“It makes players push out a little bit harder” – Ricky Ponting explains Mitchell Starc’s slow start to IPL 2024 for KKR

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Mitchell Starc was trying a little harder in the initial phase of IPL 2024. Starc was expensive throughout the league stage however he brought his A-game in the all-important playoffs.

The Australian gun fast bowler returned with impressive figures of 3-34 in the first qualifier against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Starc continued his rich form in the all-important final as he registered figures of 2-14 in the three overs he bowled.

The ace pacer got the big wicket of Travis Head in the first qualifier and accounted for Abhishek Sharma in the summit clash.

Starc was awarded Player of the Match in both of these two big games as the lanky pacer stepped up when it mattered the most. The left-arm seamer bagged 17 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.11 in IPL 2024.

Ricky Ponting said while talking to ICC, “The expectation that comes with the price tag sometimes it makes players push out a little bit harder and try to do more than they need to do. You know, conditions where Mitch is bowling at Eden Gardens, the ball didn’t really swing much there this year, and the ground is like, like it’s a small ground, and the outfield’s like concrete.”

On the other hand, Starc said he thoroughly enjoyed the season. The lanky pacer was able to bring his best and showed why he is a big-match player.

Starc said in the post-match press conference, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this season It’s been great, it leads into the World Cup, that’s the other side of the benefit of being here against some amazing players in an amazing tournament. It’s a great lead-up to a World Cup. Next year – I don’t know the schedule exactly – but I’ve enjoyed it, I look forward to being back next year and hopefully be seen in purple and gold [KKR’s colors] again.”

Starc will now be seen in action in the upcoming T20 World Cup and he will look to continue his good form.