IPL 2024 Auction: Netizens react as KKR sign Mitchell Starc for record-breaking INR 24.75 crore

In what was a historic buy in the history of the Indian Premier League, Mitchell Starc became the priciest player ever sold. Kolkata Knight Riders secured the rights to Starc for the upcoming edition of the IPL by breaking the bank and spending a whopping INR 24.75 crore. The foundation was laid by a tussle between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.

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Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals went all out, using whatever purse they had. However, their gas was exhausted when the bid reached the INR 10 crore mark. As the player neared the INR 11-crore mark in demand, Kolkata Knight Riders joined by the Gujarat Titans entered the fray. The two franchises then unleashed mayhem in the bidding center, their hands doing some heavy lifting as their purse depleted with every paddle raised.

Discussions were held, blueprints were scrutinized, experts were summoned, yet there was no stopping the Aussie star, who had INR 24.75 crore against his name and was destined to sign the joining letter with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Starc will, for a brief period, move from donning yellow to purple and reign supreme at the Eden Gardens, the same venue where he dazzled during the World Cup 2023 semi-final against South Africa.

Mitchell Starc’s previous IPL outings

Starc's journey in the IPL has been a rollercoaster of resilience and sporadic brilliance. His debut with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 left an instant impact with stunning diving catches against Kings XI Punjab. However, it was not all smooth sailing as he found himself embroiled in a heated exchange with Kieron Pollard, leading to fines and an IPL code of conduct charge.

The following year, a knee injury delayed his start in 2015, but his comeback showcased his leadership in Bangalore's bowling unit. A foot fracture kept him out of the IPL in the subsequent year. Despite Kolkata Knight Riders' big buy in 2018, Starc's stint was marred by a tibial bone stress injury, denying him the chance to showcase his talent on the field.

Here's how 'X' users reacted to the Strac's historic buy: