Mitchell Starc's IPL future hangs in the balance as skepticism surrounds his performance consistency. With the 2025 auction approaching, the cricket world eagerly anticipates how franchises will value his game-changing potential.
Mitchell Starc, the prominent left-arm fast bowler from Australia, has long been a standout figure in cricket, but his career in the IPL may be at a pivotal point. Following an explosive auction last year that saw him secure a record ₹24.75 crore deal, Starc now faces an uncertain future as the 2025 IPL auction in Jeddah approaches. Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar has expressed doubts regarding Starc's capacity to attract another significant bid, pointing to his inconsistent performances during the 2024 season.
Starc made a mark in the IPL 2024 mini-auction when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired him amidst intense bidding, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. The franchise relied on Starc's reputation as a formidable death-over specialist and a reliable match-winner. However, his season was characterized by contrasting performances. While Starc faced challenges during the group stages, with an economy rate of 10.61, he made a strong comeback in the playoffs. His exceptional performances in the semi-finals and final were crucial in helping KKR secure their third IPL title.
Throughout 14 matches, Starc took 17 wickets, but his overall average of 26.11 and inconsistent performances raised doubts about his reliability. Commenting on Starc's prospects for the upcoming auction, Gavaskar was candid. "Mitchell Starc performed well in the semi-finals and final, but before that, he was costly, conceding runs in the early overs and at the death," Gavaskar remarked during the Game Plan show on Star Sports. "I’m not entirely confident he will attract the same record price he received in the last auction."
In an unexpected turn of events, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) decided not to retain Mitchell Starc for the 2025 season, choosing instead to focus on keeping essential players such as Rinku Singh (₹13 crore), Varun Chakravarthy (₹12 crore), Sunil Narine (₹12 crore), and Andre Russell (₹12 crore). This decision reflects a more pragmatic strategy from the franchise as they look to reconstruct their roster while being aware of their financial limitations. By holding onto their key players, KKR is emphasizing the importance of stability and balance within their team, rather than making high-cost acquisitions.
Nonetheless, Sunil Gavaskar is hopeful that KKR might still seek to bring Starc back during the auction, although under revised financial conditions. “KKR would definitely like to have him return to preserve their winning synergy, but they won’t be inclined to shell out ₹24 crore for him again,” Gavaskar expressed. This perspective highlights the broader challenge that franchises are facing, as they negotiate the intricate balance of attracting prominent players while remaining compliant with their financial constraints. In an age where financial efficiency is as crucial as star power.
There is no denying Starc's role as a game-changer, yet his inconsistency has raised concerns about his prospects in the IPL. Although his performances that clinch matches in crucial situations enhance his reputation, the 2025 auction will determine how much teams are willing to invest in his potential comeback. For Starc, this presents a chance to demonstrate that his instances of brilliance are not merely sporadic but are reflective of his lasting worth as one of the finest players in the world.
