unfortunately, Starc has failed to pick up a wicket in his first two matches and conceded a costly 100 runs. He was also seen struggling with inaccurate yorkers, easily dispatched short balls, and an inability to make an impact with the new ball.
Despite KKR’s recent win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Starc’s bowling figures remained a concern, returning with 0/47 in his four overs. Starc will be next seen, hopefully re-optimising his strategy, on April 3rd again, facing the Delhi Capitals at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.
Last Updated on March 31, 2024
