The buildup to the IPL final was filled with excitement and speculation. Fans and analysts were particularly focused on Starc, who had been under intense scrutiny since his record-breaking Rs 24.75 crores signing by KKR. Despite a rocky start, Starc’s form had shown a significant uptick in the knockout stages, raising hopes for a stellar performance in the final.

Setting the Stage: The Final Showdown

The atmosphere at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on the day of the final was electric. With fans from both camps filling the stands, the stage was set for a thrilling contest. SRH won the toss and opted to bat, a decision that quickly came under scrutiny as the match progressed.

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Starc’s Delivery to Abhishek Sharma

The final’s drama began unfolding right from the first over. Mitchell Starc, with the new ball in hand, was ready to make an impact. On the fifth ball of the over, Starc delivered a stunning ball that pitched on the leg-stump line and nipped away sharply. Abhishek Sharma, who had been in fine form, was completely undone. The ball clipped the off-stump, leaving Sharma and the crowd in shock.

The early loss of Abhishek Sharma put SRH on the back foot. Their batting lineup, which relied heavily on a strong start, was under immense pressure.

The crowd erupted as the stumps were shattered. The early wicket was a massive boost for KKR and set the tone for the rest of the match. Starc’s delivery was immediately hailed as one of the best in the tournament.

Spotlight on Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc’s journey through the IPL 2024 season was a rollercoaster. Initially struggling to justify his hefty price tag, Starc found his rhythm in the crucial matches leading up to the final. His standout performance in Qualifier 1 against SRH, where he claimed 3/34, was a turning point that set the stage for his heroics in the final.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Road to the Final

KKR’s path to the final was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. The team faced stiff competition throughout the season but secured their spot in the playoffs with consistent performances. Starc’s resurgence, especially his match-winning spells in the knockout rounds, played a crucial role in their late-season surge.

Turning Point in Qualifier 1

The Qualifier 1 match against SRH was a defining moment for Starc. His 3/34 helped KKR secure a place in the final and silenced his critics. This performance indicated Starc was peaking at the right time, bringing hope to KKR fans for the showdown.