Starc: Impact Player rule has played a part in bowlers’ inflated numbers

IPL 2024 has been a mixed bag for Mitchell Starc. He was the most expensive pick ever at an IPL auction – going for INR 24.75 crore – but was also having a tough time with the ball. In an edition that is seeing an unprecedented high-scoring rate, Starc had just seven wickets and an economy of 11.78 in his first eight outings, and had conceded more than 50 three times.

“I am a bit more experienced and a bit older, at the same time I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket,” Starc said of his interactions with them. “[So it is about] working off each other in a way.

“I am certainly not there to tell people what to do, I am happy to answer questions if they have [any] or look to lead more by example at training and get my work in. We are a pretty good group, the whole group of players and staff is awesome to be around.

“I would like to think I am approachable, so happy to train with the boys. I was training with Harshit Rana the other night, made him run extra which he wasn’t happy about (laughs). But no, it’s a great group and a lot of time we have a lot of fun.”

S Sudarshanan is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo. @Sudarshanan7