Recently appointed mentor again by the Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir exclusively discussed the team’s bowling lineup and the money KKR paid for Mitchell Starc during the IPL 2024 Auction with JioCinema.
Excerpts: On the record-breaking INR 24.75 crore price tag for Mitchell Starc
There is no denying that he is an X-factor. Someone who can lead the assault and, more crucially, bowl with the new ball and in the last overs of the game. Because both of our domestic bowlers are so excellent and need assistance in the middle, Starc fills that role and will be a huge help to them. It’s not only about his bowling; it’s about spearheading the assault and supporting the other players. Therefore, the cost will fall on someone.
On the bowling lineup for KKR
We have a really strong lineup of bowlers. With Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Gus Atkinson, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Mitchell Starc, two Indian seamers, and Chetan Sakariya, we now have possibilities for a more potent bowling assault than we ever had. We now have enough alternatives to perform various combinations while also taking into account the venue. Having a great bowling lineup in contrast to a very powerful batting lineup has always been important to me.
Upon returning to KKR
In my opinion, KKR is more of a feeling than a team. The affection I have gotten from the people of Kolkata over my seven years of leadership—hopefully with a great deal of honesty—is the reason. With any luck, we’ll be able to reproduce the same moments from 2012 and 2014. We will fight until the very last drop of our blood, but there is no assurance that we will succeed in our endeavors.
India
