“He’ll take the pitch out of the equation” – Sanjay Manjrekar wants RCB and MI to go for Mitchell Starc in the IPL Auction.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has suggested the inclusion of Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) teams for the upcoming IPL 2024 auction. Manjrekar highlighted that both teams, based in cities with flat pitches, could benefit from Starc’s prowess in challenging conditions.Starc, absent from the IPL since 2015, has emerged as a potential candidate for this year’s tournament. The leading wicket-taker of the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups has either refrained from participating or withdrawn after signing in the past eight years. However, the Australian now aims to use the IPL as preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.Manjrekar emphasized Starc’s ability to excel on flat pitches, making him a valuable asset for teams facing such conditions.
Manjrekar said “Teams that have to play half their home games on absolutely flat pitches may go for him. He is one bowler in the world who will maybe take the pitch out of the equation, do all the magic in the air, get swing and the hurl in yorkers with the new ball and at the death, So, teams like Mumbai Indians, who have got (Jason) Behrendorff along with Jasprit Bumrah, could show interest in him after letting go Jofra Archer.”
Manjrekar specifically mentioned Mumbai Indians, pointing out that the team, having released Jofra Archer, could be interested in Starc to complement their bowling lineup, which includes Jason Behrendorff and Jasprit Bumrah. With a remaining purse of ₹17.75 crore and eight slots to fill in the IPL 2024 auction, Mumbai Indians have the flexibility to secure Starc, especially with a key overseas spot available following the Hardik Pandya-Cameron Green switch.